This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

A Weekend of Chivalry and Romance

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is a weekend getaway fit for a king and queen.

Take a trip back to the 16th century this weekend at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Now in its 31st season, the PRF offers visitors a chance to make merry amid knights and ladies as well as jugglers and jousters. The "castle doors" will open at 11:00 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 30. 

The theme for this weekend being "Chivalry and Romance," visitors will be wooed by bawdy rogues and flirtatious wenches, who will transport them to the Elizabethan era.

"('Chivalry and Romance' is) the perfect theme to celebrate love throughout the Shire,” said Candace Smith, Communications & Educational Programs Director for the PRF. "In addition to the Daily Revels Schedule, we add a Renewal of Love Ceremony, a Best Legs Competition and a Wooing Contest to involve our patrons in the activities."

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition, this weekend's schedule will include special performances of world music at the show Wine and Alchemy and dance at Lady Ophelia. Whoever said "chivalry is dead" clearly hasn’t been to the Renaissance Faire!

“This weekend, August 20-21, is also our Red Cross blood drive,” Smith said. “Patrons who donate will receive free admission for the day. Appointments can be made through the Red Cross website.” The blood drive will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the goal of collecting 400 pints.

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Each weekend at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, there are 70 shows performed daily on 13 open-air stages, along with roving sword swallowers, fire breathers, magicians, jugglers and tumblers. A replica of 16th century London's Globe Theatre is also a stunning venue for performances of William Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies. 

More than 100 costumed performers are joined at the faire by artisan craftspeople demonstrating everything from glass-blowing and pottery-making to the handcrafting of potions and swords. Along with the artisans, attendants in the pubs and food shops will be dressed in Elizabethan era costumes and speaking in authentic dialect. 

Every Saturday and Sunday at 12:45 p.m. there will be a Scotch egg eating contest, with winners to receive a $50 gift card from Mount Hope Winery, a refund of admission, a t-shirt, and of course, bragging rights.  

If you go, you'll also want to witness the live "Match of Human Chess," animated with sword play, wit and Medieval bravado, and featuring black and white human "chess pieces" vying for possession of each other’s King and Queen. The day’s events will culminate at the Ultimate Joust, in which noble knights and their fearless horses gallop toward either victory or a lance-shattering defeat.

No one goes hungry at the faire, with more than 22 "Royal Kitchens" serving up everything from giant roasted turkey legs and fish-n-chips to fresh baked breads and pastries. If you want to wash all that down with something authentic to the period, ale straight from the kegs of the Swashbuckler Brewing Company and honey-mead from the cellars of Mount Hope Winery will be available. 

End the day with the "Finale in Song," a gathering of the entire cast of performers for a huge song and dance extravaganza.

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is located in the gardens of Mount Hope Estate and Winery at 2775 Lebanon Road in Manheim, Lancaster County.

Admission is $29.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages 5 to 11. The price of admission does not include games, rides, food, beverages and crafts. Parking is free.

Purchase tickets online for a $5 discount or come dressed in period costume for a $2 discount at the door.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?