Renaissance Pleasure Faire

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Arts & CultureIrwindale
DatesDates TBA · Usually SpringCheck locally before booking
DurationSpringEstimate from available data
CrowdMediumAbout 250,000 people
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsFounded in 1963 by Ron and Phyllis Patterson
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale

Each spring the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire recreates a fictional sixteenth-century Elizabethan English village at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale. Weekend performances include live jousting, sword fighting, and period music across eight stages, staged by more than a thousand costumed performers alongside roughly 150 artisan vendors selling handcrafted leather, pewter, and other period goods.

Its historic costumed world-building and large audience make it more than a generic fair.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Founded in 1963 by Ron and Phyllis Patterson as a school outreach project depicting Elizabethan England, it is one of the oldest renaissance faires in the country and the direct model for many that followed elsewhere in the United States

02

The mystery stays covered

Live jousting tournaments run throughout each faire day, alongside archery, axe-throwing, and javelin demonstrations, and roughly 150 to 200 artisan shoppes sell handmade leather goods, pewter items, and other period-styled wares rather than mass-produced souvenirs

03

The city starts moving

Costumed attendance is encouraged but not required, and the faire's cast of more than a thousand performers stays in character across eight stages of continuous entertainment

04

The water draws everyone in

Relocated to Irwindale's Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in 2005 after decades near Agoura Hills, the faire remains distinct from Northern California's separately run renaissance faire

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Founded in 1963 as an educational project recreating Elizabethan English village life

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the faire preserves living-history traditions such as jousting tournaments

The sacred route

Living ritual

period trade demonstrations

The local code

Living ritual

and character-based performance

Tradition 5

Living ritual

carrying forward one of the founding models of the American renaissance-faire movement started by Ron and Phyllis Patterson

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually Spring

Getting around

Driving to Irwindale is typical.

What to wear

Renaissance-style costume is welcomed and part of the faire's culture, though modern clothing is also fine. Comfortable closed-toe shoes matter most given the faire's wooded, uneven grounds...

Safety

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

Where to stay

Pasadena or Monrovia

Tickets/cost

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

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map34.10 N, 117.96 WOpen in Google Maps

Irwindale, CA

TransportDriving to Irwindale is typical.
Stay areaPasadena or Monrovia

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 Irwindale via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Irwindale, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for festival season.Compare faresFestival gearRenaissance-style costume is welcomed and part of the faire's culture, though modern clothing is also fine. Comfortable closed-toe shoes matter most given the faire's wooded, uneven grounds, and a hat or sun layer helps for the open-air arena areas during warm spring afternoons.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

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Renaissance Pleasure Faire?

Renaissance Pleasure Faire is listed for Not represented as one continuous festival occurrence. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Renaissance Pleasure Faire take place?

The festival is listed in Irwindale, 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?

Spring 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?

Irwindale, CA

How big is it?

Medium: 250000

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 URLrenfair.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually Spring
Source statusOfficial source linked
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