It’s that time of year! In North Carolina, not only do these months mean beautiful fall colors and cool, crisp air, but it also brings on lots of fun festivals to fill the weekends from now until the end of the year. We’re pretty excited to check out all sorts of different festivals – after all, there’s nothing like being a tourist in your own state!
The Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace is an event to look forward to in Huntersville, each weekend from September 30 through November 19. The Renaissance Festival brings a unique history life with family-friendly entertainment all day long, arts, crafts, games, rides, and there’s even jousting knights on horseback! Of course, there’s plenty of festive food to be eaten.
This festival focuses on 16th Century European-style of art and entertainment, including outdoor theatre, circus entertainment, and handmade crafts. The Carolina Renaissance Festival began in 1994 and has since expanded and taken over 25 acres of Huntersville (which is just north of Charlotte)!
Inside these 25 acres are more than 100 stations for food and crafts, day-long music and comedy shows presented on 12 stages, cottages, castles, and more than 500 characters in costume walking throughout! It really is a sight to be seen.
Because of all of this, the Carolina Renaissance Festival has been named one of the largest renaissance celebrations in the country.
One of the many great attractions to see are the jousting knights on horseback. They battle three times each day, and serve as a modern take on jousting tournaments during the Renaissance era. Riders at the festival even wear authentic-looking breastplates and helmets, and carry blunted swords. Don’t worry, no one actually gets injured during these authentic-looking battles.
The craft and artisan marketplace is another unique part of this festival. Not only are there places to get handmade jewelry and wares, but there’s blacksmithing, glass blowing, cobblers, potters, candle makers, and leather work, among many others – it’s the perfect place to get a jump on your holiday shopping.
Even the games and activities at this festival are completely authentic. You can throw a tomato at a peasant, give archery a try, or take your chance at the King’s Chess Master! If you’re feeling really daring, perhaps axe throwing is your thing… seriously!
Now let’s talk about the food, because what’s a renaissance festival without authentic feasting? Yes, there are turkey legs, sausages on sticks, fish and chips, and even Scotch eggs for the savory lovers. There’s bakeries, coffee shops, roasted nuts, and indulgent chocolate, and spirits of all sorts.
The Carolina Renaissance Festival is a chance for the whole family to have some fun! You can purchase tickets in advance on their website: www.carolina.renfestinfo.com.
Saturdays & Sundays
September 30 – November 19, 2017
16445 Poplar Tent Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
10:00 am – 5:30 pm
704-896-5555
Free parking
Rain or shine
Other festivals in Huntersville this season include the Town Christmas Tree Lighting, A Huntersville Christmas (downtown), and The Huntersville Christmas Bazaar.