Experience the Magic: Northern California Renaissance Faire Opens Now!
URGENT UPDATE: The Northern California Renaissance Faire has just opened its gates for an exciting season, running weekends until October 19, 2025, at the scenic Casa de Fruta in Hollister. This vibrant event transforms a typical Highway 101 rest stop into the enchanting Elizabethan village of Willingtown, offering adventures for all ages!
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each weekend, visitors can dive into immersive experiences, including thrilling jousting tournaments, interactive performances, and workshops. Guests can savor traditional fare like giant turkey legs while enjoying carnival-style games and artisan crafts.
What’s new this year? Attendees can engage in unique activities like a father-daughter blacksmithing demonstration, a Shakespeare-meets-Dungeons & Dragons improv show, and even a kid-friendly stage designed to entertain the younger crowd. Duncan Horrillo, known as “Snarkfellow,” and his colleague Stan Horyza, the self-proclaimed “village idiot,” recommend planning your visit around the Faire’s diverse lineup of events.
With 150 vendors and hundreds of actors populating the village, visitors can explore winding paths filled with elaborate costumes and handcrafted goods. Themed weekends include Cottagecore on September 27-28, Oktoberfest on October 11-12, and a Halloween Fantasy on October 18-19.
“Faire is home,” says Morrigan Honor-McKeen, a third-generation participant. “For me, it’s community.”
While many come to escape reality, the Faire also fosters a deep sense of community among its vendors and performers. Jennifer Christie, who has been involved for years, teaches traditional crafts and reflects on the familial bonds formed through the event. “It’s where I raised my daughter,” she shares, highlighting the supportive network established among participants.
Innovative quests like solving a murder mystery or discovering hidden treasures through QR codes add a new layer of engagement for attendees, enhancing the interactive experience of the Faire.
As you plan your visit, remember the rules: No pets are allowed, shoes are required, and while costumes are encouraged, all costume weapons must be sheathed and peace-tied. The Faire is wheelchair accessible, though paths are unpaved.
Tickets are available online for $35 for adults, with children 12 and under free. Don’t miss out on this unique, whimsical experience that’s capturing the hearts of visitors across Northern California.
For more information, visit norcalrenfaire.com and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the past!
