The Virginia Renaissance Faire will open for its 12th year on Saturday, May 11 for five weekends of historical fun and merriment. Set on the grounds of beautiful Lake Anna Winery, 5621 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania, VA, the Faire is open on Saturdays and Sundays May 11 to June 10 from 10 AM to 5 PM, rain or shine. Admission is $9 and free for children five and under.
It’s 1565 and there’s a new Queen, Elizabeth, who comes to the throne, young, well-educated and groomed to rule. She inherits England’s near-empty coffers, massive debt, rampant unemployment and pack of disgruntled Northern nobles threatening a coup. What does she do? She goes on a PR tour with 300 of her closest friends to see (and be seen by) her subjects.
Our Village of Stafford features period costume, shopping, music, hands-on historical crafts and re-enactments, archery, and jousting displays for children and adults, as well as food and drink. Leave behind the 21st Century and learn to swing a sword and carry a pike in military drill, practice your long bow skills and learn the fine art of seamanship.
Guests may dance the Maypole, attend the Court of Common Pleas, and learn all about the fashion of the period or how a knight suits up for the joust. Children’s activities abound and include crafts such as making a horn book, spinning, weaving and leatherworking as well as a knighting ceremony by the Queen.
The Virginia Renaissance Faire is filled with craftsmen, food purveyors and, of course, spirits in the town Pub or Wine Garden. For more detailed information, a list of weekend themes and directions, visit the website at www.VaRF.org or call 703-508-5036.
Themed Weekends
May 11 and 12 – Opening Weekend: Come out and meet the new Queen this year at the faire with special exhibits and displays.
May 18and 19 – Celebrate Shakespeare with special events and shows. This weekend is also Scout Days with special activities for Scouts including merit badge programs and discounted admission. http://www.varf.org/scouting.html
May 25 and 26 – Pyrate Invasion Weekend: The shire is awash in pirates and privateers who will bring musical accompaniment to the invasion. We also honor our active and reservist military personnel by providing free admission this weekend to active and reserve service members. Must present military-issue ID.
June 1 and 2 – Celtic Weekend: Celebrate our Celtic Heritage with Celtic, song and dance as well as our fine foods.
June 8 and 9 – Closing Weekend: Don’t miss your last chance for fun and frolic as we close out another outstanding season.
-end-
The Virginia Renaissance Faire is an all-volunteer, Out of the Woodwork Productions event. OOTW is a Virginia incorporated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the finest interactive family entertainment with a focus on history, literature and culture.
