Florida Renaissance Festivals and Faires

• When: End of January, beginning of February
• Where:
  Alachua County Fairgrounds
  Gainesville, FL

According to Gainesville legend, once a year a magical event awakens fairytales of long ago. Tucked away in an enchanted forest lies the medieval wonderland of Hoggetowne. Here, chivalrous knights fight for the honor of fair maidens, gypsies reveal fortunes, jugglers toss fire, magicians perform unbelievable feats and musicians provide a backdrop of melodious fanfare to a spectacle of old-world games, arts, crafts, entertainment and feasting.

• When: A full month: February to March
• Where:
  Quiet Waters Park
  401 S Powerline Road
  Deerfield Beach, FL

Knights jousting, birds of prey, continuous entertainment, educational demonstrations of period trades and crafts, delicacies of the middles ages to tempt the palate, artisans exhibiting and selling their wares and hundreds of costumed performers lending atmosphere and authenticity to the event. Daily Royal Feast - reservations recommended - Rated R. Kids' Kingdom. Five Themed Weekends.

• When: Seven weekends from February to April.
• Where:
  11315 North 46th Street
  Tampa, FL

Discover an enchanted realm of wizards and warriors amongst gourmet treats and unforgettable entertainment. Wander past 10 lively stages and street theater featuring jugglers, magicians, fire eaters and specialty acts. Check out live armored contact jousting three times daily, human chess matches, minstrels, maidens faire, peasants, fools, and Royalty.

• When: Last weekend of November.
• Where:
  Fort Zachary Taylor
  Southard St
  Key West, FL
  Map to this Ren Faire

Avast Matey! It's time to chart your course for Pirates in Paradise, when Historic Old Town Key West and Fort Taylor Historic State Park are transformed into a Caribbean pirates' stronghold of days gone by. Celebrating Key West's rich and colorful maritime history, the Festival features ten days of pure piratical escapades for both young and old.

I have been to this Ren Faire and it is a blast! There are pirates all over town when it happens. If you're planning on going to Key West, visit while it's crawling with pirates!

Do you regularly visit ren fests or have a festival that I should post? Have you sewn together a difficult renaissance festival costume or accessories? Ever bought a costume that was outrageously expensive? Have a bad experience you want to dish on?

Tell us about it. Ask questions on where to get gowns, how to sew bodices. The forum awaits thee.