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March 2024 by Kaelyn G.
The Renaissance Festival is always a great time! There is so much to do from shops to browse, many shows to watch, and best of all, a large variety of food to eat. The food is the best part. It's all very affordable and delicious. I would recommend getting there 10-15 minutes before opening time to avoid the long line for parking. You can easily wait 45 minutes on the highway waiting to park. The festival is outside on the dirt and there is not a lot of shade just fyi. Also be sure to bring cash, because they do not accept credit cards.
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March 2024 by Staci H.
We needed to leave shortly after arriving to go home and come back. We were driving and followed the yellow exit signs which were apparently set up incorrectly directing us where to go. When we pulled up to where the attendants were with the flags waving cars on we were greeted with a guy with the flag who started yelling at us to get in lane to park. The man was clearly loosing his temper when we said we needed to exit. He was yelling that there were signs that we didn't follow. He was pointing to a sign behind us while yelling. My husband was very respectful asking "How do we exit". The man with the flag was very angry while we were just sitting there and continued to yell and aggressively flip his flag towards our vehicle. My husband has been deployed In The Middle East and has driven in some pretty sketchy traffic during deployment. He is the most cautious good diver I have ever known. This fairs parking was disorganized at best and frustrating as the Signs turned the wrong way at least two of them and a bad tempered parking attendee made us feel unwelcome and we have decided not to return. We have been coming to this festival for 15 years and it is upsetting that it was such a disorganized mess. They need to have a better plan for exit strategy should some one need to leave early on. Just disappointing I general. We literally walked in and needed to leave. Clearly they weren't set up for people to leave early on and we were straight up yelled at.
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March 2024 by Natalie P.
Had an absolute blast! Highly recommended going! Kid friendly & immersive. The grounds are very attentive to details and there is so much to do! We appreciated the fact that pricing for everything was within reason and didn't seem like a price gouge. Would suggest going two days to see more / be able to watch more shows etc. We will definitely come again!
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March 2024 by Keith H.
Have attended many times, we have taken our children and now are grandchildren, enjoy the arts and crafts, sometimes the food, and we have our favorite acts. This year no different, Don Juan and Esmerelda were wonderful and very saddened to here of Miguels Passing. London Broil had us smiling and laughing through the entire routine, but many other acts got political, not just satirical but just bad form, one act even flipped the audience off, won't give names but the act is dead to me. Will probably attend again for the kids, they enjoy the games, face painting, hair braiding, Falconry, Jousting and costumes. Will not attend again for my Entertainment. A shame, even with the traffic issues in and out, I always left with a smile and good memories, this year was different, and we left early. I understand Artistic Expression, Freedom of Speech, but did not pay entry to attend a rally nor be insulted, am not a Ken or Karen but they might have enjoyed some of the ''Satire". Please go and enjoy yourselves, like I said the Kids will have a blast, and that is always fun to watch.
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March 2024 by Stephanie K.
The festival itself 5 stars The food was surprisingly really good and the price was affordable and tasted fresh just wish there was more seating. Some of the shop owners were rude. Particularly the two at the hanging chairs. They were more interested in talking to themselves than trying to sell. They were also rude to my daughter the 2nd time we came into the shop. They were sarcastic to me when I asked a question. They treated my daughter like she was a drunk man and not like a curious kid. Obviously the type of people who don't want to have kids which is understandable but if you want to sell a damn chair maybe be nice and friendly? I can tell they didn't sell a chair all day because of their extreme lack of customer service. They just wanted to talk to each other and ignore potential customers. Learn how to talk to customers and be nice. Sarcasm and being rude to customer's kids is not going to give you a sale.
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March 2024 by Marie H.
Like most Renaissance festivals, everything is overpriced. Bring lots of cash - they don't take credit cards for food. Skip the $14 turkey legs unless you're looking for a family photo op. The $9 soup or dip in a bread bowl is tastier and more filing. Every little boy will want a wooden sword and shield. Money well-spent. They last forever. Steer your little ones away from the pirate ship ride (for $3 each, four kids are loaded into a large swing, pushed by a guy in a pirate costume). Take them to the far-reaches of the grounds where for $8 each kids under 75 pounds can ride a live unicorn (pony with a horn), and bigger kids can ride camels. The vendors, workers, and cast members were friendly and helpful. The performers were generally upbeat and enthusiastic, and the shows were entertaining, with one glaring exception. The Tortuga Twins show on Sunday afternoon at the Boathouse stage was replete with vulgar sexual references ("have you ever gone down on a pirate?") blast at top volume. We didn't have to attend the show to be exposed to content that was not appropriate for children, and wasn't funny for adults. If it weren't for that show, I'd give the event 4 stars.
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March 2024 by Dave S.
