Saturday, January 31, 2026

2026 - 38th Arizona Renaissance Festival

2026 Arizona Renaissance Festival Guide: Tickets, Dates, Themed Weekends, and Tips

2026 Arizona Renaissance Festival Guide: Tickets, Dates, Themed Weekends, and Insider Tips

Huzzah. The Arizona Renaissance Festival 2026 is back with jousting, themed weekends, artisan shops, giant turkey legs, games, rides, and a full day of medieval-style chaos in the desert.

The festival officially runs Saturdays and Sundays from January 31 through March 29, 2026, plus Presidents’ Day Monday, February 16, 2026.

Planning a trip to the 2026 Arizona Renaissance Festival? This guide covers official dates, hours, ticket prices, themed weekends, joust times and more, so you can build a smarter Ren Fest day.

Quick Facts About the 2026 Arizona Renaissance Festival

Dates: January 31 to March 29, 2026
Open days: Saturdays, Sundays, and Monday, February 16, 2026
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 12601 E. US Highway 60, Gold Canyon, Arizona 85118
Adult ticket: $36
Child ticket: $24 for ages 5 to 12
Children 4 and under: Free
Parking: Free

Where Is the Arizona Renaissance Festival?

The Arizona Renaissance Festival takes place in Gold Canyon, Arizona, East of Apache Junction along US Highway 60. It is one of the biggest seasonal events in Arizona for fans of fairs, fantasy costuming, live entertainment, and immersive outdoor festivals.

Arizona Renaissance Festival 2026 Ticket Prices

Online tickets: Adults $36, children $24
Advance discount tickets: Adults $35, children $23 at Bashas’ and Food City
Season passes: Squire $130, Royal $240, Sir Lancelot $300 plus tax and fees

The Sir Lancelot pass is the premium season pass and includes VIP parking. That matters if you plan to go multiple times or want the smoothest arrival.

Themed Weekends for 2026

One of the smartest ways to pick your date is by theme. The official 2026 themed weekends include:

Norse Adventures
Chivalry and Champions
Royal A’Fair
Journeys Through Time
Pirates Invasion and Brew Fest
Wizards and Wonder
Celtic Celebration
Carnivale of Masks
Magic and Merriment

This matters for both vibe and wardrobe. If you want Vikings, pirates, royalty, Celtic energy, or fantasy-heavy crowds, the theme can make your day feel a lot more tailored.

Joust Times and Daily Schedule Highlights

If this is your first visit, build your day around the jousts. They are the clearest schedule anchors on the official entertainment lineup:

12:00 p.m. A Joust for Royal Favor
2:30 p.m. A Tournament of Champions
5:00 p.m. A Joust to the Death

What’s New at the Arizona Renaissance Festival in 2026?

The festival has spotlighted limited-engagement performers and new entertainment additions for the season. The official materials mention acts and attractions such as Dungeons and Shakespeare, Jacques ze Whipper, Tiny Girl Big Show, Judas and Magnolia, Witch Trials, Blades and Bravery, and Gabs the Fool.

That rotating entertainment mix is one of the best reasons to revisit the festival more than once.

Food and Drink at the Festival

Yes, the food matters. A lot and include turkey legs, steak-on-a-stake, roasted corn, bread bowls, pizza, desserts, beer, wine, and mead.

One key planning detail: the festival food, rides, and games are cash only, while major cards are accepted at the ticket booth and most artisan shops. ATMs are available on site.

Shopping and Artisan Marketplace

The festival has 200+ shops and artisans, along with demonstrations like glassblowing, leatherwork, weaving, woodcarving, blacksmithing, and pottery. That makes this event more than just shows and costumes. It is also one of the better seasonal shopping experiences in Arizona if you want handmade gifts, décor, jewelry, fantasy gear, or festival wear.

Best Tips for First-Time Visitors

Arrive early. Opening hours are your friend.
Plan around the noon joust first, then build from there.
Bring cash for food, rides, and games.
Wear comfortable shoes. This is an outdoor festival.
Bring sun protection.
Pick your weekend by theme, not just by calendar.

FAQ: Arizona Renaissance Festival 2026

What are the Arizona Renaissance Festival 2026 dates?

