Step Into 1590 at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
The year is 1590, and the golden age of Queen Elizabeth I shines across England. But, who will inherit the throne when her reign ends? To decide, Elizabeth has summoned two heirs to the Shire of Mount Hope. Their strengths will be tested, and the Queen calls upon the people of the Shire to help choose the crown’s future. Visitors to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire step directly into this story, becoming part of the pageantry, the drama, and the laughter that fills the day.
The Faire runs on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-August through mid-December, 2025 in Mount Hope, PA! Each weekend throughout the Faire season will showcase an exciting and unique theme that offers a different experience every time. Just about 2 hours from NEPA, the PA Renaissance Faire brings the magic of the 16th century to life and there’s a big turkey leg calling your name.
The heart of the Faire is its world-class entertainment, led by the Bacchanalian acting company with swashbuckling sword fights, Shakespearean drama, improv, and music, joined by the Blackfryar company of part-time performers who bring the Tudor streets to life. As you explore the grounds, stages fill with musicians, magicians, comedians, and theatrical shows, while costumed actors mingle with guests, drawing you into the story as if you’ve stepped back in time.
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No trip to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is complete without sampling the food and drink. The Shire offers an abundance of hearty fare, from roasted turkey legs and savory meats to sweet baked treats. The festival also celebrates its home on the Mount Hope Estate & Winery, offering craft beers, ciders, and wines to complement the feast. Raise a mug, share a toast, and enjoy flavors as rich as the festivities themselves.
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Beyond the stages and taverns, the Shire of Mount Hope is alive with over one hundred unique merchants. Stroll through the bustling marketplace to discover handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, costumes, artwork, and keepsakes. With so many shops to explore, it’s nearly impossible to see it all in a single visit, but that only adds to the charm. If you leave wishing you had picked up that special treasure, the Faire even offers a one-hour shopping pass for return visits.
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The Faire goes far beyond shopping and shows. It is an immersive world filled with opportunities to try something new and connect with history in hands-on ways. Guests can experience Archery Through the Ages, watch the sparks fly at blacksmithing demonstrations, meet the falconer and his raptors, or witness the artistry of glassblowers shaping molten creations. Viking re-enactments, pottery throwing, and interactive workshops ensure that every visit is filled with discovery. Even the man-powered rides and games scattered throughout the grounds add to the sense of stepping into a living, breathing story.
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As fall and winter roll around, the PA Renaissance Faire offers even more reasons to return with themed weekends. The final three weekends in October bring a Halloween flair to the Shire with costume contests, treasure hunts, and trick-or-treating for all ages. Then, after a short pause, the gates reopen for the Yuletide winter wonderland from late-November through mid-December. This holiday celebration transforms Mount Hope into a festive village filled with seasonal performances, holiday traditions, and plenty of merriment to close out the year.
Learn MoreYour Royal Invitation Awaits
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire runs every Saturday and Sunday from mid-August through mid-December, 2025 on the grounds of the Mount Hope Estate & Winery in Manheim, PA. From NEPA, the Shire is just about a 2-hour drive, most often traveled by heading south on I-81 toward Harrisburg before connecting to Lancaster County.
Tickets are available for purchase online, and they have multiple time frames and activities to choose from. Advance purchase is highly recommended, as themed weekends often sell out. The Faire runs rain or shine, so visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably and come ready for a full day of adventure.
This fall, make the short trip from NEPA to Mount Hope and step into a world of queens, knights, artisans, and seasonal fun. Whether you’re feasting, shopping, cheering for your chosen heir, or trick-or-treating with your little ones, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire promises an unforgettable experience.
Features image (above) courtesy of DGital Photography in Lancaster, PA.
Article images courtesy of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Mount Hope, PA.
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