Find Tons of Fun for the Entire Family At This Renaissance Festival in Charlotte, North Carolina

Ready for a good joust and a turkey leg? The Carolina Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace are back for another year this fall in Charlotte.  Local mom Jackie tells us what to expect at Ren-Fest plus shares tips for a great experience with your family!

The 2026 Carolina Renaissance Festival takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, October 3rd – November 22nd, 2026.

I recently took my kids to their first Renaissance festival in Charlotte, and they had a great time! The Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace are fun for the whole family. We wove our way through the delicious smell of roasted turkey legs, through artisan shops, past sword jugglers, falconry demonstrations, and a live jousting tournament. It was a blast!

Info About The Renaissance Festival in Charlotte, North Carolina

There is so much to do and see; you will need to plan on spending the day. I found that some of my friends have been coming to this very ren-fest since they were school-age tots, it is that good! A map at the front will guide you to tons of show offerings. Most showtimes will rotate around again if you happen to miss something you wanted to see.

Maybe we are some nature geeks, but the falconry show is a must! Swooping owls, vultures, hawks, and of course, falcons wow the crowd as you feel the air whoosh overhead. The jousting tournament is top-notch. Choose your side of the arena to take a seat, and you have chosen your valiant knight. Jousting passes will have you on the edge of your chair! The shields and lance pieces used in the tournament are available for purchase immediately after the show – this was one souvenir my boys had to have!

Other attractions are nearly endless: petting farm, rides, games, comedy, magic, pirates, royal courts, Robin Hood, fairies, glass blowing, blacksmiths, pottery making, jewelry, leather works, and on, and on, and on!

Check out the full entertainment schedule.

Tips For Your Visit To The Renaissance Festival in Charlotte, North Carolina

• Prepare for lots of walking, especially through dust and dirt.
• Bathrooms are available via port-a-potties, as is a water station.
• Mighty tasty food & drinks are available for purchase, outside food is not permitted
• Prepare your kids (and yourself) for large crowds.

2026 Carolina Renaissance Festival Ticket Info

• Adults (ages 13+): $37.99 + tax  |  Children (ages 5–12): $23.99 + tax  |  Ages 4 & under: Always free
• Discounts can be found on the Festival website
• Children ages 4 and under are always free
• Several special event weekends offer free child admission — including Wizards & Revels (Oct 17–18), Halloween Daze (Oct 31–Nov 1), Time Travelers’ Weekend (Nov 14–15), and the Final Huzzah (Nov 21–22, ages 12 and under free with canned food donation)
• Purchase tickets on the Renaissance Festival website.
• Open 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Saturdays and Sundays | October 3rd – November 22nd, 2026
• This is a rain-or-shine event
• Free parking!
• Festival location – 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, NC

Carolina Renaissance Festival 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Carolina Renaissance Festival in 2026?

The 2026 Carolina Renaissance Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays from October 3rd through November 22nd, 2026. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m., with a pre-opening show starting at 9:05 a.m. The festival is open rain or shine.

How much do Carolina Renaissance Festival tickets cost in 2026?

Adult tickets (ages 13 and up) are $37.99 plus tax. Children ages 5–12 are $23.99 plus tax. Children ages 4 and under are always free. Tickets are date-specific and limited — they can sell out, so purchase in advance at carolina.renfestinfo.com.

Is parking free at the Carolina Renaissance Festival?

Yes! Parking is free, courtesy of Harris Teeter.

Are there any weekends with free child admission?

Yes! Four 2026 themed weekends offer free child admission: Wizards & Revels Weekend (Oct 17–18), Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights (Oct 31–Nov 1), Time Travelers’ Weekend (Nov 14–15), and the Final Huzzah (Nov 21–22 — ages 12 and under free with a canned food donation at the gate). Conditions apply on each date; see the Special Event Weekends page for full details.

Where is the Carolina Renaissance Festival located?

The festival is held at 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, NC. See the official driving directions page for details.

Does a day at the Renaissance Festival sound like a perfect outing for your family?