California Renaissance Festivals and Faires

• When: A Single Night in January
• Where:
  La Mesa Women's Center
  5220 Wilson Street
  La Mesa, CA

Come one and all to a revel to celebrate Twelfth Night on January 5, 2008; the end of the Christmas holidays! 'Tis the traditional feast of the Epiphany, and we are all gathering around the table to commemorate the occasion in Renaissance style. What better reason to get together and shake off the winter's dullness with company and good cheer!

• When: Two weeks in August
• Where:
  Pedersen's Mill
  39115 Rim of the World
  Fawnskin, CA 92333

We invite you to experience the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains. Come and enjoy our clear blue skies, cool nights and lovely scenery. We hope you will come up for the weekend and enjoy our piece of heaven in the exciting atmosphere of a 16th Century Renaissance Country Faire.

Featuring: Queen Elizabeth's Royal Court, Knights Jousting on Horseback, Archery Tournament, Live Steel Battle, Living History Encampments & Demonstrations, Ethnic Food & Drink, Belly Dancers, Jugglers, Musicians & Singers, Midsummer Fairy Forest Children's Area.

• When: One Weekend in June
• Where:
  Pedersen's Mill
  39115 Rim of the World
  Fawnskin, CA 92333

There will be battle re-enactments and battles on the 'New Pirate' beach, court martial & court re-enactments, stage shows, shopping and food!!

• When: A Single Weekend in October
• Where:
  10460 Heather Court
  California City, CA

England has mourned the passing of Queen Mary, but a glimmer of hope remains on the horizon... Join us in the year 1559 as Princess Elizabeth Tudor takes the crown of England! An event you don't want to miss!

Daring Knights, Beauteous Maids, Sturdy Peasants, and Elegant Nobility. Fyne foods to tickle thy tastebuds, Wonderous ale to quench thy thirst. Unique shopping, and crafts for thy wee ones.

• When: One Weekend in July
• Where:
  El Chorro Park
  San Luis Obispo, CA 95451

Be one of the over 8000 guests who are transported four centuries back in time by The Central Coast Renaissance Festival to the English village known as Donnybrook. The Queen will be staying in Donnybrook for the spring faire attended by many fine lords and ladies. On hand to entertain you will be over 1000 craftsmen, actors, musicians, jugglers, and good gentles. Enjoy the spring faire with the best food and drink in the shire

• When: April and May
• Where:
  Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
  Irwindale, CA
• Photo Gallery

From our About.com Guide to Los Angeles: "Eight stages offer theatre, comedy, dance, music and swordplay performances, including a children's stage and some adults-only offerings. Artisan booths house craftsmen and women making and selling pots, swords and chain mail. Glass blowing demonstrations happen on the hour. Encampments of costume-clad actors line the main thoroughfare where various parades and processions, including Queen Elizabeth I and her Court, pass by on their way to the Jousting Arena, where armored knights battle on horseback, cheered on by the crowd. "

• When: A Single Weekend in March
• Where:
  Frances Stevens Park
  538 North Palm Canyon Drive
  Palm Springs , CA 92262

Step into a 1450-1600 European Village where villagers celebrate the arrival of Spring, The merchants setup their shops to sell their wares, the entertainers gather to perform for noble and peasant alike.

More than 60 artisans present, sell and demonstrate their handcrafted wares. Pottery, jewelry, leather, clothing, chain maille, glass and many other European and English merchants offer a wide variety of authentic crafts.!

• When: Two Weekends at the End of October/Beginning of November
• Where:
  Felicita County Park
  742 Clarence Lane
  Escondido, CA

The age of chivalry will be recreated among the wonders of nature in this idealic setting. Travel back to a distant place in time to share memories and the glories of the reign of Elizabeth the First.

There will be continuous activities, including the presentations of several of Will Shakespeare's new plays, battle pageants, music in the streets, jugglers and hundreds of costumed re-enactors performing in this giant outdoor play

• When: A Single Weekend in June
• Where:
  Fair Oaks Park
  Fair Oaks, CA

A Henry VIII period faire. Merchants, entertainment, etc. I couldn't find much information about this one on the web, so if you have info, let me know.

• When: One Weekend in July
• Where:
  Dunsmuir House and Gardens
  2960 Peralta Oaks Court
  Oakland, California 94605
  

A bit of Scotland in our own backyard. Pipe bands, Celtic Entertainers, Celtic food, Vendors, Scottish Athletics, Shinty, Scottish Glans & societies, sheep dogs, highland dancing, living history encampments, Morgan cars, Pub at the End of the Road, whiskey tasting. Tours through the Dunsmuir mansion are included in the ticket price.