Pirates, Vikings & Ale: Experience Themed Weekends at the 37th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival
The 37th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival is in full swing, bringing the vibrant 16th-century Village of Fairhaven to life every weekend from February through March in Gold Canyon, AZ.
It’s a medieval amusement park, 50-acre circus, jousting tournament, arts & craft marketplace, and feast all rolled into one non-stop, day-long family adventure.
Two of this season’s must-see themed weekends are Pirates Invasion & Brew Fest Weekend and Viking Invasion Weekend – each offering unique festivities, entertainment, and merriment sure to delight both the young and the young-at-heart.
Ahoy, me hearties! The first weekend of March unleashes a high-seas adventure as pirates take over the Renaissance Festival. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their best buccaneer garb and hoist the Jolly Roger for a swashbuckling good time. The Pirates Invasion Weekend features lively pirate-themed shows, treasure-laden shops, and spirited costume contests that will have kids and adults alike growling their most convincing “Arrr!” in pursuit of fun prizes.
On Saturday, young scallywags (ages 5–12) compete in the Child Pirate Costume Contest, judged on costume creativity, fierce pirate attitude (“Argh!”), and swagger.
Sunday brings the Adult Pirate Costume Contest for ages 13 and up, so grown pirates can show off their tri-corner hats and cutlasses with pride.
Whether you’re a little powder monkey or a seasoned captain, this weekend invites everyone to channel their inner Jack Sparrow and join the crew.
One of the highlights is the Brew Fest running concurrently with the piratical festivities. Brew Fest offers an unparalleled experience where beer lovers and Renaissance enthusiasts alike can savor a taste of history with craft brews. From noon to 4pm both days of the weekend, the Festival’s Village Green transforms into an outdoor tavern for the ages. Guests 21+ can purchase a tasting ticket to enjoy a self-guided flight of seven beers and meads, indulging in rich ales and honey-sweet meads that evoke the spirit of the Renaissance.
The atmosphere is one of camaraderie and indulgence, complete with the toe-tapping Celtic rock music of The Langer’s Ball band to keep the energy high.
Scattered throughout are pub games and special pirate character appearances, so you might share a toast with a peg-legged pirate or two! Even if you’re not sampling the brews, everyone is welcome to join the Brew Fest area and enjoy the upbeat music and merriment. (And don’t worry – no extra admission ticket is required to enter Brew Fest; it’s included with your festival entry, with tasting tickets optional for those who partake.
Pirates Invasion Weekend is also a time for giving back. In partnership with the local charity Kids Need to Read, festival-goers can bring two new children’s books to donate at the front gate and receive one free child’s admission (a $24 value)
Between cheering on pirate stunt shows, hunting for hidden “treasure” at artisan booths, and raising a tankard of ale or root beer to newfound friends, this weekend captures the carefree, rowdy spirit of life on the high seas. Don your eye patch, perfect your pirate speak, and come hungry and thirsty – the Pirates Invasion & Brew Fest Weekend promises adventure at every turn.
Pirate Weekend Highlights:
- BrewFest Beer & Mead Tasting: Sample 7 specialty beers and meads in a commemorative tasting adventure while enjoying live music and games.
- Pirate Costume Contests: Join or watch as kids (Sat.) and adults (Sun.) compete for the title of best pirate – judging criteria include costume creativity, “Argh!” enthusiasm, and swaggering personality.
- Live Entertainment: Sway along to sea shanties and Celtic rock from The Langer’s Ball, laugh at comedic pirate shows, and encounter roving pirate characters who’ll gladly pose for a selfie or share a joke in character.
- Food & Grog: Feast like a pirate king! Enjoy giant smoked turkey legs, roasted corn, and other iconic Renaissance fare (from steak-on-a-stake to meat pies). Numerous pubs offer craft brews, ale, wine, and mead – so you can always wet your whistle with a sip of the Old World between activities.
By the end of this weekend, you’ll be singing “Yo-ho!” and planning next year’s pirate costume enhancements. But the adventure doesn’t stop here – later in March, an ancient Norse clan storms the village…
Skål! The second-to-last weekend of the festival belongs to the Vikings. During Viking Invasion Weekend, the Renaissance village is teeming with Norsemen and shield-maidens, offering a thrilling glimpse into Viking lore and lifestyle. Vikings “take over” the faire, complete with back-to-back days of Viking costume contests and immersive demonstrations that will transport you to the age of Odin.
