The Carolina Renaissance Festival turns a 25-acre, open-air village into a lively playground for all ages—ideal for grandparents, parents, and kids exploring together. On fall weekends, the Huntersville grounds bustle with knights, music, dance, artisan markets, and crowd-pleasing food from turkey legs to sweet-potato turnovers. Gates open 9:30 a.m. and the festival runs rain or shine, with free parking and date-specific tickets.
Dates, hours & location
Weekends, Oct 4–Nov 23, 2025, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Location: 16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Free parking; event is open rain or shine.
Set your group’s rhythm around showtimes and mealtimes rather than a rigid march. Limited attendance means sellouts do happen, so secure preferred dates early; if a day sells out, only those with tickets are admitted. Arrive early for easier parking, a less crowded marketplace, and relaxed seats at headline shows.
What you’ll see: jousting, falconry & “Sea Fairies”
Expect jousting in the tournament arena three times daily, dramatic falconry (the classic “sport of kings”), 16 stages of music, dance, comedy, and the Living Mermaids’ Sea Fairies exhibit—great for photos.
The big arc of the day is cinematic: a trumpet flourish, armor glinting as knights charge with lances; raptors skimming low over the audience; mermaids swirling in a 3,000-gallon tank where families can pose on the throne afterward. Between stages, roving characters keep kids engaged while adults browse leatherwork, jewelry, and costuming.
Tickets, value & how to budget
Online prices: Adults $37.99 + tax, Children 5–12 $23.99 + tax; ages 4 and under free. Watch themed weekends for free-child promotions. Buy early—tickets are date-specific and limited.
For multigenerational groups, that inclusive ticket covers stage entertainment, tournament jousting, falconry, Sea Fairies, and the petting farm—so you’ll have plenty to do without add-ons. Games and rides (archery, Da Vinci’s Flying Machine, the maze, and more) are pay-as-you-play, which makes it easy to control spend across different ages. Consider VIP joust seating if guaranteed views matter to your party.
Eating well, moving easily
Many vendors are cash-only; ATMs exist but lines can be long—bring cash. Admission includes shows, not food. Outside food/drink isn’t allowed (common exception: one sealed water bottle per person); confirm current terms before you go.
Crowd flow favors early birds. Start at the back of the village and wander forward as the day fills in; it keeps lines shorter for snacks and souvenirs. Strollers help with little legs on the packed-dirt lanes, and frequent show breaks give grandparents comfortable rest windows. Re-entry with a hand stamp is useful for mid-day car runs.
Getting there & planning your route
The site sits between I-77 and I-85 near Charlotte; follow event signage to 16445 Poplar Tent Rd. Use official directions and plan extra time for arrival and departure. Parking is free.
Tie logistics to your group’s energy: aim for a late-morning joust, an off-peak lunch, then another headliner before easing out ahead of closing traffic. If your dates are flexible, scan themed weekends—pirates, time travelers, Celtic music—for the motif your family will love (and possible child-free offers).
Plan your group day now
Reserve date-specific tickets and explore add-ons like VIP joust seating via Ticket Prices & Info; map your approach with Driving Directions; and pick a Special Event Weekend that matches your crew’s vibe—or unlock free-child deals when available.
Ticket Prices & Info • Driving Directions • Special Event Weekends
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What’s included with admission?
Stage shows, street theater, tournament jousting, falconry, Sea Fairies, and the petting farm are included. Food, drink, merchandise, and games/rides are extra.
Q2. Do tickets sell out?
Yes—tickets are date-specific and limited. If a day sells out, only ticketholders are admitted. Purchase as early as possible for large groups.
Q3. Are there kid deals or themed days?
Select weekends offer free child admission (with conditions) and special programming—pirates, time travelers, Celtic music, and more. Check your dates before you buy.
Q4. Is cash required?
Most food and many marketplace vendors are cash-only due to limited connectivity; ATMs are onsite but lines can be long. Bring cash to save time.
