The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire takes place over 13 weekends between August and November at Mount Hope Estate and Winery in Manheim, Pennsylvania. Mount Hope is an original winery, cidery, brewery, and entertainment complex, hosting outdoor events and a dinner theatre set up in a Victorian mansion. It is the perfect setting for The Renaissance Faire, featuring hundreds of costumed characters, lots of live music, dancing, and over 90 stage shows daily. In addition, there are over 20 Royal Kitchens, artisans and merchants, offering crafts and arts for sale.
Guests of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire can step back into a bygone era of a 16th-century Tudor village and meet its amazing characters, recreating an intricate play. In 1589, the Spanish Armada was defeated by England, and Queen Elizabeth was making her way to the Shire of Mount Hope for a victory celebration. To honor the Queen, the locals held a Tournament of Guilds.
The program
Residents of the 35-acre (140,000-sq.m) village are musicians, magicians, jousting knights, and royals. Don't miss a game of human chess, live jousting, and Royal Dog Days featuring Royal Hounds. The fair draws hundreds of thousands of people every season.
The exciting entertainment program features the famous Aaron Bonk with a fire whips and swords show of juggling, whip cracking, and stunts. Adamo Ignis is a fire and danger show. Other acts include Archery demonstrations and Cirque La Vie, featuring a crazy ringmaster, a strong man, a contortionist, and an acrobat.
Hours and tickets
Gates of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire open at 11 am and close at 8 pm. The Marketplace and food court close at 7 pm. Admission for August 19 - September 15 is $33.95 for an adult, $17.95 for a child (5-11). Admission for September 21 - October 27 is $37.95 for an adult, $19.95 for a child. Children 4 and under get in for free,
Sunset admission is available every day after 3:30 pm, with entry to the Faire at 4 pm. Sunset admission includes the Ultimate Joust, ending with the Finale Pub Sing and over 20 other performances. Ticket pricing for August 19-September 15 is $19.95 for an adult and $7.95 for a child. For September 21 - October 27, sunset tickets cost $23.95 for an adult and $9.95 for a child (5-11). Also, adults can participate in the Pub Crawl, which starts at 4:45 near the Informistress. The pub crawl includes 4 samples, a souvenir tasting glass, a soft pretzel, and specialty entertainments. Tickets for $25 can be purchased online only.
History
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair was first held in 1980 as a two-day jousting festival in the parking lot to attract visitors to the winery. The Swashbuckler Brew Pub and Swashbuckler Brewing Company was created there in 2000.