The festival runs Saturdays and Sundays from January 31 through March 29, 2026, plus Monday, February 16, 2026.

What time does the Arizona Renaissance Festival open?

The official hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

How much are tickets for the Arizona Renaissance Festival 2026?

Adult admission is listed at $36 and children ages 5 to 12 are $24. Advance discount tickets are available through Bashas’ and Food City.

Is parking free at the Arizona Renaissance Festival?

Yes. Parking is listed as free.

What are the joust times?

The official entertainment page lists jousts at noon, 2:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.

Can I bring a bag and water bottle?

Yes. Bags are allowed but subject to search. One factory-sealed 16 to 24 ounce bottle of water per person is allowed.

Is the Arizona Renaissance Festival wheelchair accessible?

Yes, with accessible parking, restrooms, and designated seating at the jousting arena, though the festival notes that it is a natural outdoor setting.

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Nightfall 2025 at Old Tucson: Dates, Tickets, Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, and Tips

Nightfall 2025 at Old Tucson

Nightfall returns to Old Tucson with 22 acres of terror, three haunted houses, three scare zones, live shows, rides, craft food, and creepy cocktails. Dates, prices, and a full guide inside.

Dates, Tickets, Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, and Tips

Quick facts

Event dates: October 2 to November 1, 2025.
Hours: 4:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

Dabney the Clown teams up with Jebediah Hyde to overthrow the Demon Queen. Expect a chaotic carnival of clowns and critters across the town.

Tickets:

Thursdays (Discount Night): Adult or Child $35.01 all-in. Toddler 4 and under free.
Fri–Sun (Premium Nights): Adult 13+ $50.68 all-in. Child 5–12 $40.07 all-in. Toddler 4 and under free.

Parking: Free for all events.
Clear bag and no-costume policies for adults apply.

What’s new in 2025

Nightfall marks its 33rd year with bigger haunts, added entertainment, craft cuisine, and specialty cocktails.

Tickets go on sale August 7.

Haunted houses

1) The Funhouse (Dabney the Clown)

The clowns run Nightfall. Under Dabney’s command, this “fun” house turns laughter into screams. Enter their midway, but remember that their kind of fun can be deadly. Included with admission.

2) Guilliard Asylum

Jebediah Hyde reopens his father’s infamous madhouse for the criminally insane. Dark history, mistreatment, and experiments linger in every ward. Hyde is recruiting new test subjects. Included with admission.

3) Inferno

Descend into the hellfire pits of the underworld. Rotting corpses, spirits, and demons surround you. Avoid the gaze of the overlord or risk an eternity in the pits. Included with admission.

Scare zones

1) Clown Street

A gauntlet of maniacal clowns controls the streets. They hunt for screams, not laughter, and they’re very good at it. Included with admission.

2) The Coven

A hidden alleyway enclave where an evil coven barters living souls for the dead. Step lightly or become their next trade. Included with admission.

3) The Harvest

Each season, residents called to harvest vanish in the corn. Rumors tell of not-quite-human shapes in the stalks. Stick together and find your way out. Included with admission.

Live shows, rides, food, and merch

Nightfall layers in live entertainment, classic Old Tucson rides and attractions, craft food, creepy cocktails, and new 2025 merch across the park’s 22 acres. All details and show lineups post on the official page.

How to pick your night

Best value: Thursdays at $35.01 all-in. Great if you want lower price and often lighter crowds.
Peak energy: Fridays to Sundays bring premium pricing and bigger weekend vibes.
Season pass option: Unlimited entry to Nightfall and Yuletide with the 2025 Season Pass. Perks vary and may include VIP parking and discounts.

Pro tips for a smooth scare

Wear closed-toe shoes suited for outdoor desert terrain and uneven surfaces.
Hydrate. Bring a sealed or empty personal plastic water bottle within policy limits. Fill stations available in restaurants.
Follow the clear bag policy. Adults should not wear costumes or bring props or masks.
Arrive early to hit the haunted houses first, then loop back for scare zones and shows.

Tickets and calendar

Book early. Many nights sell out. Check the official calendar, policies, and ticketing on Old Tucson and Etix.

