Prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, which is set to launch its 45th season on the weekend of April 4-5, 2026. This vibrant event, located on a sprawling 25-acre site designed to replicate an English village, commemorates the historic 1545 visit of King Henry VIII and Queen Katheryn Parr. Attendees can look forward to a captivating blend of history, pageantry, and fantasy, featuring a variety of performers, artisan shops, human-powered rides, and an array of live shows.
This year’s opening weekend coincides with Easter, providing families with a delightful way to celebrate the holiday. Children are invited to join the Easter Egg Stroll at the Maypole, scheduled for 2:30 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for the festival can be purchased at SRFestival.com, with prices set at $34 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $15 for children (ages 5–12). Admission is free for children aged four and under. For further details on the Easter festivities, be sure to look for a special section in The Weekly on Wednesday, April 1.
For adults seeking entertainment, the festival offers a chance to showcase skills in traditional Renaissance games such as archery and crossbow shooting. Visitors can explore over 200 artisan shops, featuring handcrafted jewelry, leather products, pottery, fine art, clothing, and other unique treasures from the Renaissance era. With numerous stages and street performers, the festival is alive with music, comedy, swordplay, and acrobatics, ensuring there’s always something exciting to discover.
No festival experience is complete without indulging in delectable food and drink. This year, guests can savor the iconic turkey leg, among other culinary delights. For those interested in beverages, daily beer tastings are held at noon and 3 PM, while wine tastings are scheduled for 1 PM and 3 PM.
The wine tastings offer an intimate one-hour educational experience, guided by a Certified Sommelier from Scarborough. Attendees will sample six curated wines, enjoy light bites at their tables, and receive a commemorative wine glass to take home. Similarly, the beer tastings are led by a Certified Cicerone® and include a guided exploration of various beer styles, paired with light snacks. Guests will also receive a souvenir glass as part of this experience. Each weekend features a different theme for both beer and wine tastings.
For additional promotional details and pricing information regarding the Scarborough Renaissance Festival and its various experiences, visit SRFestival.com.
