The Central Coast Renaissance Festival will turn San Luis Obispo’s Laguna Lake Park into a Renaissance village on July 20 & 21, 2024. This isn’t like any other summer festival, so here’s some advice on what to expect and how to get the most enjoyment out of this unique experience.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll see folks dressed quite a bit differently from today’s styles. From peasants to middle class to nobility, the over 500 costumed participants populating the village represent every level of society from the late 1500s in England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Spain, and the Far East.
Four stages of entertainment offer everything from music, singing, and dance of the period to comedy shows, magic, acrobatics, storytelling, Shakespeare, buffoonery, and much more.
Here’s something you don’t see anywhere else – the full contact armored battle. This is the real deal. They guys have appeared in The History Channel’s currently running series, Knight Fight.
Here’s some advice to get the most from your visit:
1. Get there early to beat the crowds. You can purchase tickets ahead here. Of course, you can get tickets when you get there but this saves standing in line.
2. Wear good walking shoes, wear sunscreen and bring a hat or umbrella. You’ll probably spend many hours outdoors and we want you to be comfortable.
3. Take photos! These characters have spent countless hours and dollars to get their costumes. No matter how regal they may appear, they are more than happy to pose for a photo. Don’t forget to take photos of yourself, your friends and family too. There are so many wonderful photo opportunities!
4. Watch a show on all four stages. All of them repeat at least once so you have a chance to see everything. Look for the posted stage schedules and pick up a program when you enter.
5. Take time to shop. There are over 50 vendors selling period items you will not find anywhere else. From leather goods to pottery, drinking vessels, hats, masks, perfumes, swords, jewelry, and full costumes, there is something for everyone.
6. Enjoy the food. By all means try a barbecued turkey leg, the staple of Renaissance Festival food.
Other tempting treats include meat pies, fruit tarts, soft pretzels, Greek food, Mexican food, fish and chips, Scotch eggs, bangers & mash, handmade sausages, kettle corn, shave ice, ice cream and more.
You have to wash all of that deliciousness down with something, right? How about lemonade, teas, coffee, local wine, beer, ale, cider and honey mead? Oh, and water, of course.
7. Bring the kids. This is a family event. There’s a costume contest at 1:30 on both days for kids. Everyone gets a prize. There are games, face painting, storytelling, and stage shows they’ll enjoy. Kids can climb aboard a 25-foot pirate ship and enter Buccaneer Boot Camp, where they’ll learn swashbuckling with balloon swords and learn to talk like a pirate. Arrrrr. There’s also a free pirate’s treasure hunt on Sunday. Kid’s get a booty bag to go about the village collecting treasures from the vendors and guilds.
8. Try the language. When someone greets you with “Good Day My Lord (or Lady),” just say it back. You’ll quickly learn a few phrases that make you feel part of the fantasy.
9. Visit the Royal Court. Queen Elizabeth and her nobles are every bit as impressive as anything you’ve seen in movies and yes, they’ll pose for photos. You’ll see them dancing, entertaining Her Majesty, having a royal feast for lunch, and parading throughout the village.
10. Try something you’ve never tried before. Ever tasted honey mead? We have it. Handmade fruit tarts, yes, and have those with some ice cream. It’s heavenly!
11. Get your hair braided. Add some dried flowers. Oh, so pretty.
12. Really get into the spirit and buy a Renaissance shirt or blouse, a bodice or jerkin, maybe a hat, some leggings, boots… we have it all and are happy to get you properly dressed for the time period.
This is a quick sample of the wide range of things to do, see, eat and enjoy at the festival.
Hours are 10 AM to 6 PM on both days. Carpool with your friends and come for the time of your life. Please leave your pets at home.
You can purchase tickets ahead of time here and skip the ticket lines.
