The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is back and celebrating 39 years of family fun. From small beginnings in the city of Largo, to one of Tampa’s finest regional attractions.
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival was first held in 1979 in the city of Largo. This inaugural Festival featured renaissance dancing, archery contests, jugglers, mimes and madrigals. By 1980, the Festival had added food booths, a human chess match and a unique marketplace. As attendance to the popular event grew, so did the number of artisans, demonstrations, entertainers and foods.
The show has continued to develop fans throughout the years, offering more each year in entertainment, education, food and art. Now seeing the more than 80,000 fans a year, the Festival has provided opportunities for fans to escape from this realm and journey into a time when Kings and Queens rule and Mermaids and Fairies are more than just a dream.
Featured for 2017:
All New! Merlin’s Magic Quest: Discover the festival through new eyes as you join in our interactive, all-day Adventure Quest. You will follow clues, solve puzzles and engage in battles of wits. Experience comedy, danger, and the mystical while meeting people to enhance your festival experience. Join the Quest to bring magic back to Fittleworth with the help of nobles and scoundrels alike.
Dancing with the Royals: Learn a Renaissance period dance with members of the Royal Court, then perform in front of their Majesties for a chance to win prizes.
Time Traveler’s Ball: On March 11th the Patrons are invited to participate in an ALL NEW Time Traveler’s Ball. This event will feature a DJ, Food, Drinks and Specialty Entertainment.
Free Beer Festival Friday: With your ticket, you receive one free beer with your purchase on the only Friday we are open! We will also be offering free tickets to anyone with a Military ID and First Responders.
2016 Theme Weekends and Activities:
Highland Fling: February 20th & 21st: Florida State Highland Heavy Game Championship, Scottish Dancers, Craft Beer Tastings, Celtic Village, and a Men in Kilts Competition.
Chocolate Fantasy: February 25th & 26th: Chocolate Festival, Free Vow Renewals, Fencing Competition, and Whirlwind Wedding Wars.
Pirates and Pets: March 4th & 5th: Pet Fest with Vendors and Entertainment, Weiner Dog Races, Perfect Pirate Competition, and Biker Weekend Discounts
Time Travelers: March 11th & 12th: Steampunk Invasion and Costume Contest, Belly Dancing Championships, World Market, Dr. Who Costume Contest and ALL NEW Time Traveler’s Ball.
Shamrocks & Shenanigans: March 18th & 19th: Largest St. Paddy’s Day Party in Tampa, Green Beer, Highland Heavy Games, Celtic Village, with Men in Kilts Competition and ALL NEW Bonnie Knees Competition
Barbarian Brew Fest: March 25th & 26th: Craft Beer Tasting, Best Beard Competition, The State Royal Archery Championships and Deaf Awareness Weekend
Free Beer Festival Friday: March 31st: Every ticket gets a Free beer! Military and First Responder Appreciation, Ladies’ Shopping Day, School Day, and the Masquerade Ball that night!
High Seas Adventure: April 1st & 2nd: Tattoo Competition, Swab the Deck, Pirate Peg Leg Relay Racing, Perfect Pirate Competition
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is a first-class experience whose 39th season begins on February 18, 2017 and ends on April 2, 2017. The Festival is open weekends and Friday March 31, 2017 from 10 am – 6 pm rain or shine. Admission at the gate: Adults $20.95; Children 5-12 $12.95; four and under are free! Discount tickets are available at participating Circle K and Walgreens stores, at MOSI, or online at www.BayAreaRenFest.com