Medieval Adventures & Pirate Rendezvous
May 2014 –
A perfect balance of education and fun, Renaissance Faires are one of the joys of Spring and Summer in New England. Although they vary in size, most fairs are filled with musicians, performers and authentic reentactors. Pass your time watching shows, playing games, shopping for themed goods, and eating ye ole faire foods. Patrons are welcome to come dressed in medieval garb, as pirates or faeries. The more you lose yourself in the magic and play along, the more fun it is!
Here’s where you can go for Renaissance fun and merriment in and around New Hampshire.
NH Renaissance Faire
Kingston, NH
May 10-11, 17-18 2014
A perfect mix of entertainment for kids and adults, this faire offers a variety of education, magic, music, pirates, faeries, royalty and locally-based artisans without being too large to feel like you’re missing out on some of the festivities.
Possibly the closest true Ren Faire in New Hampshire, this is definitely worth the drive to visit. The weather in May is usually cool enough to wear a costume and many attendees do—both those working and visiting.
The New England Pirate Faire and Pioneer Village
Forest River Park
Salem, MA
2014 dates still to be announced (late June usually)
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me! A highlight among all events listed here, The New England Pirate Faire offers a unique adventure story for everyone to participate in that often has kidnapping, intrigue, derring-do, treasure and of course, sword fighting. Along with normal faire merchants, musicians, games and food, the Pirate Faire offers the swashbuckler’s past-times of black powder and cannon demonstrations.
New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival
Loon Mountain
Lincoln, NH
September 19, 20 & 21 2014
Join in at the annual gathering of more than 60 Scottish Clans at Loon Mountain. Three full days of astonishing athletic competitions, authentic music, sheep dog trials and hundreds of kilts. Children under 14 are free with a paid adult admission! There are craft, game, living history and storytelling areas geared especially toward kids.
Photo from Stuart Highland Pipe Band Press Kit
King Richard’s Faire
Carver, MA
Weekends August 30 thru October 19 2014
Over 80 acres of fun—this faire runs every weekend for two solid months! Performers from around the country journey to Carver for this renowned faire. Entertainment includes acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, minstrels, dancers, fire eaters, puppeteers and exotic tigers! This faire is uniquely immersive and full of non-stop amazement. The only down side is that it’s comparatively expensive. Tickets run high and many activities inside cost extra. It can all add up very quickly, but is worth the expense.
Damariscotta River Pirate Rendezvous
Damariscotta, Maine
June 21st 2014
If you find yourself in Damariscotta at high noon on June 21st, you’ll be witness to an assault on the bay by a band of pirates! All children are invited on a guided hunt for a hidden treasure in the city after being made honorary members of the Mystic Pirates o’ the Damariscotta. This one-day adventure is a charity fundraiser of epic proportions. Sponsors, vendors, and all enactors volunteer services to raise money for the Lincoln County Family Holiday Wishes organizations, who provided over 500 children with Christmas dinners and gifts in 2013.