2026 - 38th Arizona Renaissance Festival

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

1. Arrive early. Opening hours are your friend.
2. Plan around the noon joust first, then build from there.
3. Bring cash for food, rides, and games.
4. Wear comfortable shoes. This is an outdoor festival.
5. Bring sun protection.
6. 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.

Arizona Spring 2025 Events & Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Spring 2025 Events & Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Arizona’s spring has even more to offer beyond festivals, fan cons, nightlife, haunts, and theme parks. 

• Cactus League Spring Training (Feb – March 2025): Every March, Greater Phoenix becomes a baseball paradise as 15 MLB teams play spring training games across 10 stadiums in the Valley. If you’re a sports fan, catching a Cactus League game is a must. Through late February and March, you can soak up sunny 75°F days watching teams like the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, LA Dodgers, and Arizona Diamondbacks in intimate ballparks. Games are casual, inexpensive, and great for families (grass lawn seating = picnic and play time). It’s a unique Arizona tradition where you might get an autograph from a star player or at least enjoy a cold beer and a hot dog under the palm trees. Spring training isn’t just a game – it’s a whole scene, with fan fests, happy hours, and events around town. Even if you’re not a huge baseball person, the vibe is so fun and the weather so perfect that it’s a quintessential spring outing here. Tip: late March games often feature superstar players for just a few innings (they’re warming up for regular season), so arrive early to see the big names in action.

• M3F Music Festival (March 7–8, 2025): M3F (McDowell Mountain Music Festival) is Phoenix’s homegrown nonprofit music festival, blending indie, jam, EDM, and rock for a great cause. In 2025 it’s set for March 7-8 at Steele Indian School Park in central Phoenix​. Two days, multiple stages, and an eclectic lineup that in past years ranged from EDM DJs to folk-rock bands. The best part? 100% of proceeds go to charity. The festival has a very laid-back, community feel – think art installations, yoga sessions in the morning, and food trucks from all over the valley. For 2025, they hinted at some big headliners, making it one of their most anticipated years yet. If you’re into Coachella-type vibes but on a smaller scale (and want to give back while partying), M3F is perfect. It’s also all-ages and family-friendly (kids 10 and under are free), so you’ll see everyone from college students to dancing toddlers with earmuffs. Bring a blanket, claim a spot on the grass, and enjoy live music under the spring skies.

• Arizona Bike Week (Early April 2025, Scottsdale): One of the nation’s top motorcycle rallies, Arizona Bike Week roars into WestWorld of Scottsdale in early April (likely April 2–6, 2025). Even if you don’t ride a Harley, the event is a spectacle: thousands of bikers, custom motorcycles on display, vendor expos, and nightly concerts that are open to all. Past Bike Weeks have featured rock acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and Godsmack as headliners. By day, you can stroll through the vendor village to see the latest bikes and gear, and watch or participate in stunt shows and charity rides. By night, the outdoor stages light up with live music and a party atmosphere. It’s biker culture on full display – leather, chrome, and camaraderie. The sound of revving engines is constant. Feel free to join even if you come by car; you’ll be welcomed (just maybe leave the suit and tie at home and opt for jeans!). It’s a fun way to experience a different side of Arizona’s entertainment scene, and who knows – you might leave inspired to start riding.

• Scottsdale Culinary Festival (April TBD 2025): Foodies, keep an eye out for the return of this long-running festival celebrating the culinary arts. Historically held in April, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival offers a day of gourmet food tasting at Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, with dozens of restaurants serving signature bites, cooking demos by notable chefs, live music, and even a teen cooking challenge. It went on hiatus during recent years, but whispers suggest it could make a comeback in spring 2025. If it does, prepare your palate for a feast – one ticket usually includes unlimited samples, so you can nibble everything from high-end cuisine to street food. A wine and beer garden adds to the merriment. Dress light, wear a sun hat, and come hungry. It’s a classy yet casual affair, very much in line with Scottsdale’s love of fine dining. 

• First Fridays Art Walk (Downtown Phoenix): March, April, May – no matter which spring month you’re here, the First Friday of each month means Downtown Phoenix comes alive at night with the nation’s largest self-guided art walk. Galleries and art spaces open free to the public in the Roosevelt Row Arts District and beyond. Street vendors sell art, jewelry, and handmade goods; food trucks line the streets; musicians busk on every corner. It’s a vibrant cultural party. In spring, the weather is ideal for strolling, making it even more popular. You can hop on a free trolley or just wander on foot exploring murals, popping into open studios, and enjoying live performances. It’s very much an all-ages scene and a fantastic way to experience Phoenix’s creative energy. And the people-watching? Prime – everyone comes out, often in funky, artsy attire. Pro-tip: start around 6pm to catch daylight for murals, and continue into the night for the full effect. Parking can be tricky, so consider light rail or ride-share to get downtown.

