King Richard’s Faire 2026

King Richard’s Faire 2026 celebrates its 45th season from September 5 through October 25, 2026, in Carver, Massachusetts. This New England Renaissance festival transforms a 200-acre property into an Elizabethan-inspired kingdom featuring armored jousting, live music, comedy, theatrical performances, artisan demonstrations, and medieval-style food. The eight-weekend season includes two additional Monday openings, themed celebrations, and more than 70 live shows daily.

Located south of Boston, the festival is a major event on the calendar of Renaissance and medieval festivals in Massachusetts.

📅 Dates, Opening Days, and Hours

2026 season: September 5–October 25, 2026.

Opening days: Saturdays and Sundays, plus Monday, September 7, and Monday, October 12.

Hours: 10:30 AM–6:00 PM.

Address: 5 Pine Street, Carver, MA 02330, United States.

The fair operates on the following dates:

• September: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27.
• October: 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24, and 25.

The event takes place rain or shine, although dangerous weather conditions may affect operations.

🏰 A Renaissance Kingdom in Massachusetts

King Richard’s Faire recreates a festive Renaissance kingdom with themed streets, performance areas, shops, taverns, and a tournament field. Visitors can explore eight named regions throughout the wooded grounds while interacting with costumed performers and the royal court.

The festival features more than 100 artisans, 11 live performance stages, and three jousting tournaments each day. Admission includes the regular entertainment program, access to the artisan marketplace, and live demonstrations.

🎭 Themed Weekends 2026

The 45th season includes eight themed weekends, each with its own activities, competitions, and special celebrations.

1. Kick Off to the 45th Season — September 5–7

Theme: Autism Welcoming Weekend.

The opening celebration includes three days of Renaissance entertainment and activities in partnership with Run the Gamut, supporting awareness of the autism community.

Saturday, September 5: Carver residents receive free admission with identification.

Sunday, September 6: Salute to Safety honors active and retired military personnel, police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. Eligible visitors receive free admission with identification, and a recognition ceremony takes place before the 5:00 PM joust.

Monday, September 7: The faire opens for Labor Day.

2. Babes & Beer, Pirate Invasion Weekend — September 12–13

Pirate-themed festivities take over the kingdom for a weekend of contests and interactive entertainment.

Saturday, September 12: The Annual Cleavage Contest takes place on the King’s Stage. Participants must be at least 18 years old, with a maximum of 50 contestants. The competition benefits a breast cancer charity.

Sunday, September 13: The Queen’s Beer Run takes place on the Tournament Field. Participation is limited to adults aged 21 and older, with a maximum of 50 contestants.

Registration for the Queen’s Beer Run begins at 3:30 PM at the Broken Lance Tavern.

3. Wizards & Wands Weekend — September 19–20

Wizards & Wands Weekend brings magical characters and fantasy-inspired activities to the fair.

Confirmed activities include magical meetups, Hat Filtering on the King’s Stage, the Spry Wizard Tournament, and themed costume parades at 5:00 PM.

Hat Filtering welcomes participants of all ages.

4. Love & Companionship Weekend — September 26–27

This weekend features romantic celebrations, artisan shopping, and activities promoting companionship and inclusion.

A Vow Renewal Ceremony takes place on the King’s Stage. Up to 25 married couples can participate on stage, while additional couples may join from the audience. Registration takes place 30 minutes before the ceremony.

Visitors who spend at least $500 at one or more artisan shops qualify to receive two tickets to return to King Richard’s Faire in 2027.

Sunday, September 27: Deaf Awareness Day includes ASL interpreters throughout the grounds and appearances by the New England Finger Dancers.

The fair also welcomes leashed dogs as King’s Companions on Sunday with a companion ticket.

5. Gamers Guild Weekend — October 3–4

Gamers Guild Weekend celebrates tabletop games and fantasy fandoms.

DR Adventures hosts mini tabletop campaigns beginning at 11:00 AM on both days, with registration available at Dragonfly’s Realm on Lancaster Lane. Participation is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other activities include a Dungeons & Gaming stage show and the Battle of the Upside Down on the Tournament Field.

The competition welcomes visitors aged 12 and older, with participation limited to the first 50 registered contestants. A themed costume parade follows.

6. Highland Happenings Weekend — October 10–12

Highland Happenings celebrates Scottish-inspired traditions through contests, performances, and competitive activities.

Saturday, October 10: The Men in Kilts contest welcomes adults aged 18 and older. Participation is limited to 50 contestants, and the event benefits the RESCU Foundation.

Sunday, October 11: A Hoisting Competition takes place.

Monday, October 12: The KRF Highland Games are held on the Tournament Field. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Registration for the Men in Kilts contest begins at 3:30 PM. Registration for the Hoisting Competition and Highland Games begins at 3:30 PM near booths 39 and 40 at the Tournament Field.

7. Kingdoms United Weekend — October 17–18

Kingdoms United brings together fantasy fandoms inspired by Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings.

Saturday, October 17: A Game of Thrones-themed jousting tournament culminates in the 5:00 PM joust, when a champion is named Knight of Seven Kingdoms.

Sunday, October 18: Visitors can enjoy a relay and ring-toss tournament, Lord of the Rings-themed activities, and a costume parade.

8. Fest-Evil Finale — October 24–25

The final weekend celebrates Halloween and closes the 45th season with costumes, competitions, and special performances.

Confirmed activities include:

• 2:00 PM: Children’s costume parade.
• 2:30 PM–6:00 PM: Trick-or-treating throughout the kingdom.
• Adult Costume Contest for participants aged 18 and older, with a maximum of 50 contestants and cash prizes.
• Witch Dance flash mob.
• King-Sized Final Revels with the full Royal Court.
• Final Drum Jam to close the season.

Registration for the Adult Costume Contest takes place 30 minutes before the competition.

⚔️ Jousting, Live Shows, and Entertainment

Three Daily Jousting Tournaments

The Tournament Field hosts three armored jousting competitions each festival day.

• 12:00 PM: Challenge of Champions.
• 2:30 PM: King’s Tournament.
• 5:00 PM: Joust to the Death.

The afternoon’s final tournament includes the day’s concluding competition and may incorporate activities associated with the weekend’s theme.

Stage Entertainment

The festival offers more than 70 live shows daily across 11 stages. The entertainment program includes musicians, acrobats, fire performers, comedy acts, storytellers, puppetry, and theatrical performances.

Featured performers and acts include El Zappo, Adam Crack, 17 Swords, Jacques Ze Whipper, Loud Mime, Tartanic, Pipe Dream, Fortress Dwellers, Grievance by Proxy, Washing Well Wenches, The Sturdy Beggars, Cirqa Brava, Samkoma, Puppies of Penzance, Rowdy Rovers, and The Bards of Misfortune.

The daily entertainment also includes royal appearances, parades, and activities for children.

⚔️ Daily Entertainment Schedule

The regular program includes performances throughout the grounds. Several time slots feature alternative performers, so the act appearing may vary by date.

Gate and Crown Stage

• 10:15 AM: Gate Show.
• 10:30 AM: Welcome & Music and Royal Welcomes.
• 10:45 AM: Music throughout the day begins.
• 12:45 PM: Parade.
• 1:00 PM: Music throughout the day.
• 5:30 PM: A Peasanty Goodbye.
• 6:00 PM: Farewells and closing.

King’s Stage

• 10:45 AM: King’s Court.
• 11:15 AM: Royal Weddings.
• 11:45 AM: El Zappo / Adam Crack / 17 Swords / Jacques Ze Whipper.
• 12:45 PM: Parade.
• 1:00 PM: The Last Sip (Hell No Dolly!).
• 1:30 PM: El Zappo / Adam Crack / 17 Swords / Jacques Ze Whipper.
• 2:15 PM: Shire Musicians.
• 2:45 PM: El Zappo / Adam Crack / 17 Swords / Jacques Ze Whipper.
• 3:30 PM: The Last Sip (Hell No Dolly!).
• 4:00 PM: Special Events.
• 4:45 PM: El Zappo / Adam Crack / 17 Swords / Jacques Ze Whipper.
• 5:30 PM: Final Revels.

