Day Trip: Carolina Renaissance Festival is Fun for the Entire Family
By TMoM Team Member Suzy Fielders
If you are looking for a day of fun and to be transported back in time, then the Carolina Renaissance Festival is for you! My family loves going here, and there are fun things to do for all ages. If you’ve never been, then truly you need to make the time for it this year. It’s a fall favorite in our house and we try to go at least every couple of years. After all, there are giant turkey legs, jousting, mermaids – so what is there to not love?!
Below are some tips and information if you plan on making a day trip to the Carolina Renaissance Festival.
Carolina Renaissance Festival – Tips to Know Before You Go
First, parking is in a hilly, large empty lot. If you have an SUV, bring it! I do not, so I try to be sure and not go on a weekend when it’s been raining. Unlike parking at say a coliseum or fair, there are no markers. So, if you are someone like me who has trouble finding their car without those, my trick is just to count the rows of cars as I’m walking in. Just be sure you go out where you entered. There is only one entrance, but two exits!
Next, bring plenty of cash. While some of the vendors, especially the ‘store type’ ones take cards not all do – particularly food vendors. They do have ATM’s but let’s face it those ATM fees are outrageous. Therefore, we always bring enough cash. Any extra you don’t spend you can always deposit back into the bank.
Thirdly, be prepared. This is especially important if you only have a limited amount of time to spend at the event. Their website has an abundance of information, so I highly recommend checking it out before your visit. For example, you can view this year’s entertainment schedule and map. That way you can see in advance where everything is
Finally, speaking of a festival map you will want one while you are there. You don’t need to print your own as they will give you one when you get there. The festival is in a U-shape and jammed packed with fun events, booths, and food you won’t want to miss.
Don’t Miss Fun to Catch at the Festival
Here are some things that are mine and my family’s favorites at the festival:
- Eating – hands down the best part! There are so many food options, they even had gluten-free pizza last time I was there.
- Jousting – don’t miss this show! It’s so fun. The bleachers fill up fast though, so we usually grab lunch and eat on the bleachers at a spot of our choice while we wait.
- Shopping – there are so many cool things to buy! My daughter and I still love this hair ponytail wrap we got there. My husband even purchased a kilt, and I purchased a renaissance style dress.
- Face Painting – best there is! I’ve been to a lot of events that have face painting, but the ones here (or at least the vendors we’ve gone to) always have the best choices and art I’ve ever seen!
These are just a few of our favorite things to do there! It’s such a fun fall event though.
Festival Details
Directions: GPS isn’t always reliable to get to the festival. You can click here for complete directions to one of their two gate entrances.
When: Carolina Renaissance Festival is only open on weekends from October 1 through November 30. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: You can view ticket prices and purchase online here. You can also purchase tickets at the gate.
Now, are you ready for some renaissance-style fun for the entire family? Be sure to comment below about your favorite part of the festival!
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