Renaissance fairs and festivals are fantasy events where people gather to recreate the experience of life in villages in the 16th century. The west coast is a popular destination for renaissance festivals since the weather is fair throughout much of the year. Both Oregon and Washington are home to a number of annual renaissance fairs and festivals.
This renaissance festival is hosted in Buckley, Washington annually during August. The Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire was established in 1998 and is a Renaissance, fantasy and medieval-themed fair boasting six stages of constant entertainment and an average of 85 vendors selling food, drinks and merchandise. Activities offered include living chess matches, equestrian events, jousting, Shakespearean plays, children's activities, dancing, acting and magic. Pets are allowed at the fair, but snakes are not. Weapons can be worn but must be kept peace-tied and sheathed at all times.
Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire
12016 134th Avenue, KPN
Gig Harbor, WA 98329
800-359-5948
washingtonrenfaire.com
This renaissance festival is hosted in Richland, Washington annually during June and July. This festival has been in operation since 1986 and focuses on Elizabethan recreation circa 1585. This is the longest-running renaissance festival in the northwest United States, offering continuous simultaneous entertainment across eight stages. Entertainment includes puppets, music, magic, dance, juggling and Shakespearean plays. This festival hosts an average of 80 vendors selling food, drinks and other merchandise. Alcohol is not sold at this festival. Pets and picnicking are allowed, alcohol is not permitted and only period weaponry is allowed if sheathed and properly peace-tied.
Ye Merrie Greenwood Faire
6015 W 20th Avenue
Kennewick, WA 99338-1502
509-783-7727
yemerriegreenwoodfaire.org
This is a fairy-themed renaissance festival hosted in Veneta, Oregon every July since 2004. Offering two stages and approximately 100 vendors, Faerieworlds is a place for craftspeople, authors, artists and musicians to gather and celebrate with food and fun. Every year offers a different experience with otherworldly characters like pixies, satyrs, goddesses, dragons, gnomes, music, art and mayhem.
Faerieworlds
Secret House Winery
88324 Vineyard Lane
Veneta, OR 97487
faerieworlds.com
This renaissance fair is hosted in Kings Valley, Oregon each September. Operating since 1995, the fair features five stages and approximately 175 vendors selling food, drinks, beer and merchandise. Approximately 1,000 costumed players, storytellers, bards, dancers, troubadours, jousting knights and minstrels provide entertainment. The Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire focuses on Elizabeth I and Shakespeare elements, recreating the historic renaissance between 1558 and 1603 with adventures and games going on throughout the day. Firearms are not permitted and pets are not allowed on the grounds. Period weapons are permitted but must be sheathed and kept peace-tied.
Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire
PO Box 604
Philomath, OR 97370-0604
541-929-4897
shrewfaire.com
