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How to Have a Rollicking Good Time at the Georgia Renaissance Festival

Every spring through summer, the gates of Newcastle open to transport you back to 16th century England! Enter the Georgia Renaissance Festival, and prepare thyself for merriment.

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, perhaps a jaunt back to the Renaissance period? Look no further than the Georgia Renaissance Festival!

This rollicking good time is sure to give you and your family a unique and immersive experience unlike any other.

Georgia Renaissance Festival Entrance

The Georgia Renaissance Festival

Newcastle covers a 32 acre village filled with over 150 artisan craft shops, shows of skill, taverns, and food stalls.

For eight weekends every spring through summer for 39 years, this festival has brought a 16th century English fair to metro-Atlanta. The Southeast Tourism Society has even named the Georgia Renaissance Festival as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southern United States to experience.

The Georgia Renaissance Festival opens for its Spring 2024 season from April 13 — June 2, 2024. The festival is open every Saturday and Sunday during these weeks from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

With hundreds of live performances each year, more than 150 artisans and vendors, tournaments, and activities, it’s no surprise that the Georgia Renaissance Festival is one of the best things to do in Atlanta this summer!

Whether you are a fan of history, looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, or simply in search of a rollicking good time, the Georgia Renaissance Festival has something for you.

Things to Do at the Georgia Renaissance Festival

Here’s how to immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy yourself as if you were a local townsperson of Newcastle:

1. Don your costume

Georgia Renaissance Festival Costumes

Blend in with the people of Newcastle by coming in period attire; it’ll make the experience feel more authentic. You can rent a costume at the front of the festival or buy clothes from one of the local shops.

It doesn’t even have to be medieval attire. Faeries, fantasy, steampunk, and all things in between are welcome.

The festival hosts themed weekends so you can mix it up with Time Warp cosplay, Highland garb, pirate plundering, and more. Just leave your functioning weaponry at home or you’ll be barred at the gates.

2. Test your skills

Georgia Renaissance Festival Axe Throwing

Take a ride on medieval man-powered rides, get a lift from a camel, or test out your skills at archery, knife throwing, or ax throwing.

This princess even had to roll up her sleeves to take better aim with a bow-and-arrow and ax (I was not very good at either).

3. Eat local

Georgia Renaissance Festival Turkey Leg

The 1.5-pound Turkey Legges are a feast fit for royalty, and they’re a staple at every food court in the village.

We attempted to stray from this delicacy and try something new, but we soon decided to stick to the classics — there’s a reason everyone in the village loves this dish.

4. Shop ’til you drop

Georgia Renaissance Festival

All across the land are master artisans selling their wares.

You will find many treasures in their shops, each more amazing than the last.

You can even watch the masters demonstrate their crafts, from coin minting and spinning, to glass blowing and leather crafting.

5. Enjoy a show

Georgia Renaissance Festival Performer

Be amazed and delighted all day long as performers from across the kingdom gather for your entertainment.

There’s jousting and comedy acts, music and dare-devilry. We particularly enjoyed the Wheel of Death, a thirty-foot tall, spinning monstrosity that Ichabod Wainwright treats as his personal playground.

Enjoy your step back in time! The Georgia Renaissance Festival is really an experience like no other!

Georgia Ren Fest Info

Dates: April 13, 2024 through June 2, 2024

Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets: Georgia Ren Fest tickets cost $26.95 – $28.95 for adults when purchased online and $30.55 when purchased at the gate; $13.95 – $15.95 for children ages 6-12 online and $16.56 at the gate; and free for children 5 and under. They usually offer discounts before the season starts, so be sure to check their website.

Address: Georgia Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds, 6732 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Fairburn, Georgia 30213

Georgia Renaissance Festival FAQ

What are the dates of the Georgia Renaissance Faire?

This year’s Georgia Renaissance Festival will take place from April 13, 2024 through June 2, 2024 on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How big is the Georgie Renaissance Festival?

The Georgia Renaissance Festival covers 32 acres. Each year, they see about 200,000+ visitors.

Is the Georgia Renaissance Festival worth it?

The Georgia Renaissance Festival is definitely worth it if you enjoy dressing up, shopping for unique costumes (whether its Steampunk, Renaissance, Medieval, or Fairy costumes), shopping for handcrafted goods from local artisans, and dining on a giant turkey leg. This is also a great outing for the day for families, as there are plenty of games, rides, and entertainment (like jousting tournaments) for the kids to enjoy.

How much are Georgia Renaissance Festival tickets?

$26.95 – $28.95 for adults when purchased online and $30.55 when purchased at the gate; $13.95 – $15.95 for children ages 6-12 online and $16.56 at the gate; and free for children 5 and under.

Where to Stay Near the Georgia Renaissance Festival

Find top hotels near the Georgia Renaissance Festival so you can rest up for a big day of fun!

Want more Georgia Renaissance Festival fun? Read these posts:


Ready to visit Atlanta, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

  • Get Familiar With the City: Check out my Ultimate Guide to Atlanta to help plan your trip!
  • Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
  • Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Atlanta using Booking.com.
  • Save on Attractions: Save 48% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.

Cheers!

Paige

How to Have a Rollicking Good Time at the Georgia Renaissance Festival

Have you been to the Georgia Renaissance Festival? Tell me about it in the comments!

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2 Comments

  1. I loved this post, it sounds like so much fun! Tbh I’ve always wondered what happened at Renaissance festivals, but never thought to read about it. Thanks for sharing.

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