What to KnowThe Original Renaissance Pleasure FaireApril 4-May 17 (Saturdays and Sundays only)Santa Fe Dam Recreation AreaIrwindale$53 adult entry; $28 child entry (ages 5-12)The Pub Crawl is a separate ticket and not included with admission; tickets are timed and are $90 each; your ticket includes four beveragesPub Crawl tickets go on sale March 14 at noon and “will sell out quickly”The Pub Crawl is 21+ only
Southern California, that sizable stretch of spectaculars galore, is known for major happenings, including major happenings that are so big and buoyant that, quite often, a separately ticketed event occurs within the larger whole.
The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire is an ebullient example of this notion: The large lark, a springtime favorite that dances through Irwindale over every weekend in April, and several Saturdays and Sundays in May, too, is a ticketed gathering that gathers together time travelers, royal folk, fairies, gnomes, and merry revelers in search of a rollicking experience.
And the most rollicking of all the event’s outlandish and ornamental offerings? It’s the festivity’s Pub Crawl.
This requires a separate ticket apart from the admission required to enter Ren Faire, but wait not, dear time travelers, to purchase yours while visiting the throwback bash: Tickets will sell out, if previous years serve as a guide.
Best set your steampunk watch, medieval sundial, or whatever fanciful device you use to travel through the centuries to March 14, when Pub Crawl tickets go on sale at noon.
“Join the loud and lusty Pub Crawl Crew who guide you along the village streets to several fine taverns and public houses joking and singing along the way” is the colorful call to action from the Ren Faire team.
A quartet of alcoholic libations are included with your Pub Crawl ticket, as well as some “raucous” entertainment to keep spirits spunky and the laughs lively.
“It’s the most fun to be had this side of 1599!” is the vow from the ye olde crew.
If Pub Crawling isn’t your jam — or perhaps “your mead” is more apt — the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire has a host of creative diversions, energetic performances, food for sale, shopping spots, and more.
And, oh yes, theme weekends, including a weekend devoted to adorable “Cottagecore” fashion and fantasy, are on the schedule. Prance like the gnome you know you are, or aspire to be, by the Ren Faire site for an overview of the 2026 celebration.