Step Back in Time At The

39th Annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival

July 19 & 20, 2025 in San Luis Obispo’s Laguna Lake Park

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Renaissance as history comes alive with thrilling battles, lively performances, and vibrant marketplaces. Don your finest attire and join us for two days of revelry, adventure, and enchantment at San Luis Obispo’s most beloved summer tradition!

Embark on a journey into the Elizabethan Renaissance and marvel at the splendor of Queen Elizabeth I’s rule. Immerse yourself in the refinement and the fervor of intense battle scenes, where swords clash, infusing a captivating energy into this historical epoch. Amidst these moments, bask in the lively atmosphere of the Renaissance, where creativity and cultural brilliance thrive around every corner.

You’ll get lost in time enjoying the riotous stage plays, hilarious comedy acts, storytelling, and authentic Elizabethan dancing, singing, puppetry, and magic on four stages throughout the village. You’ll also see living history demonstrations in the streets, making the entertainment continuous and captivating.

The Featured Event 
Don’t miss the featured event with Armored Combat Worldwide (ACW), an armored combat team that competes in international tournaments and events. Watch their full combat battles held twice daily at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. You may have seen some of them in the History Channel’s series, Knight Fight.

Just For The Children
Buccaneer Boot Camp is where kids get balloon swords and receive basic training in swordsmanship. This will enable them to safely and accurately engage in sword fights with our pirate crew, using their cutlass balloon swords. As part of the training, they will also learn various sailor and pirate terminologies, enabling them to speak like a seasoned pirate. This activity takes place several times a day at the pirate ship.  There is also a children’s play area with games, a daily costume contest with prizes and more.

Music Is Everywhere
You’ll love the beautiful and often comedic music of the Merry Wives of Windsor, The Story Wrens, Tea and Strumpets, The Minstrels of Mirule, The Merry Larks and lots of street performers.

Read the schedule of events here.

Treat Your Taste Buds
With all this excitement you are bound to get hungry and thirsty, so we’re prepared to please any palate. Check out the food here!

Costumes Are Not Required
While costumes are welcome, they’re not required, and you may attend as you wish. However, dressing up as an Elizabethan adds to the fun, and there are plenty of vendors selling Elizabethan clothing.

Here’s a good place to learn about costumes.