The Northern California Renaissance Faire transforms Casa de Fruta grounds near Hollister into the fictional Elizabethan village of Willingtown each fall, staging the Queen's Royal Joust twice daily alongside six stages of period music, comedy, and dance performed by costumed guilds and more than 200 independent artisan vendors.
It is a strong regional fantasy/history event with clear guidebook appeal.
Originally launched in 1967 and revived in 2004 as a participant-owned faire under Play Faire Productions after fans crowdfunded its return, the event has a grassroots history distinct from other California renaissance faires, including the separately run Southern California faire near Irwindale
Its fictional setting, the village of Willingtown in Derbyshire during Elizabeth I's reign, hosts the Queen's Royal Joust twice daily along with Morris dancing, English country and Celtic music, and Gypsy Tribal performances across six stages
More than 200 artisans sell handcrafted leatherwork, metalwork, and other period wares, and themed weekends shift costume, food, and game offerings throughout the run, giving repeat visitors a different experience each week
First inaugurated in 1967 and rebuilt in 2004 as a participant-owned faire after its earlier incarnation folded
the event carries forward a grassroots
community-supported model unusual among renaissance faires
staging character-based performance
guild demonstrations
and craft trade rooted in Elizabethan-era English village life
Dates TBA · Usually Autumn
Driving from San Jose or Monterey is common.
Costume is optional but central to the faire's culture, and on-site rental or purchase booths make it easy to dress for the day. Comfortable closed-toe shoes suit the outdoor grounds, and...
Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.
Hollister or San Jose
Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.
USD
unknown
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Northern California Renaissance Faire is listed for Not represented as one continuous festival occurrence. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.
The festival is listed in Hollister, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.
Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.
Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.
Hollister, CA
Large: 150000
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