From sports to music to food and art, these bonus activities round out a spring in Arizona that’s truly packed with things to do. The beauty of Arizona in spring is you can hike in the morning (wildflower blooms in the desert are stunning by late March!), hit a festival by afternoon, and catch a sunset concert or ballgame by evening. The options are endless. So whatever your interests – be it cheering on your team, dancing in a field, or sampling local brews – spring 2025 is the time to dive in and enjoy the best of Arizona living. Make your plans, invite some friends, and get ready for a spring to remember!

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Festivals & Fairs in Arizona – Spring 2025

Springtime in Arizona means festival season is in full swing. From medieval faires to county fairs and cultural festivals, there’s no shortage of lively events for all ages. Mark your calendars for these major festivals and fairs happening in March, April, and May 2025:

Arizona Renaissance Festival (Feb 1 – Mar 30 2025)

• When & Where: Weekends from early February through March at the 50-acre Village of Fairhaven in Gold Canyon, AZ​. Open Saturdays & Sundays, 10am–6pm.
• What to Expect: A sprawling 16th-century medieval faire with costumed characters, jousting tournaments, endless entertainment on 16 stages, artisan shops, and feasts of hearty food. Each weekend has a special theme (Pirates, Vikings, etc.) adding new excitement​.
• Highlights: Don’t miss the jousting matches, comedy shows, and medieval rides. The Pirates Invasion & Brew Fest weekend (March 1–2, 2025) invites everyone to dress like pirates and even features a craft beer tasting garden for adults​. Later in the season, Viking Invasion Weekend (March 22–23, 2025) brings Viking costume contests and living history demos (blacksmiths, open-fire cooking, etc.) for an authentic Norse takeover​. Every themed weekend adds unique shows and activities, so there’s always something new each visit.

The Arizona Ren Fest is a beloved annual tradition, combining a Renaissance fair, circus, and arts & crafts market into one. You’ll encounter merrymakers at every turn – knights, jesters, pirates, princesses – as you wander through a faux-historic village bursting with music and laughter. Indulge in giant roasted turkey legs, frothy ales, and sweet mead as you cheer on jousters or sing along with bawdy tavern tunes. Families love the interactive fun: kids can go on a festival-wide treasure hunt, meet mermaids in the Kid’s Cove, and learn ye olde skills like archery. It’s truly an immersive trip back in time, so “eat, drink and be merry” at one of Arizona’s biggest fairs​!

Chandler Ostrich Festival (March 14–16 & 21–23, 2025)

• When & Where: Two big weekends – March 14–16 and March 21–23, 2025 – at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler, AZ​. Gates typically open midday Friday and early morning on weekends.
• What to Expect: A family-friendly festival featuring carnival rides, live music from national headliners, delicious fair food, and of course, ostriches! This annual event celebrates Chandler’s quirky history with ostrich ranching.
• Highlights: Ostrich races are a must-see – watch jockeys ride the big birds in hilarious sprinting contests. There are also petting zoos, animal exhibits, and ostrich-themed merchandise. Big-name bands and artists perform each night on the main stage (previous years have featured pop, country, and rock acts)​. Fireworks often cap off the festivities on Saturday. It’s a rare chance to see an ostrich up close and enjoy a classic fair atmosphere over two weekends of fun.

The Ostrich Festival is an Arizona classic that blends a state-fair vibe with a unique local twist. You can spend the day spinning on thrill rides or trying your luck at midway games, then sample treats like fry bread, kettle corn, and yes, ostrich burgers. Kids will love the carnival midway and meet-and-greets with animals (beyond ostriches, there may be pony rides or exotic creatures on display). In the evenings, the main stage comes alive with concerts – so you might ride a Ferris wheel by day and rock out to live music by night. The event has grown so popular that it now spans two weekends, drawing tens of thousands of attendees. Get there early to avoid traffic, and bring sunscreen for daytime fun (March weather is lovely but sunny). Whether you’re there for the music, the rides, or the ostrich antics, this festival promises a “biggest bird” bonanza you won’t forget!

County Fairs – Maricopa & Pima County Fairs (April 2025)

• Maricopa County Fair (Phoenix): April 4–13, 2025 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds​ (open Thursdays–Sundays). This is the largest county fair in the Phoenix area, with the biggest carnival in Arizona​. Expect thrilling rides, fried food galore, 4-H livestock exhibits, live music, and family entertainment. Highlights: nightly concerts (often free with admission), demolition derby and monster truck shows, and countless competitions from baking to animal showmanship. It’s an old-fashioned fair fun for the whole family.
• Pima County Fair (Tucson): April 17–27, 2025 at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson​. Southern Arizona’s biggest fair, drawing huge crowds for its concerts and carnival. Highlights: A huge midway of rides and games, dozens of food vendors (try local favorites like Sonoran hot dogs), livestock barns, and a concert series on the Budweiser Main Stage​. Past years have featured popular rock and country acts. Don’t miss the vendor expo halls showcasing gadgets, crafts, and local products, or the adorable pygmy goat and pig races that kids love.