On Saturday, young adventurers (ages 5–12) in furs and helmets can join the Child Viking Costume Contest, showing off their best Viking character – be it farmer, pirate, or fearsome warrior. It’s a fantastic sight to see future Lagerthas and Ragnar Lothbroks strut their stuff, and the roaring applause of the crowd makes every participant feel like a winner.
Sunday brings the Adult Viking Costume Contest (13+), so grown-ups can parade their horned helmets, braided beards, and battle axes. All entrants are judged on originality, authentic costuming, and storytelling in their portrayal of a Viking persona.
Beyond the costumes, Viking Weekend offers living history demonstrations of Viking life that truly set this event apart. Throughout the village, you may stumble upon scenes straight from a Scandinavian encampment: blacksmiths hammering away at red-hot iron, weavers crafting textiles on upright looms, and cooks roasting meats over open fires as they would in a Norse village. You can learn about Viking tools, weapons, and daily life from reenactors eager to share their knowledge (and perhaps let you try on a Viking helmet for a photo op!).
While you explore, enjoy the Norse-themed revelry across the 50-acre village. Catch a raucous Viking pub sing-along at one of the taverns, where “Valhalla” might be rewritten as a drinking song. Savor a hearty bite of barbarian-style barbecue or a horn of sweet mead (the drink of the Norse gods) to keep your energy up – after all, shouting “Skål!” with new friends is thirsty work.
The artisan marketplace also embraces the theme; you might find handcrafted drinking horns, Celtic and Viking-inspired jewelry, or even get a Viking-style braid in your hair from one of the village stylists (a popular souvenir of the weekend).
Families will love that, amid the Viking antics, all the regular festival fun like rides, games, and shows on 16 stages continue as well. Feel free to cheer on a comedy show, gasp at a fire-eater’s tricks, or let the kids try their hand at archery – the entertainment is endless. By weekend’s end, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for Viking culture and plenty of brag-worthy stories to tell.
Feast, Fun, and Festivities for All
Both Pirate and Viking weekends exemplify what makes the Arizona Renaissance Festival such a beloved annual tradition. Every themed weekend layers new excitement onto an already rich array of attractions.
Hungry? You’ll find everything from whole roasted turkey legs to steak-on-a-stake, bakery sweets and chimney cakes, to flavorful fare from around the world – there’s no shortage of indulgent dining options.
Thirsty? Raise a tankard at one of the many pubs for a draft beer, glass of wine, or honeyed mead to toast to good health.
Food and drink are a big part of the experience, and you’re encouraged to eat, drink and be merry just as festival-goers would in Merry Olde England.
Entertainment is around every corner: 16 stages brim with continuous performances ranging from slapstick comedy and music to mesmerizing magicians and daring acrobats. At the heart of the festival, the Jousting Tournament thunders to life three times a day, as armor-clad knights charge with lances in a 5,000-seat arena – you’ll be on your feet cheering for your chosen champion, whether he fights for the Queen or (during Viking Weekend) for Viking honor.
The open-air Village Marketplace features over 200 artisan shops where you can browse handmade swords, leather armor, pottery, clothing, and more. See a glassblowing demo, get your name inscribed on a medieval scroll, or have a laugh with a wandering jester. There is truly something for everyone, and the immersive environment will have you forgetting the modern world outside the gates.
Most importantly, these themed weekends create an engaging, family-friendly atmosphere that invites you to be a part of the story. Kids delight in seeing their fairy-tale heroes (pirates and knights and Vikings, oh my!) come to life, and adults find themselves swept up in the playful spirit – donning costumes, speaking in accents, and making memories. The festival staff and performers are dedicated to ensuring every guest feels like a welcomed member of the “Kingdom”, whether it’s your first Faire or your 37th. The tone is welcoming, inclusive, and downright fun. By the end of the day, you might have a new favorite festival snack or a newly purchased pirate hat, but you’ll definitely have a smile on your face and perhaps a bit of dust on your boots from dancing and exploring.
Huzzah! Ready to join the revelry? Don’t miss out on Pirates Invasion & Brew Fest Weekend and Viking Invasion Weekend at the Arizona Renaissance Festival – they only come around once a year. Grab your friends, family, and best costume and get ready for an unforgettable journey through time. Secure your tickets now to guarantee entry.
Prepare to eat, drink, and adventure your way through the Renaissance – get your tickets today and join the grand celebration!
For more Pirate fun, check out 2025 Pirate Fest Las Vegas: Schedule, Attractions & Tips
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