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Friday, May 2, 2025

Ghost Ship Bar – A Haunted Pirate Adventure at The Grand

Ghost Ship Bar Mesa AZ – A Haunted Pirate Adventure at The Grand

Are you ready to set sail on a haunted pirate ship… in the middle of the Arizona desert? For those near Phoenix craving a spooky night out, The Ghost Ship Bar at The Grand is the perfect destination. This spooky themed bar in Phoenix is an immersive blend of horror, goth vibes, and swashbuckling fun. It’s quickly becoming one of the must-visit haunted bars in Arizona, drawing in a variety of guests and bar-crawlers looking for their next adventure. The Ghost Ship Bar promises a haunted pirate-themed experience you won’t forget – perfect for a quirky date night or a gathering of your crew.

A Haunted Pirate Ship Atmosphere That Delights

The Ghost Ship Bar’s entrance (inside The Grand) is decked out with pirate ship décor – from skeletal pirates to hanging ropes – setting the spooky scene right away. Step through the unassuming doors at The Grand and you’ll find yourself transported onto a derelict pirate galleon lost in time. The interior of Ghost Ship is a complete immersive fantasy, suggestive of a marooned and long-forgotten ship’s hull. Weathered wood, hanging ropes, creaking lanterns, and even holographic ghostly pirates surround you, powered by innovative sound and visual effects that create a 4D voyage experience.

It’s as if Pirates of the Caribbean met Disney’s Haunted Mansion and opened a bar together. From the moment you step inside, the vibe is spooky-yet-playful – think eerie ghost ship adventure with a tongue-in-cheek sense of fun. Don’t be afraid to wander and take it all in; half the joy is exploring this pirate lair and discovering all the haunted decor and Easter eggs lurking in the nooks and crannies.

Signature Spooky Cocktails & Killer Drinks

Of course, what’s a pirate adventure without some rum and grog? The Ghost Ship Bar’s cocktail menu is as creative as its decor, featuring new takes on tiki classics and other inventive concoctions. The bartenders here are like potion masters, mixing up drinks that are perfectly on-theme. You’ll find tropical tiki inspirations (their menu even includes a clever version of the infamous “Zombie” cocktail, potent enough to wake the dead) alongside an assortment of gin and whiskey creations for those who prefer their spirits a little less fruity. Each drink comes out with a beautiful presentation – don’t be surprised if your cocktail arrives garnished with fresh herbs, smoking mist, or in a fancy vessel that looks stolen from a pirate’s treasure chest.

Visitors rave about the signature cocktails, here are a few fan-favorites you might want to try:

Zombie – Their take on the tiki legend, this one’s strong and spicy – it might just bring out your inner pirate zombie.
Ghost Ship Grog – The house special pirate punch, a rum-forward grog that’ll have you saying “yo-ho-ho” in no time.

In addition to the killer cocktails, Ghost Ship offers a few small bites to satiate your hunger between spooky sips. The food menu isn’t huge (remember, this is a cocktail lounge, not a kitchen), but you can nibble on sharable flatbreads, pub-style boards, and even a phenomenal charcuterie board for a midnight snack. The bites are tasty and pair well with the drinks, but plan on eating dinner beforehand if you need a full meal – Ghost Ship is all about the drinks and atmosphere.

Live DJs, Themed Nights & Spooky Entertainment

The Ghost Ship isn’t just a feast for the eyes and taste buds – it’s also a lively nightlife hot spot with events and entertainment to keep the energy high. Music is a big part of the experience here. On many nights, you’ll hear a mix of dark wave, retro goth, and modern beats drifting through the ship’s corridors, giving the feeling that the crew’s throwing a never-ending dance party for the damned. In fact, every First Friday of the month, Ghost Ship hosts a special party night with a live DJ at the helm. Local favorite DJ Kris Gill takes over on First Fridays, spinning spooky tunes and alternative beats that get all the creatures of the night grooving. It’s become a First Friday tradition to kick off each month aboard the Ghost Ship with music, dancing, and of course, great cocktails under the neon-lit Jolly Roger (Ghost Ship first Fridays with Dj Kris Gill - Facebook). There’s no cover charge on these nights, so the place fills up with an eclectic crowd of pirates, goths, and ghostly fun-seekers ready to revel.