Siren’s Stage

• 11:00 AM: Loud Mime.
• 11:45 AM: Tartanic / Pipe Dream / Fortress Dwellers.
• 12:30 PM: Loud Mime.
• 1:30 PM: Tartanic / Pipe Dream / Fortress Dwellers.
• 2:15 PM: Loud Mime.
• 3:00 PM: Tartanic / Pipe Dream / Fortress Dwellers.
• 4:00 PM: Loud Mime.
• 4:45 PM: Tartanic / Pipe Dream / Fortress Dwellers.

Cottage Stage

• 11:15 AM: Grievance by Proxy.
• 12:00 PM: Flawed Flirtations (PG-16).
• 12:45 PM: Parade.
• 1:00 PM: Grievance by Proxy.
• 1:45 PM: Miracle Show.
• 2:30 PM: Grievance by Proxy.
• 3:15 PM: Miracle Show.
• 4:00 PM: Grievance by Proxy.
• 4:45 PM: Flawed Flirtations (PG-16).

Carriage House Stage

• 10:45 AM: Rowdy Rovers / Cirqa Brava / Jesse Ofgang & The Diaspora.
• 11:30 AM: Captain Robbie / The Bards of Misfortune / El Zappo.
• 12:15 PM: Rowdy Rovers / Cirqa Brava / Jesse Ofgang & The Diaspora.
• 1:15 PM: Captain Robbie / The Bards of Misfortune / El Zappo.
• 2:00 PM: Rowdy Rovers / Cirqa Brava / Jesse Ofgang & The Diaspora.
• 2:45 PM: Captain Robbie / The Bards of Misfortune / El Zappo.
• 3:30 PM: Rowdy Rovers / Cirqa Brava / Jesse Ofgang & The Diaspora.
• 4:15 PM: Captain Robbie / The Bards of Misfortune / El Zappo.

Washing Well Stage

• 11:30 AM: Shire Musicians.
• 12:00 PM: Washing Well Wenches.
• 12:45 PM: Parade.
• 1:45 PM: Washing Well Wenches.
• 3:00 PM: Washing Well Wenches.
• 4:15 PM: Washing Well Wenches.

Mudd Stage

• 11:30 AM: The Sturdy Beggars.
• 12:45 PM: Parade.
• 1:00 PM: The Sturdy Beggars.
• 2:30 PM: The Sturdy Beggars.
• 4:00 PM: The Sturdy Beggars.

Queen’s Stage

• 11:15 AM: Cirqa Brava / Samkoma.
• 12:00 PM: Puppies of Penzance.
• 12:45 PM: Parade.
• 1:00 PM: Cirqa Brava / Samkoma.
• 1:45 PM: Puppies of Penzance.
• 2:30 PM: Cirqa Brava / Samkoma.
• 3:15 PM: Puppies of Penzance.
• 4:00 PM: Cirqa Brava / Samkoma.

Tournament Field

• 12:00 PM: Challenge of Champions.
• 12:45 PM: Parade.
• 1:30 PM: The Galloping Cavaliers.
• 2:30 PM: King’s Tournament.
• 3:30 PM: The Galloping Cavaliers.
• 4:00 PM: Special Events.
• 5:00 PM: Joust to the Death.

Pubs and Kids Cove

2:00 PM: Pub Sing at The Leaky Toad.

1:30 PM: Knight’s School at Kids Cove.

2:00 PM: Knighting Ceremony at Kids Cove.

🍻 Sunday Pub Crawls

King Richard’s Faire offers eight themed pub crawls, one on each Sunday of the season. These separately ticketed experiences are restricted to visitors aged 21 and older and must be purchased online in advance.

