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The fantasy unfolds on 13 open-air stages with over 90 shows daily of non-stop entertainment. Marvel at sword swallowers, fire breathers, magicians, jugglers and dare-devil tumblers. Sing along with bawdy rogues and flirtatious wenches. Experience Shakespeare’s plays on a three-story replica of London’s Globe Theatre as they were performed in the days of old or laugh as the Shire’s wackiest denizens perform hysterical Comedia Del Arte loosely based on the Bard’s tragedies. Witness the truly amazing display of the Royal Falconer’s birds of prey in flight. There is so much to see and do.

Be sure to arrive early for one of the day’s most anticipated revels, the Match of Human Chess. Played on a massive 40’ x 40’ chess board, it is a spectacular stunt-filled extravaganza complete with dashing swords, hand-to-hand combat and fastpaced wit.

The excitements and adventures of the day builds up to the impressive, and always dramatic, Ultimate Joust taking place in the largest joust area in North America. A tour d’ force of lance, shield and ultimate equestrian skill, thousands of pounds of man, horse and steel gallop fearlessly toward each other. Lances shatter upon impact and noble knights fall to the ground during this lifelike battle that unfolds live.

The entertainment does not stop at the stage. All along the Shire’s streets, the Faire’s hallmark form of improvised, interactive theater abounds as the citizens of the Shire carry on their every day "normal" lives entertaining with song, swordplay, mud begging or even an amazing feat of daring do. A whole section of the Shire has become an entire gaming village where the medieval axe throw and crossbow are the extreme sports of the time. Children can take a turn on the Quintaine, a wooden jousting horse widen down a cable-slide to lance a brass ring for accolades and prizes. Man-powered rides, fantastically merry fencing game known as the fight circle and a colorful maze guarantee there is something for everyone.

Not only is the Faire a festival of entertainment, it’s also a bustling marketplace filled with scores of merchants and artisans in shops and tents set up along the tree-lined lanes. From extravagantly adorned head wreaths to glass works, jewelry fit for a King or Queen to kilts and 16th Century apparel, handcrafted swords to handcrafted pottery, a traveler to the Shire will have no problem finding that certain something. Many of the artisans demonstrate their craft so that passersby can witness the art behind the creation of these finished products. Witness historical glass blowing, woodturning, coin-striking, marble sculpting and more throughout the day.

Throughout the season, the Faire offers specially themed weekends in addition to the regularly scheduled activities so there is always something new to see and do. Each themed weekend features headlining entertainment as well as contests and activities that Fairegoers can participate in for prestige and prizes. Among the season’s highlights are Chivalry and Romance weekend, Invasion of the Pyrates weekend, Children’s Fantasy weekend especially for children, Scottish & Irish Weekend, Oktoberfest Weekend, and, new for 2009, Heroes of the Realm weekend in honor of all heroes and knights, both past and present, who dedicate their lives to helping and protecting others.

This playful trip back in time to the 16th century comes to a close with Finale In Song, an end-of-the-day extravaganza where the entire cast of the Faire gathers to celebrate the day with song and dance. After the last shouts of “huzzah” have risen from the appreciative crowd, weary yet elated Fairegoers depart with a smile on faces, twinkles in eyes and memories that will endure a lifetime for the mirth and the merriment of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire creates a very special experience through which one’s cares and concerns can be cast aside, if only for one too brief a day.

The wondrous fantasy of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire unfolds Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday for 13 rollicking weekends, August 8 – 9 through November 1. The villagers welcome Her Majesty at 11 a.m. and bid one and all a fond “fare thee well” when the last song at Finale has been sung at 8 p.m. Adult admission is $29.95 and child admission, ages 5 to 11, is $9.95. Special ticket packages are available. Games, rides, foods, beverages and crafts are additional. Parking is free. Visit PaRenFaire.com for complete show details, advance click-to-print tickets and helpful tips for a fun-filled Faire day. Information is available through the Faire Box Office by calling (717) 665-7021 as well.

The Faire is set amidst the splendor of the formal gardens of Mount Hope Estate & Winery, placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Government. Follow the banners to Route 72, ½ mile south of PA Turnpike Exit 266, 15 miles north of Lancaster and 14 miles east of Hershey.

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The horses are swift, the shattering lances are live and the action is right in front of your eyes at this heart‐pounding, stunt‐filled Ultimate Joust. Witness courageous knights gallop fearlessly into a battle each weekend at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire beginning August 8 and 9 and continuing
Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday thru November 1.

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The Queen bestows knighthood to Her youthful subjects at the Royal Knighting Ceremony if they vow to obey their parents, do well in school and remain loyal to the Queen, a daily occurrence at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. The fantasy of bygone days and Knights begins August 8 and 9 and continues weekend and Labor Day Monday thru November 1.

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Strategy defies the odds during the Human Chess Match as
human chess pieces duel for squares using dashing swords,
hand‐to‐hand combat and fast‐paced wit on a life‐sized chess
board at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire beginning August 8 and 9 and continuing Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday thru November 1.

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Stroll through the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire’s bustling marketplace filled with scores of merchants and artisans including blacksmiths, jewelers and a glassblower all who demonstrate the making of their crafts using 16th century
techniques. The magic of the Faire unfolds Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday for 13 rollicking weekends, August 8 and 9 thru November 1.

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Intrigue and suspense rule the festival day as 16th century England’s most powerful nobleman plots to steal Queen Elizabeth’s Throne and gain ultimate control of the Kingdom at the 29th annual Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire opening Saturday, August 8, and continuing weekends and Labor Day Monday through November 1 in northern Lancaster County.

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Rebellion is in the air providing drama and suspense at the 29th annual Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. The intrigue ignites August 8-9 and continue for 13 weekends of fantastical merriment on the grounds of Mount Hope Estate & Winery in northern Lancaster County.

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