Carolina Renaissance Festival 2025

The Carolina Renaissance Festival 2025 returns to Huntersville, North Carolina, running every Saturday and Sunday from October 4th through November 23rd, 2025. Gates open daily at 9:30 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m., with a lively pre-opening show starting at 9:05 a.m. Tickets are available online here.

Step Into the Village of Fairhaven

Each fall, more than 230,000 visitors step back in time to experience one of the largest Renaissance fairs in the country. The festival is set in the whimsical 16th-century village of Fairhaven, where cobblestone-style lanes, artisan shops, costumed characters, and themed architecture create a fully immersive experience.

With 16 outdoor stages, nonstop performances fill the air—music, comedy, dance, acrobatics, and even circus-style theater. Every corner of Fairhaven hides a new surprise, from jesters cracking jokes to traveling minstrels filling the streets with song.

Festival Highlights ✨

• Jousting Tournaments: Three times daily, armored knights on horseback clash in the tournament arena.
• Falconry Demonstrations: Birds of prey swoop overhead in thrilling displays of skill.
• The Mermaid Exhibit: Meet “Sea Fairies” as they swim and interact with guests in a massive tank.
• Artisan Marketplace: Over 140 booths feature handcrafted treasures like jewelry, leatherwork, candles, and medieval-inspired gifts.
• Food & Drink: Feast like royalty on giant turkey legs, savory stews, skewered meats, and sweet festival treats.
• Games & Activities: Try your hand at archery, axe throwing, or let kids enjoy interactive adventures.

A Tradition Since 1994

The Carolina Renaissance Festival was founded in 1994 by Jeff Siegel of Royal Faires, Ltd. What started as a celebration of medieval culture has grown into a 25-acre festival site nestled between Huntersville and Concord, just north of Charlotte. For over three decades, it has been a fall tradition that blends history, fantasy, and community spirit.

About Huntersville, NC 🏞️

Located in Mecklenburg County, Huntersville is home to around 63,000 residents and sits just north of Charlotte. The town is well-known for its proximity to Lake Norman, North Carolina’s largest man-made lake, making it a popular destination for both water sports and relaxation. Huntersville can be reached easily via Interstate 77, making the festival a convenient trip from Charlotte and surrounding areas.