Each experience includes three alcoholic beverages, VIP seating at two shows, and a souvenir mug.

• September 6: The People’s Pub Crawl.
• September 13: Pirate Pub Crawl.
• September 20: Pub Crawl 9 3/4.
• September 27: Pug Crawl.
• October 4: Roll & Stroll Pub Crawl.
• October 11: Plaid Pub Crawl.
• October 18: An Expected Journey Pub Crawl.
• October 25: Last Call Pub Crawl.

Children cannot join or accompany the pub crawls. Participants receive additional event information by email before their selected date.

🛍️ Artisan Marketplace and Demonstrations

More than 100 artisans offer handcrafted goods throughout the Renaissance kingdom.

Visitors can watch live demonstrations, including glassblowing, metalworking, and leatherworking, and explore shops selling handcrafted products and Renaissance-inspired merchandise.

Shopping and demonstrations are included in general admission, although purchases are charged separately.

🍗 Food and Drink

The fair’s food vendors and taverns serve a selection of savory dishes, sweet treats, and beverages.

Menu items include spit-roasted turkey legs, chowder and stew served in bread bowls, burgers, baked goods, cinnamon rolls, and other refreshments.

Adults aged 21 and older can purchase beer, mead, wine, and specialty drinks at designated locations. Nonalcoholic beverages are also available.

Food and beverages are not included in general admission.

🎟 Tickets and Admission Prices 2026

King Richard’s Faire uses date-based admission prices. Adult tickets are for visitors aged 12 and older, while child tickets cover ages 4–11.

September 5–20 — Weekends 1–3

• Adult admission: $36.
• Child admission, ages 4–11: $22.

September 26–October 4 — Weekends 4–5

• Adult admission: $40.
• Child admission, ages 4–11: $24.

October 10–25 — Weekends 6–8

• Adult admission: $46.
• Child admission, ages 4–11: $26.

Children under 4: Free admission.

Additional Admission Conditions

Online purchases incur a convenience fee per ticket. Gate prices match online admission prices for the same date, although the number of tickets available at the entrance is limited.

In-person admission and food ticket purchases at the box office are cash only.

Tickets are nonrefundable. Online tickets may be transferred to another available date during the 2026 season through the TicketSpice account center, subject to a change fee and any applicable price difference. Changes must be completed before the original ticket date.

General admission includes the three daily jousting tournaments, regular stage entertainment, the artisan marketplace, demonstrations, parking, and shuttle service when applicable.

Additional charges apply for games, rides, pony rides, food, beverages, and artisan purchases.

Official ticket sales: Purchase King Richard’s Faire 2026 tickets.

🅿️ Parking and Visitor Information

Parking: Free onsite parking is available to festival visitors.

Accessible parking spaces are located near the front gate for vehicles displaying a qualifying license plate or placard.

When the main parking areas reach capacity, visitors may be directed to auxiliary parking lots. Free round-trip shuttle buses provide transportation between those lots and the entrance.

All guests must use designated festival parking. Street parking is prohibited along Route 58, Pine Street, Rochester Road, Meadow Street, Mayflower Road, Crescent Street, and surrounding residential streets.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, particularly on busy themed weekends.

📍 Getting to King Richard’s Faire

The festival is located in Carver, a town in southeastern Massachusetts, approximately 45 minutes by car from Boston and Providence under favorable traffic conditions.

Address: 5 Pine Street, Carver, MA 02330, United States.

From Boston

Take Interstate 93 South to Route 3 South. Continue to Exit 16 for Route 44 West, then take the Route 58/Carver exit and follow the festival signs.

From Providence

Take Interstate 95 South to Interstate 195 East, then Interstate 495 North. Use Exit 2 for Route 58 and follow the signs toward the fair.

For other events in the region, explore the September 2026 Renaissance fairs and medieval festivals calendar or browse the Renaissance Fairs category.