Beyond First Fridays, Ghost Ship often features themed nights and events to keep things fresh. They’ve hosted everything from guest DJs and costume parties, to spooky holiday celebrations. (Imagine spending Halloween on this pirate ship – talk about a match made in heaven… or maybe Davy Jones’ locker!) You might catch a pirate-themed costume contest one night, or a “haunted karaoke” session on another – the calendar can vary, but it’s always a good time. The bar’s social media has teased special events like Pirate Trivia. One thing’s for sure: dressing up is definitely welcome. The atmosphere is so immersive that you may feel inspired to come in your best pirate garb or vampire ensemble just to join the fun. Whether you arrive in full goth makeup, a pirate hat, or just your casual attire, you’ll fit right in with the diverse, come-as-you-are crowd.

While the vibe can get wild on weekends, there are options for those who prefer a more low-key haunt. If you’re looking for a quieter experience or a chance to snag the best seat in the captain’s quarters, try visiting on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday evening when things are a bit calmer. You can often walk right in on those nights with no wait, giving you more time to soak in the scenery and chat with the friendly bar staff about the ghostly lore of the place. there is a $20 dllar minimum which is done by lacing a deposit, where they give you 2 $10 "pirate gold" tokens to turn in at the end of the night towards credit on the final bill.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025

Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025: Arizona’s Ultimate Geek Convention is Back!

Grab your cosplay, charge your lightsabers, and practice your best “Wakanda Forever” pose because Phoenix Fan Fusion is coming back in 2025 — and it's gonna be bigger, bolder, and geekier than ever!

This pop-culture mega-event hits downtown Phoenix from May 23-25, 2025 at the Phoenix Convention Center, and whether you're a hardcore comic nerd, movie buff, anime addict, or just love a good cosplay contest — Fan Fusion has something for everyone.

What is Phoenix Fan Fusion?

Think Comic-Con — but AZ style!

Phoenix Fan Fusion is the Southwest’s biggest celebration of all things geeky, nerdy, and pop culture cool. It's where fandoms unite — whether you're into:

Comics & Graphic Novels
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Star Wars & Marvel
Anime & Manga
Video Games & Tabletop
Cosplay & Creativity
Or just looking for your people!

This 3-day event transforms downtown Phoenix into a nerdy wonderland packed with celebrities, artists, gaming zones, and an absolutely EPIC vendor hall.

When & Where?

Dates: May 23-25, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Downtown Phoenix, AZ
Tickets: Available now at www.phoenixfanfusion.com

Celebrity Guests Galore!

Every year, Phoenix Fan Fusion brings a stacked guest list of TV, movie, anime, and comic book stars — perfect for autographs, photo ops, and panels.

Some past guests have included:

William Shatner (Star Trek)
Christina Ricci (Wednesday, Addams Family)
Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian)
Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future)
Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian)

Stay tuned to their site and socials for 2025 guest reveals — it’s always an awesome mix!

What To Do (Besides Nerd Out)

Cosplay Contests — Arizona’s BEST cosplay comes out to play! All ages welcome.
Panels & Workshops — Learn from industry pros, creators, and fandom experts.
Gaming Zones — Video games, board games, card games — it’s all here.
Vendor Hall — Comics, collectibles, art, Funko Pops, vintage toys & rare finds.
Photo Ops — Snap pics with your fave celebs or against themed backdrops.
Kid-Friendly Activities — Family cosplay parade, workshops, and fandom fun.

Why You Should Go

Safe, welcoming, and cosplay-friendly space
Huge community of geeks, gamers, creators, and fans
Tons of activities for all ages
Perfect for first-timers & long-time nerds
Downtown Phoenix food & fun just steps away

Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 is the place to let your inner nerd shine bright. Whether you're rocking full armor cosplay or just there to shop for comics and collectibles — everyone fits in here.

Don’t miss out on Arizona’s biggest celebration of fandom, friendship, and full-on geek glory!

Grab your tickets early at:
www.phoenixfanfusion.com

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