Utah Renaissance Festival and Fantasy Faire, or Utah Ren Fest, is an annual Renaissance event taking place in Marriott-Slaterville, 30 minutes north of Salt Lake City. Three spectacular themed weekends in May are filled with knightly equestrian shows, archery, fun games, food, and various exciting demonstrations. So, let's delve into the details!
Utah Renaissance Festival themes
The first thing you need to know about Utah Renaissance Festival and Fantasy Faire is that it takes place on three weekends in May, each fest having its own dates and a theme. For instance, in 2024, there are three themes: Faerie (May 11-12), Pirate (May 18-19), and Vikings (May 25-27). Thus, you can choose whichever one sounds most interesting to you and plan your trip accordingly. The Faerie fest is all about magical creatures and wings. You'll see people dressed in fairy costumes and engaged in corresponding activities. Then, there is the Pirate weekend – gear up to witness plenty of scallywags, a real pirate ship, and many treasure hunts. Lastly, if you're looking for a real medieval vibe, go for the Vikings and Heroes theme, which promises a real Middle-Age experience.
Utah Renaissance Festival activities
The public can enjoy a jousting tournament, vaulting, and a great artisan market with merchants, entertainers, and performers. From gypsies and magicians to knights, fairies, and pirates, a blend of fantasy and historical characters creates a unique atmosphere in the village. With plenty of entertainment and educational activities, the immersive faire features royalty and their court, wondering minstrels, shoppes full of treasures, and multiple stages with shows. Every weekend, the public can see the Knightly Equestrian Games, illusion-performing magicians, Equestrian Archery demonstrations, and much more.
Utah Renaissance Festival tickets
Adult tickets to the festival cost only $15 while children's are $10. If your littles ones are six years old and younger, they can enter for free. Keep in mind that there's also a family fare, costing $50 for two adults and up to four kids. Keep in mind that attendees who come wearing costumes can get a discount at the gate, so it's a win-win for both sides if you put on a thematic outfit. The festival runs from 10 am to 7 pm.
