Apr 23 2009
For six weekends a year the monarchy reigns, and lords and ladies take over a piece of LA real estate for the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. Go to Renaissance Faire Photo Gallery.
When: April 4 - May 17, 2009, Saturdays and Sundays 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area, 15501 E. Arrow Hwy, Irwindale, CA at the intersection of the 606 and 210 freeways, Irwindale exit off the 605.
Cost: Adult General Admission $21 online, $25 at the gate, Children 5-12 $13.50 online/$15 gate, Children under 5 free. Buy 2 get 1 free early bird special. Additional fees for games, rides and food. Discount coupons are available from the website.
Parking: $8 park entry fee
Info: www.renfair.com/socal
The venue is set up along one main path that snakes back and forth with no shortcuts, so you get to see everything if you make it from one end to the other. There is one little encampment off to the side at the far end of the Faire that you could miss if you're not looking for it.
Eight stages offer theatre, comedy, dance, music and swordplay performances, including a children's stage and some adults-only offerings. You can ride the Maypole Carrousel, Moon Swing or Giant Rocking Horse or try your hand at archery, sword fighting, stick juggling and many other rides and games. Artisan booths house craftsmen and women making and selling pots, swords and chain mail. Glass blowing demonstrations happen on the hour. Encampments of costume-clad actors line the main thoroughfare where various parades and processions, including Queen Elizabeth I and her Court, pass by on their way to the Jousting Arena, where armored knights battle on horseback, cheered on by the crowd.
(as of 2006) There are a few beverage booths scattered around, but virtually all the food vendors are in the Food Court, about one third of the way down the trail. Food prices ranged from $5 to $17, with most items in the $6.50-8.50 range. The traditional turkey leg is $7. Beyond the Food Court, there is a lone food vendor selling nachos and tamales.
If you want to fully join in the medieval spirit, costumes are available for rent inside the gate.
Go to
Information was accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change. Please check the event information for the most current information.
