Just off U.S. Highway 60, east of Phoenix, lies a quaint village that comes to life for just two months each year. It is a place still ruled by lords and ladies, where knights fight in their honor and tales of dragons are told. Where pirates sail the seven seas for treasure and humble trade smiths sell their crafts, creating a place of sorcery and exotic entertainment.
The Arizona Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 37th year, opening to the public each early spring and offering a weekend filled with all-day entertainment.
The only complaint might be that it’s too popular. People from all over the country come to Arizona ren faire in droves to see everything from the legendary jousts, to the simple things like feasting on a whole, slow roasted turkey leg.
Costumes are encouraged at the Arizona ren faire, making it a challenge to tell apart the festival goers from the staff with so many colorful characters.
Daniel Ruiz, a festival goer who dressed up for the event, has been attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival for 3 years. “My friends are from Phoenix, so that’s how I learned about it,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz recommends the jousting tournaments which, this season, ran three shows a day. It is possibly the most popular attraction, with bleachers for the crowds and a royal viewing box.
If you plan on seeing it, it’s best to find your seats early as they restrict standing space for the safety of the guests.
Sydney Kall and her husband had been attending Arizona ren faire for 35 years. She describes it as “The Disneyland of Renaissance Festivals.” Kall said, “Most other festivals have small stands or tents that they set up in a public park.”
While there are communal tents for resting at or to browse kiosks, most of the grounds that make up Arizona ren faire are permanent structures. Places like the Royal Pavilion, the Rialto Stage and the King’s Arena give off a genuine feeling of legacy, in both the real and fantastical sense.
Much like the aforementioned Disneyland, the festival makes an effort to provide constant entertainment throughout the park.
Beyond the Royal Court and Jousting Tournaments, the festival offers a wide variety of events. Cirque du Sewer is a Trained Cats & Rats show that pairs nicely with Supernova the Strongwoman. If you’re looking for more comedic entertainment, Well Washed Wenches put on a standout show.
They reiterate a statement made by the park brochure stating how, “some of these events are labeled LC, which stands for Loose Cannon.” It’s not a hard age restriction, it is merely a suggestion that some of these jokes and references may be on sensitive subjects or innuendos. So, parents who are concerned may want to avoid the show. Their motto at the park is “If your child understands the joke, it’s not our fault.”
There is still plenty of entertainment beyond LC events such as a live glass blowing demonstration with an audience Q&A, the Dragon Forge Experience, where guests can forge their own blades and many more attractions.
Tickets are available for purchase online or in person, and the park will remain open through March 30. For more information, be sure to check out their website.
