Another type of festival unique unto itself is the Renaissance faire, which has been providing entertainment for over half a century. Today, dozens of Renaissance faires across the country regale millions with their pageantry, performances, games, food, and fun. Each puts its own unique stamp on the proceedings—guaranteeing that, whichever you visit, your transport back in time is truly special.

Northern California Renaissance Faire

• Carolina Renaissance Festival
  Celebrating its twenty-fifth year in 2018, this Huntersville event draws almost 200,000 people each year and features jousts and falconry.
  
  Through November 18.

• Kansas City Renaissance Festival
  A four-decade annual event, the 2018 version features over 250 vendors and new attractions like giant puppets.
  
  Through October 14.

  Maryland Renaissance Festival | By: David Gould

• Maryland Renaissance Festival
  Featuring a different storyline each year, in 2018 you’ll meet King Henry VIII as you travel to sixteenth-century England.
  
  Through October 21.

• Northern California Renaissance Faire
  This festival, located ninety miles from San Francisco, includes a Celtic rock concert every Saturday night.
  
  Through October 21.

Northern California Renaissance Faire

• Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
  Thirteen themed weekends conclude in the fall with a Harvest weekend and a trio of weekends featuring Halloween fun, all on the grounds of Mount Hope Estate and Winery.
  
  Through October 28.

• Texas Renaissance Festival
  Located in Todd Mission, a city of about 100, this faire brought in almost 650,000 revelers in 2017. It features a fire whip show and, for the first time last year, a cosplay event.
  
  Through November 25.

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Take friends and family on a joyful trip back in time by sharing this look at some of autumn’s best Renaissance faires.