A Day at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Each year from August through October, the grounds of the Mt. Hope Estate and Winery are transformed into bustling Elizabethan village every weekend. The 35-acre village, along with hundreds of costumed revelers, welcome visitors to a 16th century festival celebrating a visit by Queen Elizabeth I. Inside the village are 13 stages or venues where nearly 100 shows are performed daily. These shows offer a variety of entertainment for visitors of all ages, including plays inspired by William Shakespeare, puppet shows, juggling, dancing, singing, and fire and sword swallowing. Between shows, visitors are delighted by strolling minstrels, and other characters.

I started my visit to the Faire with a performance by Wolgemut. Using a unique array of Medieval and Renaissance-style bagpipes, drums, and other instruments, the band plays historical pieces spanning from the 12th to the 17th centuries.

Next up was a performance by the Tartan Terrors, a group that blends traditional Celtic music and dance with a more modern sound, resulting in a unique style that is guaranteed to entertain. Bagpipes never sounded so good!

After a morning filled with music and dance, we chose a short play, “The Boarshead Brawl,” as our next stop in the Shire. By the end of this short piece, no cast member was left dry or without a face full of pie.

A visit to the gypsy troupe was next. Filled with great music, lovely dancers, and fire, this show was a definite crowd-pleaser.

After the gypsies moved on, we stopped by to watch the magic of Sir Issac Fawlkes before making our way through the Swashbuckler Brew Pub to another delightful musical experience, Demetrius and Friends. Joining Demetrius the Minstrel on stage were the Burly Minstrels and the Rakish Rogues. A half hour filled with laughter, music, flutes, mandolin, and guitar, this was one of the best performances of the day.

At the end of the show, Demetrius and the Burly Minstrels left the stage and the Rakish Rogues were joined by the Sultry Sirens for an entertaining show that left the audience blushing and rolling with laughter.

 No visit to the Renaissance Faire would be complete without a stop by the Mud Pit. Imagine Romeo and Juliet played out in a swampy pit of mud!

 The last stop of our day was a Renaissance Vaudeville show. Filled with flame throwing, knife throwing, and pet tricks, this show was fun for all ages.