One of the things I love about living in Arizona is there is always so much to see and enjoy. Arizona Renaissance Festival has arrived again this year. The festival is a medieval amusement park, a 13-stage theater, a 30-acre circus, fantastic food, a circus, and artisan shops all rolled into one for an all-day family adventure.
The Logistics
Where: 12601 E. US Highway 60 Gold Canyon AZ 85118
When: Weekends and Presidents Day Feb 10-March 31
Time: 10:00am- 6:00pm
Tickets: Buy Tickets Online or at the Gate
To save money they have a KIDS GO FREE COUPON Kids Free! Arizona Renaissance Festival – Receive One Free Child ticket Per Coupon with One Full Price Adult Ticket Purchased at the Festival Gate. Coupon valid at the 2019 Festival Box Office only. NOT VALID in conjunction with a FRYS discount ticket or any other discount offer. Not for resale. One coupon per person. Distribution on Festival property is prohibited. Photocopies not permitted. $16 value. VALID February 9, 2019 THROUGH March 31, 2019
Our Family Review
Every year my family and I go to the festival and every year we get dressed up. **DISCLAIMER** If you have smaller children you may want to have a talk with them. People do dress up and while my family and I are conservative in what we wear some are not. Some costumes may be scary and some well may be barely there. I had to have a conversation with my youngest that a lady was not in her underwear she was a pirate lol. So there’s my disclaimer. Now on to the rest. We go every year and we enjoy ourselves. As you can see from the pics we dress up. Last year we went all out and did a photo shoot. Below you will find some of our favorite stops at the Arizona Renaissance Festival.
The Jousting
Shows are at 1, 2:30, and 5 pm. Humor and action all rolled into one. Real life jousting and merriment meant to excite and entertain. After each show, they sell the shields or lances and the knights will autograph them and pose for pictures. This is always my 11 yr olds favorite part of the fair.
The Entertainment
As you walk around you will come across various acts and entertainment. There are stages placed in various places and then entertainers also walking around. My sons loved meeting the performers. There are also rides for the kiddos. The rides are a additional cost of around 2$-5$ a ride.Keep in mind it is set for medieval times so prepare them to peddle and use body power because most are not motorized. My youngest went on the one pictured below and instead of using motors it had the ride attendants running to push it to go.
The Shopping
Artisans as far as you can walk. It is so much fun just browsing but then you find the perfect item that you have to buy. So far between last year and this year, we have come home with wooden swords, a horn, a drum, flute, various knick-knacks and my absolute favorite my copper roses.
As you shop you will also come across food vendors. My advice get the turkey leg!! They are amazing. There are also chocolate covered strawberries, sausage, soup bowls and so much more. Not going to lie the food is one of my favorite parts.
Other Fun
In addition to what I have mentioned, there is a lot more fun to be had. There is a petting zoo and other attractions that can be seen. Most are free but there are a few that charge. For example, there is a medieval torture exhibit and it is 2$ per person to get in. The festival is a great place to visit and fun for all ages. If you have the chance make sure to swing by and have a visit.