Nothing says spring in Arizona like a trip to the county fair. Stroll the midway with a cotton candy in hand as you hear shrieks from the giant spinning rides above. By day, check out 4-H animals (prized cattle, goats, chickens, and more) and prize-winning pies and jams in the exhibit halls. As the sun sets, neon lights flash on the carnival rides — maybe you’ll dare to ride the towering Ferris wheel or the spinning Starship. Fair food is its own attraction: indulge in funnel cakes piled with toppings, giant turkey legs, fry bread tacos, and novel treats like deep-fried Oreos. On weekends, stick around for the headline concerts under the stars (entry usually included with fair admission) – rock bands, country stars, and tribute acts keep the party going. With games, petting zoos, magicians, and more, both the Maricopa and Pima fairs serve up that nostalgic fairground magic that brings out the kid in everyone.

Tempe Festival of the Arts (March 7–9, 2025)

• When & Where: March 7–9, 2025 (Friday through Sunday) in Downtown Tempe along Mill Avenue​. Open 10am–5:30pm Fri/Sat and until 4:30pm Sun​.
• What to Expect: One of the top art fairs in the nation, this juried arts festival features over 250 artists selling paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and more​. The streets of Tempe turn into an open-air gallery and craft market. Live music and street performers entertain visitors, and there are hands-on art activities for kids.
• Highlights: Check out Artists’ booths displaying everything from fine art to quirky handmade crafts – you might find that perfect painting or a unique piece of jewelry. Don’t miss the chalk art on the pavement and community art project areas where you can contribute creatively. There’s also a local food court and beer/wine gardens, making it easy to spend all day browsing and snacking. Best of all, admission is free for the whole family.

This spring arts festival has been a beloved tradition for over 50 years​. It consistently ranks among the top arts and craft shows in the U.S., and you’ll see why when you wander the booths: artists come from across Arizona and beyond, eager to chat about their work. The atmosphere is relaxed and festive – acoustic musicians strumming guitars on street corners, the smell of kettle corn and roasted nuts in the air, downtown’s shops and eateries buzzing with activity. If you have kids, stop by the Kids Block where young artists can create their own masterpieces. And if you’re an art aficionado, bring a tote bag – you’re likely to leave with a few new treasures. The Tempe Festival of the Arts is the perfect outing on a sunny March day, celebrating creativity in the heart of the city.

More Spring 2025 Festivals to Note

• Tucson Festival of Books (March 15–16, 2025): A massive book fair on University of Arizona campus in Tucson​. Hundreds of authors, panel discussions, book signings, and family literacy activities make this one of the largest book festivals in the country. If you’re a bookworm, it’s a must-visit – and it’s free to attend on the beautiful UA Mall.
• Arizona Aloha Festival (Mid-March 2025, Tempe Beach Park): Celebrate Hawaiian and Polynesian culture with a weekend of ohana (family) fun. Enjoy island food (poke bowls, shave ice), live hula and Tahitian dance performances, and shops selling Polynesian crafts. This free festival brings the spirit of Aloha to the desert with continuous music and dance on multiple stages. Don’t miss the drum performances and the spontaneous hula lessons!
• Country Thunder Arizona (April 10–13, 2025): Arizona’s biggest country music festival returns to Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence​. Headliners include country superstars Keith Urban, HARDY, Riley Green, and Bailey Zimmerman​. Thousands of fans camp out for four days of live country music, tailgating, and partying under the stars. From up-and-coming artists in the afternoon to chart-topping headliners each night, it’s a boot-stomping good time. (Tickets required; camping passes sold separately.)
• Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market (April 25–27, 2025): A huge pop-up vintage shopping market at WestWorld of Scottsdale that has grown into a semiannual phenomenon. Since 2011, it’s attracted over 100,000 shoppers hunting for antique furniture, retro décor, clothing, and handmade artisan goods​. Dozens of vendors fill the pavilion with curated treasures – imagine an Etsy marketplace come to life. Live music and food trucks add to the fun. If you love thrifting or farmhouse-style finds, this is your paradise (early bird tickets available for preview night).

Arizona’s spring calendar is packed with fairs and festivals beyond this list – from small-town events to cultural celebrations. Whether you’re clinking glasses at a craft brew fest, browsing a farmers’ market pop-up, or dancing at a music festival, you’re sure to find an event that suits your interests each weekend. 

Tip: Spring weather is gorgeous, but festivals can get crowded, so buy tickets in advance when possible and consider using public transit or ride-shares to big events to avoid parking hassles. Now get out there and enjoy Arizona’s spring festivities!

