Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Summer cometh early in Florida, and with these warm winds returns the delightful whims of the Renaissance. On April 4th, the St. Petersburg Renaissance Faire begins with its trademark shows, foods, and goods, bringing a full month of Medieval delights to the area. So, don your prettiest garments, and maketh thy way!
Located at England Brothers Park in Pinellas Park, this year’s Renaissance Faire is an amazing way to get outside, enjoy the warm, sunny weather, and a chance to sweep that maiden out of your DMs and into your arms. Festivities take place on Saturday and Sunday every weekend in April, with different themes for each weekend. Learn more and get tickets here.
The Renaissance Faire leans deep into the storytelling and in-depth experiences: “Each villager, cook, entertainer, artisan, and courtier has a story to tell, wares to peddle, and feasts to cook. The only problem for you, dear traveller, is that one day is simply not enough time to experience all there is to offer!”
Photo via St. Pete Renaissance Faire
Old World food, drink and festivities
This year’s festival returns with all the Renaissance favorites, such as refreshing mead, giant turkey legs, scotch eggs, and more! There will also be some ‘new world’ goodies like fresh tea, boba, soft-serve ice cream, burgers, kettle corn, and other festive foods.
The fairgrounds of the St. Pete Renaissance Faire (A.K.A. The Shire of Heyford) will be packed full of shows, entertainers, storytellers, brave knights, jesters, and faeries. From juggling to jousting, the entertainment transports you to another time.
Part of what makes this festival so special is that the show never stops. From dawn till dusk, visitors can enjoy plays, listen to live Renaissance-inspired music, and give ear to the many bards and players wandering the grounds of this enchanting village. There is so much to do, so much to see and hear, so much to eat that one day might not be enough!
In addition to all the delicious foods and fun activities, there will be all kinds of keepsakes scattered around the fair. Travelers are welcome to stop by the many booths of artisans from far and wide. Passersby can purchase homemade goodies such as honey and jams, as well as a host of other sentimental souvenirs, including jewelry, books, knives, swords, clothing, cups, bamboo flutes, toys, and many other Renaissance paraphernalia.
England Brothers Park is located at 5010 81st Ave N, Pinellas Park. Tickets are available here. Follow the fair on Instagram to see the latest in entertainment.
