The Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace 2026

The Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace 2026 will take place July 11 – August 23 in Rock Creek, Ohio, offering seven themed weekends in the village of Avaloch, with continuous entertainment, juried crafts, artisan demonstrations, rides, interactive games, medieval food, knights, minstrels, villagers, and fae.

This shaded, 13th-century family fun theme park is designed as a lively medieval marketplace reminiscent of Sherwood Forest. Visitors can explore Avaloch, shop for treasures ranging from silks to swords, watch skilled crafters at work, try games of skill, enjoy hearty festival food, and step into a world of romance, chivalry, fantasy, and merriment.

🎟 Tickets: Buy tickets online

The event is part of the wider calendar of Renaissance Faires and appears among both Renaissance Faires and Medieval Festivals in July 2026 and Renaissance Faires and Medieval Festivals in August 2026.

🏰 A Medieval Marketplace in Avaloch

The Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace invites guests into the shire of Avaloch, a forested festival setting filled with entertainment, crafts, games, food, and characters from the age of chivalry. Brave knights battle for the favor of the Queen, fair damsels and minstrels bring life to the lanes, and villagers and fae gather for a festival day full of merriment.

The marketplace includes juried crafts and artisans, with demonstrating crafters creating hand-blown glass art, jewelers threading fine gold wire around crystals and jewels, clothiers, soap makers, and more. The sound of the blacksmith adds to the atmosphere as visitors browse the shoppes and discover handmade goods throughout the faire.

⚔️ Entertainment, Games, and Food

The faire offers continuous entertainment, rides, interactive games, and foods fit for a King. Visitors can try archery, axe-throwing, and other games of skill, then enjoy traditional festival fare such as a colossal Turkey Legge, a full-course fire-roasted chicken dinner, homemade frozen custards, and pastries.

The combination of live performers, artisans, merchants, rides, games, and medieval-style food creates a full-day experience for families, costume lovers, fantasy fans, and visitors interested in historical festival settings.

The event is also connected to the broader selection of Renaissance and Medieval Festivals in Ohio, bringing a long summer season of medieval entertainment to the state.

📅 Themed Weekends 2026

The Great Lakes Medieval Faire 2026 will take place over seven themed weekends, each offering a different atmosphere and experience for visitors in Avaloch.

July 11 & 12 — Mythical Beasts, Cryptids & Pet Parade

The season begins with “Mythical Beasts, Cryptids & Pet Parade.” This opening weekend invites visitors to step into a world of legends, mysterious creatures, magical companions, and folklore. Guests can enjoy a fantasy-filled atmosphere where mythical beasts, cryptids, and pets become part of the celebration.

July 18 & 19 — Pirates & Princesses

The faire continues with “Pirates & Princesses.” This weekend brings together high-seas adventure and royal fantasy, with pirates, princesses, and storybook characters taking over the lanes of Avaloch. It is designed for costumes, imagination, and family-friendly fun.

July 25 & 26 — Taste of Avaloch

The third weekend is “Taste of Avaloch.” This theme focuses on the flavors, sights, and festive spirit of the faire. Visitors can enjoy food, entertainment, merchants, and the lively atmosphere of the village while discovering what makes Avaloch a unique medieval marketplace.

August 1 & 2 — Out of Oz

On the first weekend of August, the faire presents “Out of Oz.” Inspired by fantasy, wonder, and adventure, this theme transforms Avaloch into a place where classic imagination meets medieval faire magic. Visitors can expect colorful characters, creative costumes, and a whimsical atmosphere.

August 8 & 9 — Knights Templar and Caped Crusaders

The fifth weekend is “Knights Templar and Caped Crusaders.” This theme combines medieval chivalry with heroic fantasy. Knights, warriors, and legendary defenders come together in a weekend dedicated to honor, adventure, and bold characters from different worlds.

August 15 & 16 — Celtic & Viking Festivities

The sixth weekend celebrates “Celtic & Viking Festivities.” This theme highlights music, heritage, warriors, myths, and traditions inspired by Celtic and Viking cultures. Visitors can enjoy a strong historical and legendary atmosphere throughout Avaloch.

August 22 & 23 — Barbarians and Gamers

The season closes with “Barbarians and Gamers.” This final weekend brings together fierce warriors, fantasy adventure, and gaming-inspired fun. It is a playful and energetic way to end the season, with a focus on strength, imagination, and interactive entertainment.

📍 About Rock Creek, Ohio

Rock Creek is a small village in Ashtabula County, in northeastern Ohio. It was settled in the late 18th century, organized in the early 19th century, and later incorporated as a village. The community is located near the Grand River and is part of a rural area known for small-town heritage, open landscapes, and access to the wider Lake Erie region.

Rock Creek has a population of around 670 residents. By road, it can be reached from Cleveland, Erie, Youngstown, and other regional cities through the northeastern Ohio highway network. Visitors traveling by train can use Amtrak service to nearby larger cities such as Cleveland or Erie, then continue to Rock Creek by road.

🚗 Approximate Road Distances to Rock Creek, Ohio