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Win Free Tickets to the Arizona Renaissance Festival

Eat Drink and be Merry is the order of the day at the Village of Fairhaven.

Win Free Tickets and enjoy feasting and jousting tournaments during your day-long adventure. You never know what you will find on or off the stage while you interact with over 2,000 costumed characters.

If you do not win one of the below contests, you can still buy tickets here!

2023 Arizona Renaissance Festival Discount Ticket Coupon from Hall Of Frames 

The 2023 Arizona Renaissance Festival dates are Saturdays, Sundays and Presidents’ Day opening on Saturday, February 4th through Sunday April 2nd, 2023.

The festival is a 50-acre medieval amusement park and 16-stage theater with over 200 arts and craft vendors.

Cosplay welcome at the Faire; you are encouraged to come dressed in costume. 

• Time Travelers Weekend - February 25 & 26
• Pirate Invasion & BrewFest Weekend - March 4 & 5

 

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(1ST Chance) Enter to win a family four pack to the Arizona renaissance festival! 

2 adult tickets, 2 children’s tickets, and a VIP parking pass! Use anytime during the season.

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(2ND Chance) Enter to win a family four pack to the Arizona renaissance festival! 

2 adult tickets, 2 children’s tickets, and a VIP parking pass! Use anytime during the season.

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35th Annual Arizona Renaissance Faire and Marketplace

Eat Drink and be Merry is the order of the day at the Arizona Renaissance Festival's Village of Fairhaven. 

The 2023 Arizona Renaissance Festival dates are Saturdays, Sundays and Presidents’ Day; opening on Saturday, February 4th through Sunday April 2nd, 2023.

Get Tickets!

The Festival is a 50-acre medieval amusement park and 16-stage theater with over 200 arts and craft vendors. Enjoy feasting and jousting tournaments during your day-long adventure. You never know what you will find on or off the stage while you interact with over 2,000 costumed characters.

Mingle with the King & Queen, enjoy good-humored teasing with the Village Fool, or dance with the gypsies! Become a part of the action or relax as you roam the festival village and shops!

Attendees are immersed in a whimsical and historical setting featuring live entertainment, music, comedy, jousting knights, human-powered rides, games of skill, and there are even escape rooms! 

Location : Village of Fairhaven
Street Address : 12601 E. US-60, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
Phone : (520) 463-2600

Start Date : 02/04/2023
End Date : 04/02/2023
Day of week : Every Saturday, Sunday (and President's Day - Monday February 20)
Opening time : 10:00 AM
Closing time : 06:00 PM

Cosplay welcome at the Faire; you are encouraged to come dressed in costume. 

*Costume prop swords and daggers are permitted as long as they are properly sheathed, peace tied by the safety services personnel at the main entrance and remain sheathed during your Festival visit. 

Costumes also available for rent at the Belrose Costume Shop located near the entrance to the Festival. 

Time Travelers Weekend - February 25 & 26

Pirate Invasion & BrewFest Weekend - March 4 & 5

 

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Fear Farm Haunted Fairgrounds & Corn Maze

Fear Farm Haunted Fairgrounds & Corn Maze 

• Opened Friday September 23rd, 2022
• Fear Farm Haunted Attraction Tickets Start at $27.99, 
• The haunted houses run until Halloween on October 31st, 2022.

General Admission: $27.99 - 28.99

Fast Pass: $37.99 - 38.99

• Limited Wait Approximately 1/3 the length of General Admission 

Skip the Line: $47.99 - 48.99

• No wait. Check-in upon arrival and enter next Limited Capacity. 

Upgrade to FLEX for an additional $5.00 extra per ticket

• Flexibility to arrive anytime during open hours on your selected date.

Platinum VIP: $99.99 - 100.99

• Unlimited access to the Haunts. Front of the Line Access. Free Lanyard. Includes access to the Haunted Corn Maze

Chop House

• A criminal outcast has wandered into the old meat processing plant. 

Nuke Town

• A controversial nuclear testing facility left abandoned in the 1950’s has been the center of strange occurrences. 

Legends of the Deep

• When an eerie call was heard across the decks, it was as if the sea came alive and infected everyone aboard. 

All Hallows Eve

• A cursed group of undead trick or treaters rise up from their shallow graves once a year on Halloween in search of blood, guts, and candy! 

Outcast Carnival

• After a failed carnival went bankrupt, the sideshow performers were shunned by society, after years of no interaction with the outside world, the performers have become rabid and feed on anything that wanders into their domain.

Haunted Corn Maze for an additional $10.00

• Can you survive 20 acres of pure terror? Navigate your way through the twisted paths with only the moonlight to guide your way, where creatures, psychopaths, clowns, and monsters lie in wait.

Win 2 Fast Pass Tickets to Fear Farm 

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