As it begins to cool down in Lancaster County, you may be looking for fun activities that are different from the summertime street festivals and sporting events. If you are, look no further than the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. This is one of our FAVORITE fall activities in Lancaster, as it’s truly an activity like no other!
This iconic, family-friendly venue in Manheim is more than just an event, it’s an experience. Spend the day in a simpler time; browsing merchants, eating turkey legs, and watching a real joust to conclude the festival. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a real life fantasy as you enter the gates of Mount Hope to spend the day with knights, queens, heroes, and possibly even some villains.
Don’t have a costume? No need to worry, the merchants at Mount Hope can have you suited up in your finest royal attire, handmade jewelry, or even just fun costume pieces! Expert tip- While dressing up isn’t a requirement to enter the Renaissance Faire, you’ll find you fit in much better with a cloak and shield than shorts and sunglasses! Immerse yourself in the fantasy by showing off your own medieval attire, and you may even get compliments from the Queen herself!
Also, make sure to check the weather before you head to the fairgrounds. The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is always rain or shine so prepare accordingly – Ye olde umbrella or poncho will be your biggest helper in preserving your hair, makeup, and costume.
The Renaissance Faire guarantees a full day of fun, rain or shine. If you’re feeling brave you can try your luck in archery, knife throwing, or the Renaissance Faire pub crawl. Watch masters at work with various blacksmithing, glass bowing, and fire breathing demonstrations. Sing and dance along to medieval music at various sing-alongs and performances! There are so many things to see and do inside the Faire, you’ll find yourself asking “When are we coming back?”
You can attend the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire every weekend until October 25th, 2026, the date which will conclude this year’s festival season. Don’t miss out on a truly magical experience!
Check out our Instagram Page for more info on the festival!
Written by Mary Sue Wolf
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