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The Queen and her court return to the Northern California Renaissance Faire on September 17
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The Queen is back! Long live the Queen! Her Royal Highness will return to the Northern California Renaissance Faire for its glorious opening weekend on September 17 and 18. As the Nor Cal Ren Faire court knows well, not a single lance is thrust, not one bawdy ballad sung before the Queen declares it so. The Queen and her court will attend the Nor Cal Ren Faire for six themed weekends from September 17 to October 23.
For the first time in over two years, the Faire will return to its full-capacity splendor, with maximum entertainment, unique wares and delights around every corner. This year, the festival will feature even more shows and non-stop amusements, an artisans marketplace, full-contact joust, games of skill for all ages, delicious food, mugs of frothy brew and—of course—those giant turkey legs.
Don’t miss the opening weekend special discount of $10 off a general admission ticket, only available online. Kids 12 and under are always free every weekend. No matter when you are visiting the Faire, plan to purchase your tickets online in advance.
The Queen first enters the Faire carried by six burly Queen’s Guards in a royal sedan chair. Her first stop is the Feasting Commons, where she visits with the commoners and poses for photos. The procession continues to the Royal Garden Main Stage for the Queen’s Show, where her courtiers fawn over her in hopes of securing her favor, that is until dignitaries from Spain appear with nefarious intentions of their own. An accomplished classically trained actor with impeccable improv skills, the Queen commands the Main Royal Garden Stage, her minions and audience members in the most unpredictable ways each day.
But you’d be a fool if you thought her Royal Highness was the only attraction. Grab your first mate and your eye patch for the Faire’s Pirate Invasion-themed weekend on September 24 and 25. On October 1 and 2, Heroes and Villains invade the Elizabethan village of Willingtown in a themed weekend sure to conjure your most beloved characters from comic culture, history, literature or your own imagination — both virtuous and vile.
Oktoberfest on October 8 and 9 is one of the more popular themes, boasting the best brews of the harvest and plenty of German Mercenaries to ring in the fall season. By October 15 and 16, the Venetians have taken over with Carnevale & Masquerade in a celebration of Italian culture. The Faire comes to a spectacular close with its final weekend, ― perhaps the most highly anticipated of all ― Halloween Fantasy on October 22 and 23, with special trick-or-treating for the kids and costume contest prizes for both kids and adults.
Among its many pleasures, the Faire has always been known as a diverse gathering and a place for young people to come and express themselves. Many actors and craftspeople camp right on site, embodying the village ethos that they seek to portray. The spirit of camaraderie, imagination and community lives on at this Northern California cultural gem, inviting a rare opportunity to step back in time and engage in the world of fantasy.
This year, the Faire features no less than seven stages full of live entertainment, including a 21+ stage with plenty of acts for mature revelers. A fresh batch of shows includes a brand-new spectacle appearing on the Main Stage — Rules of the Duel. This swashbuckling mania gives the Albion School of Defense the chance to show off their finest sword fighting in two shows each day. Their ferocious wit and inventive swordsmanship will not cease to amaze.
Sword play is in abundance at the Faire with Cy the Sword Swallower, an entertainer who’s either extremely brave or totally nuts. Behold Cy swallowing a multitude of blades in all shapes and sizes on the Romany Camp Stage, and you’ll have a tale as tall as time to tell your grandchildren.
Fans of the Bard won’t want to miss an hour-long version of one of Shakespeare’s finest comedies, Twelfth Night, performed with gusto by the Willingtown Players on the Main Stage every afternoon. Just don’t be taken aback if you encounter mistaken identities, battling lovers, crafty servants and a jovial musical atmosphere in this riotous extravaganza.
Visit the event website to plan your trip and purchase online tickets today.
If more laughter is what you seek, you’ll be pleased to discover that the musical stylings of The Sea Dogs are back. These masters of maritime music are a long-standing tradition at the Faire. Let’s face it, they practically invented sea shanties. An afternoon spent with these singing sailors won’t be a waste of anyone’s time. You may even learn a song or two if you’re lucky.
At 1 pm, join the Queen at the joust, a highlight for many Faire attendees. The Queen’s Tournament of Games features a professional team of knights, many of whom work as stuntmen in Hollywood when not wielding lances, swords and shields at the Faire. Knights like Sir Antonio of Spain train up to five hours a day before the Faire, beginning with sword fighting.
“Sword fighting is like learning to dance,” says the Spanish Knight. “We walk through the movements and break them down like theater fighting. Once the form becomes second nature, we learn to fight.”
By StoryStudio on September 12, 2022 11:19 AM
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The knights perform again for Champion of the Faire each day at 4 pm. At this same time, Her Majesty holds high tea at the Guild of St. Cuthberts, where she is joined by guests, many of whom have been coming for years. She cherishes her time with everyone, encouraging first-time guests to take full advantage of this unique opportunity.
“Have fun. Leave your preconceptions at the door and just immerse yourself in the village experience. Give yourself permission to try something new. Throw an axe! What? You don’t think you are good at it? It doesn’t matter! The important thing is that it’s fun to do something you never would do in your regular life.”
If all these novelties work up an appetite, you’ll find beefed up food and beverage options to satisfy any Faire-goer. From tri-tip sandwiches to grilled artichokes to artisan cupcakes and, of course, turkey legs, let the Faire dazzle your stomach with options for everyone. For the young at heart, but still of legal age, there will be plenty of ciders, ales and beers to guzzle down.
Additionally, this year’s Faire offers many fine artisans and craftspeople. Gain the Queen’s favor and stock up on unique handcrafted works of art, blown glass, knives, swords, leather, jewelry and more.
After all, what the Queen says, goes at the Northern California Renaissance Faire. With all ticket sales now moving online, be sure to visit the Nor Cal Ren Faire website to plan your trip and purchase online tickets today.
Leave your preconceptions at the door and just immerse yourself in the village experience. Give yourself permission to try something new. The important thing is that it’s fun to do something you never would do in your regular life."
– Her Most Royal Majesty, The Queen
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