posted Jan 08, 2025

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Itinerary

Experience the excitement of jousting knights, royal delights, and colorful costumed villagers and merrymakers. Here's what to do when you're visiting.

Step into the world of fantasy at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Here's how you'll spend your day at the faire. We have accommodations sorted for you, including hotels, bed & breakfasts, and other options in Manheim and neighboring towns.

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Here are 10 things you need to do when you visit the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire:

1. Choose Your Guild

Queen Elizabeth is heading to the Shire of Mount Hope for a victory celebration. She plans to invest the spoils of war in her people by offering Mount Hope's guilds the opportunity to lobby for a share through a Tournament of Guilds.Will you support the industrious and shrewd Merchants Guild, the cunning and sly Thieves Guild, or the dutiful and loyal Civics Guild? Perhaps you fancy yourself as a connoisseur of artisan goods and want to support the Crafts Guild. Alternatively, maybe you are a fan of the Revels Guild. Whichever guild you choose, fly their banners high and wear their colors proudly.

Civics' Guild: Green & Copper
Crafts' Guild: Red & Bronze
Merchants' Guild: Blue & Gold
Revels' Guild: Purple & White
Thieves' Guild: Black & Silver

By doing so, you can earn them points and help them reap the rewards of the Queen's generosity. Let's keep the competitive spirit friendly!

2. Get Ready to be Entertained

Get ready to witness the jousting of knights, the indulgence of royals and their comforts, and converse with the colorfully costumed villagers. By doing so you will make your visit an unforgettable experience. Musical, stunt, and theatrical performances are just a few of the many daily shows that will be taking place at the Faire!

3. Plan Your Weekend

Each weekend at the PA Renaissance Faire will be themed differently from the last, meaning you have 11 weeks to partake in as many themed weekends as possible. Here is a list of what each weekend's theme is:

Fairies & Fantasy | August 17 & 18
Pyrate Invasion | August 24 & 25
Heroes & Villains | August 31 & September 1
Viking Weekend | September 7 & 8
Wizarding Weekend | September 14 & 15
Shamrocks & Shenanigans | September 21 & 22
Oktoberfest | September 28 & 29
Time Travelers | October 5 & 6
Halloween Days & Spooky Knights I | October 12 & 13
Halloween Days & Spooky Knights II | October 19 & 20
Halloween Days & Spooky Knights III | October 26 & 27

4. Weekly Photo Contest

Take part in the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire weekly photo contest where you can show off the amazing outfit you wore at the Faire!

5. Meet the Characters

The cast of characters at the Faire makes your experience even more memorable! Explore all the characters here. These characters are professional actors, signers, and dancers so please keep that in mind during your visit.

6. Rest Your Head

Stay overnight in Manheim at Comfort Inn & Suites Manheim – Lebanon, Speedwell Forge Bed and Breakfast, REO Suites at REO Manheim Marketplace, or Warehouse Hotel, to be in close proximity to all the fun! Find out what all Manheim has to offer here!

7. Explore The Area

We expect you to spend most of your day at the Faire but if you do decide to take a break from the fantasy world and explore the surrounding area, especially if you're not a local. Consider Horst Arts where you can unleash your creativity or Prussian Street Arcade where you can find unique curated items from various vendors. Right down the street, you can find Glasshouse Wineworks, where you can explore your wine palate. If you make your trip a long weekend you can visit Roots Country Market & Auction where you can find a plethora of treasures and experiences.

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire takes place from August 17 to October 27, offering various experiences, vendors, and attractions.

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