Had a good time. Took the kids and grandkids and we all had a fun day. My wife and I have gone to many renaissance fairs over the years all in California. First time here in AZ. This is bigger with permanent buildings and real restrooms. So I think it's a bit cleaner in that regard. Something along the lines of an amusement park. So you lose some period perspective. Plenty of rides and activities for the younger kiddos. Smiles for miles. It's well planned out with a lot of shopping to do and plenty of places to eat and drink. The entertainment was great and very well worth the admission. One thing I noticed compared to the ones in California is the random acts and entertainers walking amongst the crowds interacting with them. Maybe we were just missing them. The parking situation was well oiled with no problems and getting in and out of the lot was painless. Last words...2025!
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March 2024 by Rick G.
Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk... be ready to walk and hope for a comfortable Arizona Valley of the Sun Day! This event is well worth the visit. Music, arts, crafts, jesters, comics, shows, you name it. You'll find food and ale and other eatables that are not all that good for you but will enhance the uniqueness of this fun attraction! The Rialto Stage, The Boat House Stage, the Palace Theatre... just a few places to enjoy make-believe Renaissance festivities. Try your hand at ax throwing, knife throwing, or check out the village Blacksmith, Swordsmith or Pewter Pushers! If you're thirsty or hungry, never fear, much food is near - but be ready to wait in long lines for it! From your common beers to crafted ales, to hunormous portions of Mac & Cheese, the renown monster Turkey leg to the 10 lbs of pork chop that's too big for your hand, let alone your mouth! With rides galore for the kids, dress up to your heart's content from Renaissance fake to modern day Steam Punk, you'll fit in just as well. This is a fun place. But beware - no Wi-Fi, cell service is sporadic, so communication with you loved-ones or group is almost non-existent, so keep them close. Although privies abound, ladies give yourself some lag time, the lines for you guys are atrocious! Otherwise... fun, fun, fun! It most definitely is a day trip and take comfortable shoes!
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March 2024 by Kyle B.
The Renaissance Fair is fantastic! my friend and i went on pirate weekend 2024 and had a blast with the Navigational Tryals! there are tons of high quality vendors, the food is great, and the shows are fantastic! I can't wait to go back!
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March 2024 by Mariela H.
very fun but extremely expensive and difficult, i get that some of it is handmade but its still super pricey. i went to one of the incense stores and i saw the exact same incense waterfall that i have that i got from amazon but it was 1/4 the price from amazon.
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March 2024 by K S.
Hi, I just want to let you all know how much fun we had participating in the Navigator Scavenger Hunt during Pirate Weekend. My family and I have been coming to the Arizona Renaissance Festival for over 20 years. My sister and I have never done anything like this scavenger hunt/game at the faire, but really had a great time. The scavenger hunt was well organized and enjoyable. I can see how this would be a lot of fun for all ages. The certificates are a nice touch. We only had time to accomplish the first two levels, but I'm already planning to return during Pirate Weekend next year to be able to participate in the next level of the game. Thank you for continuing to include new and engaging entertainment at the faire.
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March 2024 by Wendy S.
Discovered the Navigational Tryals set up in the Governor's Pavilion during Pirate Weekend. So much fun! Definitely recommend it for both first-timers discovering the Festival and for seasoned fans ready for a new experience to enjoy.
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February 2024 by William M.
it was so fun love the environment and the people there are so nice and i just live the whole atmosphere and how nice and kind everyone is. Enjoy!
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February 2024 by Cathy H.
Hide your water bottles because they'll make you dump out your bottles at the entrance. No signage indicating this in advance; they spring this on you as they scan your ticket. Water fountains all appeared to be "out of order" even though they're directly adjacent to toilets that are fully functioning (so, fountains aren't broken, they're simply turned off). Lines were horrendously long to purchase water, or any other food and drink. Food and drink are in separate lines as well, so you have to wait in TWO very long lines if you want to actually have a beverage with your food. Not enough places to sit, rest, and consume your food. The $34 ticket apparently doesn't include the entertainment because every show ends with a plea for tips. What is the AZ Renaissance Festival doing with the money if they aren't paying their entertainers? This is a "one and done" experience. I've been three times and I'll never go back.
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February 2024 by Barbara W.
Be aware - do not bring your own water. They will make you drain it in pots near the entrance. They are so profit motivated they don't understand that where they are located in AZ is a desert. Water is sacred and necessary for life - not something to make money from. Also note that the money you pay to get in does not go to pay the entertainers you go to see. These people live off your tips and support from purchases. Yes, I understand maintaining the property, taxes, insurance, licenses all cost money - but this is sheer profiteering for profiteering sake. That being said - I really enjoyed the entertainment. I would come again.
