Northern California Renaissance Faire transforms Hollister into a 14th-century village
HOLLISTER, Calif. —
The Northern California Renaissance Faire has returned to Casa de Fruta in Hollister, transforming the area into a lively 14th-century village for one weekend.
The event features live jousting, sword fighting, comedy, and elaborate cosplay, letting attendees step back in time.
“It’s kind of expensive. So you try to build your costumes over the years,” James Connor, a knight, said. “Just try to be as authentic as possible and just have fun.”
This weekend’s theme, Pirate Invasion, brought an influx of pirate costumes and sea-inspired fun.
“This is my parrot. His name is Jack,” a pirate, Clay Lefevre, said.
Another added, “She went for the siren look because it is Pirate Invasion weekend. I love it, so I think we’re going to go see the sea shanties later. Yeah. And I did the classic ren-fair look.”
The Renaissance Faire is an interactive experience, with visitors encouraged to fully embrace the spirit of the event.
One knight in shining armor, Connor, who has been attending for over 40 years, said, “I just love all the people coming out and just having fun, just letting their hair down and, you know, enjoying the weather and all the crafts and that sort of thing. I love it.”
In addition to the costumes, artisans showcase handmade crafts, and food vendors offer Renaissance-inspired feasts.
“The turkey leg, that’s what. Yeah, it’s very, like, for sure,” two attendees said.
Lefevre said, “I might get a turkey leg. Might have to. Might have to try the turkey leg. I’ve done it before at Disneyland a while back, but I think it’s a special thing here.”
The Northern California Renaissance Faire will continue over the next month with a packed lineup of themed weekends, including Halloween and Oktoberfest. For many, the real appeal lies in the chance to leave reality behind and become someone else for the day.