The fall season marks the beginning of some of the most anticipated annual festivals of the year, including the Northern California Renaissance Festival. For those who love whimsy and fantasy, there’s no better event to attend. So grab your medieval clothing, lances, and swords, a sense of adventure, and come along to experience the magic of this Renaissance Festival in California.

Held in the town of Hollister on the grounds of Casa de Fruta, located along the Pacheco Pass Highway about an hour northeast of Monterey, the Northern California Renaissance Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the state.
Facebook The Northern California Renaissance Faire Facebook Page
The Northern California Renaissance Festival 2023 runs for six weekends from September 16 through October 22, on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., rain or shine. The setting is the thriving, colorful Elizabethan village of Willingtown. Folks come from all over the state to enjoy everything Medieval including exciting shows, a one-of-a-kind artisan marketplace, outstanding culinary fare, non-stop entertainment, and so much more.
Dressing up in period costume is perhaps the most notable and fun aspect of the Renaissance Festival.
The Northern California Renaissance Faire Facebook Page
And it’s not just the performers and artisans. Role-playing in costume almost has a Comic Con-esque fervor to it here. And if you don’t have your own medieval clothing to wear, you can choose from a wide array of rental costumes and accessories for all ages and all body sizes.
And of course, true to the Medieval era, there will be plenty of jousting with groups like the Swashbuckling Swordsmen.
The Northern California Renaissance Faire Facebook Page
Fun activities for the entire family are plentiful as well. You’ll find a Ren Faire Petting Zoo, Dragonflylola Artistry Face & Body Art, Five Stranded Fairy Tails, Bawdy Braids (I mean, you’ve gotta have your hair done too!), and Maharani Mehendi Henna, just to name a few. And then there’s a host of games and rides as well. Sharpen your javelin or axe throwing skills, shoot a pistol bow, join in on some good shepherd games...the list is endless.

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Dozens of exciting shows and other performances are scheduled throughout every day of the festival, each seemingly more entertaining than the last.
The Northern California Renaissance Faire Facebook Page
Of course, Shakespeare was a major player during this time in history, so the festival presents one or more of his famous plays. There are magic shows, sword swallowers, fire eaters, comedy performances, and a host of strolling musicians who roam throughout the festival grounds, too. And this is only the beginning!
Do you know the Merry Wives of Windsor?
The Northern California Renaissance Faire Facebook Page
These spirited women are crowd favorites for their comedic and lyrical twists on songs about love, drinking, and life during Medieval times.
If you love to shop, you’re sure to find something that suits your medieval whimsy and fancy at this Ren Fair in NorCal, as wonderful eclectic artisan booths and crafts are dotted all over the village of Willingtown.
The Northern California Renaissance Faire Facebook Page
Clothing options encompass dresses, bustiers and corsets, knickers, pirate shirts, and hats. Ceramics and sculpture pieces for your home or office are popular, as well. You’ll also find plenty of fantasy-themed fine art, jewelry, and metal works.

And yes, there will be PLENTY of great Medieval eats and drinks, including the Renaissance Festival's all-time favorite humungous turkey legs!

The opening weekend of the Northern California Renaissance Festival is September 16-17. The following themed weekends are:

  • September 23-24 – Pirate Invasion
  • September 30-October 1 – Heroes and Villains
  • October 7-8 – Oktoberfest
  • October 14-15 – Carnevale – Masquerade
  • October 21-22 – Halloween Fantasy

 

Have you been to this Ren Fair in NorCal? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience. You can also learn more about this Renaissance Festival in California and any special events on the Northern California Renaissance Festival Facebook page.

Read on to learn more about the popular Casa de Fruta, the property on which the festival is held. And if you need a place to stay while you’re in Hollister for the festival, check out Hotels.com.

Did you know there’s a winery in NorCal that’s a replica of a 14th-century Tuscan castle? Check it out in this video from us at OnlyInYourState:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Fall Festivals & Activities in Northern California

Katie Lawrence | August 07, 2023

What are the best fall festivals in Northern California?

The best fall festivals in Northern California include:

  • Sonoma County Harvest Fair, Sonoma

Held annually in October since 1975, this world-renowned festival features a variety of award-winning wines grown locally in Sonoma County. The wines are paired with hors d'oeuvres for an eating and drinking experience like no other.

  • Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, Half Moon Bay

Located in Half Moon Bay, also known as the "World Pumpkin Capital," this annual event takes place in mid-October. The festival boasts hundreds of artists, incredible food, a run/walk, a costume contest, and the much-anticipated pumpkin weigh-off. In the past, pumpkins have weighed in at over 1,500 pounds!

Which hiking trails in Northern California are best in the fall?

Some of my favorite fall hikes in Northern California are:

This 1.2-mile trail is worth embarking on year-round, but especially in the fall. Not only are the leaves absolutely gorgeous, but the weather is just perfect, making for a refreshing and invigorating outdoor adventure.

NorCal may not be as renowned as the Northeast for its fall foliage, but this trail will make you think otherwise. Clocking in at roughly four miles, this moderate loop trail features stunning golden leaves and a shimmering lake. It's a true autumn wonderland right here in our own backyard.

 

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