Renaissance Faire – Salem Happenings

The 35th Anniversary of King Richard’s Faire

If you read my post a couple of weeks ago about the Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival, you probably already know that King Richard’s Faire is right around the corner. In fact, if you’re a renaissance fan who’s been counting down the days to one of the largest and longest-running renaissance festivals in the area, you’ll be happy to know that the wait is finally over. This is because King Richard’s faire will open its gates for the 35th time tomorrow (Saturday, September 3, 2016) at approximately 10:30 A.M. This year’s Faire will feature some new acts plus all of the tried and true entertainment of years past, including acrobats, comedy acts, fire eaters, games, jugglers, jousting, magicians, minstrels, rides, tigers and more 16th-century style entertainment than you can shake a sword at. And, speaking of swords, the Faire will also feature a huge assortment of vendors that will allow you to purchase armor, weapons, and everything in between. Best of all, there are a number of coupons and discounts available for the Faire, including a Groupon that will allow you to save over 30% on admission for a group of two or four. For more information on King Richard’s Faire, which runs from September 3, 2016 to October 23, 2016, please visit the King Richard’s Faire website.

Photo credit: Wolfrage via Visualhunt.com / CC BY

The Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival

King Richard’s Faire will open its doors to all of the renaissance fair fans out there in just a couple of weeks, but if you just can’t wait to grab your medieval finery or dress up as your favorite Game of Thrones character, fear not! It just so happens that the Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival is scheduled to take place this Saturday and Sunday (August 20th and 21st, 2016) from 10:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. in Charlton, MA. This festival, which is definitely smaller than King Richard’s Faire (but also costs less than half the price), will feature comedy acts, costumes, dance performances, musical performances, historical weapon demonstrations (swords, guns, and cannons), stories, a bunch of merchants selling a wide variety of unusual items, and a whole lot more. Best of all, there’s currently a Groupon available that will let you purchase two tickets to the festival for $19, which is pretty hard to beat. For more information on the Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival, which typically costs $15 for anyone over the age of 14 and $10 for children ages 6 to 14 (children under 6 are free), please visit the Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival website.

Photo credit: WalterPro4755 via Visualhunt / CC BY

Friday Fun: It’s Time to Get Medieval

Hear ye! Hear ye! All people of the realm, the summer may be coming to a close but that doesn’t mean that the fun has to end. In fact, if you’re a parent, it may mean that the fun is just beginning now that the kids are back in school. However, if you’re having trouble finding something fun to do this weekend, here are a couple of events in the Boston area that you should definitely check out.

First, if you and/or your kids have ever wanted to see a group of knights, clad in full armor, riding into battle, King Richard’s Faire may be just what you’re looking for. This faire, which is located in Carver, Massachusetts, is a renaissance faire that features armor, acrobats, comedy acts, costuming, fire-breathers and fire eaters, a human chess game, games for kids and adults, giant turkey legs, jewelry, jugglers, jousting, magicians, minstrels, swords, rides, and a whole lot more. In fact, the faire will not only give you the opportunity to watch a number of skilled performers carrying out amazing feats of skill and showmanship but will also give you the opportunity to get involved in many of the shows yourself (whether you want to or not.) The Faire will even give you the opportunity to watch a joust and root for the dashing hero or the cutthroat villain. For more information on the Faire, which runs every weekend from August 31st to October 20th, please visit the King Richard’s Faire website.

If, on the other hand, you and/or your kids are more interested in the armor than the people who wear it, you may want to check out the Higgins Armory Museum in Worchester, MA. This museum, which is open every day except Monday, features one of the largest collections of medieval arms and armor that you will probably ever see. Unfortunately, the museum is closing at the end of 2013, so it may be your last chance to see all of the armor, axes, crossbows, gauntlets, helmets, swords, and other amazing pieces from around the world that are featured at the museum. For more information on the museum and all of the amazing exhibits that it has to offer, please visit the Higgins Armory Museum website.