A mere ten minutes east of Pasadena lies a land seemly thousands of miles away. It's a land of imagination, as if built by house elves hundreds of years ago. It’s here where jousting knights, saucy wenches, regal ladies, and the court of a beautiful and gracious queen mix with today’s hipsters, history buffs, fantasy lovers and families. The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire – the world’s oldest – presents its 53rd season beginning April 4 and continuing each weekend through May 17 at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, CA.
Set in the recreated royal shipyard city of Deptford during the reign of Elizabeth, fairgoers – many of whom are dressed in period costumes – are immersed into the music, language, merchants and entertainment of the era. Thousands of performers rove the 23-acre lakeside shire including Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth herself, and Sir Francis Drake, as well as a bevy of knights, ladies, witches and peasants. There are 16 stages of entertainment featuring more than 40 performance groups such as magicians, dancers, jousters, witty shows, musicians, storytellers, jugglers and improvisation troupes.
There is excitement galore as the grandest jousting knight in all of England has agreed to hold a Pas D’Armes for Her Majesty’s visit in hopes of becoming her champion. This is a jousting tournament where select and elite challengers test their mettle in spectacular tests of equestrian skill and noble bone crunching jousts of honor. Who will dare to compete? Will arrogance and might take the day? Can skill and speed or even grace and beauty win Her Majesty’s favor? Or does deceit and anger overpower the best laid plans as the jousts become a fast paced deadly duel of cold steel and splintering lances...
The invigorating entertainment lineup includes something for everyone. Belly laugh at the antics and hijinks of the Clan Tynker Family Circus. Be astounded by the hypnotic ways of Lord Franko, the Hypnotist. Suspense will take hold while watching the brilliance of Acrobatrix as the balance and juggle eachother in front of your eyes. MooNie! The Magnif’Cent will tickle your funny bone with his whimsical companions. Join Broon for his zany vaudevillian smack down. Geoff Marsh will warm hearts as he has the little ones join the show. Returning with an international dance and musical flare is world renowned Seraphim Arabesque, they will share
hypnotic movements and have you dancing in the aisles. VaNa MaZi will take you on a musical journey by way of Greece, Italy, Central Asia, and the Balkans with Gypsy Jazz, Turkish beats, and a pinch of their own American heritage.
Elizabeth I – whose reign is noted as the start of the English Renaissance period – greets fairgoers throughout the day and also holds audience at a royal tea. Tea with the Queen is at 4:00 PM Daily in the St. Cuthbert Guild Yard where authentic English scones, tea sandwiches, tarts and tea are served. Reservations are required. Admission is $26 for adults and $13 for children and includes a commemorative teapot.
The Unrulie Foolie Tea: Join the Court of Misrule for tea and have a crazy MAD time! Be prepared for fun and zany antics as the Mistress of Misrule, the Master of Mayham and their court stir a little sugar into the mix of your day. The daily Unrulie Foolie Tea is at 2:00 PM in the St. Cuthbert Guild Yard, where authentic English scones, tea sandwiches, tarts and tea are served. Gluten free options are available. Reservations are required. Admission is $26 for adults and $13 for children and includes a commemorative teapot.
The wee ones and the young at heart will enjoy the Kid’s Kingdom where games, rides, crafts, story time, songs and magic are featured in the fairytale land. Kids can vie for the title of Prince or Princess of Misrule during Foolish Fractured Fairy Tales, build a fairy house, create potions with the Deptford Witches and collaborate with the Godmother of Storytelling to create an adventure or become a Knight or Lady of the Realm by the Queen herself.
While costumes are not necessary for admittance, thousands of people each year enhance their experience by donning garb from the Elizabethan era, or participate in one of our special themed weekends by dressing up as their favorite pirate, time traveler, fairy, or fantasty character! Come dressed to the nines in your favorite costume, or treat yourself to a brand new look as you peruse a variety of clothing options available for rent or purchase in the Faire’s extensive Marketplace focused on hand-made wears. The shops of more than 125 artisans dot the fairgrounds, offering not only a tempting selection of clothing from authentic Renaissance looks to fantasty and contemporary choices, but so much more! Accessorize with eye-catching hats, bags, and exquisite jewelry. Make the look your own with a creative mask, or indulge your inner warrior with the perfect set of hand-crafted armor and weaponry. Choose a tankard, goblet, or drinking horn to help you sample all of the tantalizing tastes the Faire has to offer. And take the sights and delicious scents of the Faire home (or find the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for someone) with exotic spices and incense, fine soaps, or unique and beautifully wrought pieces of pottery, sculpture, blown glass, original artwork, and other décor for the home and garden.
With so many merchants in the village, plus an ever-changing array of guest artisans, you’re certain to find something you can’t live without. And if the sight of so much artistry gets your creative juices flowing, why not partake of one of our arts and crafts workshops, such as Celtic drawing, beadwork, or basket weaving, which are offered for all ages at Queen’s College.
Healthy appetites will welcome a roasted turkey leg – the meaty icon of the Faire – as they quench their thirst on their favorite ale or Port. Twenty-three food vendors offer an array of foods from fish and chips and sausages to salads and sorbets. Vegetarian entrees and desserts are available.
