Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

View on map
Arts & CultureGainesville
DatesDates TBA · Usually JanuaryCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsNow in its 39th year, the Hoggetowne
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville

The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is a City of Gainesville-produced event that has brought medieval-themed entertainment to Gainesville, Florida for nearly four decades. Traditionally staged over multiple weekends, the faire features artisans and craftspeople, stage combat demonstrations, a royal knighting ceremony with a King and Queen, medieval music and dance, and a food court known for its turkey legs. The 2026 edition relocated to a single weekend at Depot Park in downtown Gainesville.

Its costumed village, performances, and long history give it clear guidebook identity.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Now in its 39th year, the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire has built a specific, hands-on version of medieval-fair culture rather than a generic costume gathering: a living chessboard where costumed performers act out each move, stage-combat swordfighting demonstrations, and royal knighting ceremonies presided over by an in-character King and Queen give the event a sense of ongoing narrative rather than isolated booths

02

The mystery stays covered

Artisans and craftspeople sell handmade goods using older production methods, medieval music and dance performances run throughout the day, and the food court's turkey legs have become a recognizable signature of the event

03

The city starts moving

Free admission, rain or shine, keeps the faire accessible to families, even as the 2026 edition's move to Depot Park marked a temporary departure from its traditional multi-weekend run

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Produced by the City of Gainesville for nearly four decades

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the faire recreates medieval fair traditions through participatory elements like the living chessboard

The sacred route

Living ritual

stage-combat swordfighting

The local code

Living ritual

and formal knighting ceremonies performed in character by a King and Queen

Tradition 5

Living ritual

rather than treating medieval history as a static display

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually January

Getting around

Driving from Gainesville is typical.

What to wear

Regular winter-appropriate clothing works fine, though many attendees dress in medieval-inspired costume for fun; North Florida January days are generally cool and mild, so layers help for...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Gainesville

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map29.65 N, 82.32 WOpen in Google Maps

Gainesville, FL

TransportDriving from Gainesville is typical.
Stay areaGainesville

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Gainesville via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Gainesville, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for January.Compare faresFestival gearRegular winter-appropriate clothing works fine, though many attendees dress in medieval-inspired costume for fun; North Florida January days are generally cool and mild, so layers help for morning chill.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Hoggetowne Medieval Faire?

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is listed for Past edition: 24–25 January 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Hoggetowne Medieval Faire take place?

The festival is listed in Gainesville, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Gainesville, FL

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLhoggetownemedfaire.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually January
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Buenos Aires International Book Fair

Past edition: 23 April–11 May 2026

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Photo pending

Cairo International Book Fair

Past edition: 21 January–3 February 2026

Cairo, Egypt
Photo pending

Pageant of the Masters

Not represented as one continuous festival occurrence

Laguna Beach, United States
Photo pending

Annecy International Animation Film Festival

Past edition: 8–14 June 2025

Annecy, France

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →