The 40th Annual
Central Coast Renaissance Festival
July 18 & 19, 2026
Laguna Lake Park, San Luis Obispo

Step back in time and experience the world of the Elizabethan Renaissance. Come face-to-face with the grandeur of Queen Elizabeth I’s court, and feel the thrill of live combat as swords clash in heart-pounding battles. Every corner of the festival is alive with the creativity and energy of the era—there’s something new to discover around every turn.

The Featured Event 
Don’t miss the main event with Armored Combat Worldwide (ACW). They are an armored combat team that competes in tournaments worldwide. 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 basic swordsmanship training. This will help them safely and accurately join sword fights with our pirate crew. They will use cutlass balloon swords. As part of the training, they will learn different sailor and pirate terms. This will help them talk like a real pirate. This activity takes place several times a day on 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, Wild Thyme Larks, and many street performers.

Read the 2025 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; numerous vendors sell authentic Elizabethan clothing. Here’s a good place to learn about costumes.

Are you excited now? Click here to get tickets!