All merry souls are summoned to the West Virginia Renaissance Festival! Sound thy horns, lift thy tankards high, and let the revels commence!
The sounds of laughter, hoofbeats, and merry mischief will once again echo through the village of Essex as King Edward and Queen Eleanor return in royal splendor to the West Virginia Renaissance Festival. Held at 23439 Midland Trail East, Lewisburg, WV, this beloved event—presented by the Hanlon-Lees Action Theater and Hollow Hills Farm—welcomes visitors for a full day of revelry on the weekends of June 7–8, 14–15, 21–22, and 28–29, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Step into a kingdom of enchantment at this beloved festival, where every corner unveils a new delight! Feast on delectable food and drink that will tantalize your taste buds, and laugh out loud at uproarious comedy and live theater. Let music sweep you into a world where knights joust, pirates roam the village, Celts raise their voices in song, Vikings thunder through with tales of valor—and faeries dance and flutter among the people, weaving ancient magic into the threads of the day. Celebrate the bounty of summer in true Bacchanalian style, savoring local wines and spirits as you immerse yourself in the magic that only this fantastical gathering can offer.
As you roam through this enchanted realm, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of handmade wonders—from intricate fantasy jewelry and exquisite leatherwork to the sweet temptations of Appalachian honey creations, infused oils, and vinegars. Wander among talented artisans showcasing their crafts, get your face transformed with magical designs, braid your hair into bewitching styles, or choose flowers for that special someone. Whether you’re curious about what the stars and spirits have in store, hunting for your next favorite fantasy novel, or simply soaking in the artistic magic around every corner, the festival’s marketplace is a vibrant world where imagination runs wild.
Embark on a journey through time and fantasy every weekend this June, where each new realm holds untold adventures:
June 7 – 8 – Celtic Crossing
Celebrate all things Celtic with a weekend of music, competition, and culture. Enjoy vibrant interpretations of Celtic music across every stage, complete with bagpipes and dancing. Feeling bold? Got knees that deserve applause? Show ’em off in the Best Knees in a Kilt contest! Don’t miss the chance to explore the Celtic Encampment or test your mettle in the Highland Games for a shot at glory and prizes. Cap off your Celtic journey with the epic Celtic Battle Line Experience. Be sure to catch special musical guests, Cu Dubh, appearing only during Celtic Crossing Weekend! FREE admission for veterans, active military, and first responders on opening.
June 14 – 15 – Pirates Landing
Avast! The pirates have seized the village! Suit up like a true swashbuckler and join the rogues of the sea for the 4:00 PM costume contest. Family Package Special: Admission for a family of four: $52.
June 21 – 22 – Vikings Valhalla
Sound the horns! The Viking invasion begins! Don your chainmail and ready your shield. Drink deep of West Virginia’s finest craft brews and clash in the battle-ready Viking costume contest. Skål!
June 28 – 29 – Bacchanalia
Don your finest toga and gather ‘neath the pergola at the shimmering lagoon. Raise a goblet and revel in the fruits of summer with tastings of West Virginia’s finest wines and meads.
Beyond the spectacular themed weekends, the West Virginia Renaissance Festival is packed with shows, attractions, and fun for the whole family around every corner. And if you’re looking to make your visit even more memorable, there are plenty of great ways to add a little extra magic to your day:
Rowdy Revelry for the Grownups: Merry Men Pub Crawl
The wildly popular Merry Men Pub Crawl returns! This adults-only romp through the village’s highs, lows, and watering holes is a raucous 90-minute party hosted by the festival’s cheekiest jesters. Expect non-stop laughs, outrageous shenanigans, four pub stops with refreshments—served in your own souvenir pint glass—and reserved, covered seating at the joust.
- Tickets: $60 (festival admission not included)
- Times: 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM
- Ages: Adults only — this one’s rated R for rowdy!
Randal’s Grand Adventure
Whether you grew up on Choose Your Own Adventure books and spent late nights rolling dice in epic Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, or you’ve only recently discovered the thrill of tabletop quests, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to be Gen X (though this Gen-Xer certainly plans to play) to enjoy the one-of-a-kind fun of Randal’s Grand Adventure.
Led by the beloved dwarven bard himself, this fully improvised, hour-plus experience lets participants create their characters and shape their own destinies in a truly immersive quest. Step forth and embrace the challenge – your legend awaits!
Each ticket includes snacks, beverages, and a loot bag filled with exclusive treasures from Randal’s Grand Adventure, Randal Piper, and Tenacious DnD.
- Tickets: $65 (festival admission not included)
Save the Realm With Essex Quest
Are you the hero Essex needs? Then muster your courage—and perhaps gather some trusty allies—to embark on the Essex Quest! Travel the grounds solving riddles, collecting clues, and unlocking a mystery that threatens the realm.
Complete your quest, return with the winning scroll, and claim your epic loot—plus a shot at the daily hero drawing!
- Tickets: $9 (festival admission not included)
Festival Admission Tickets:
Adults: $22 Seniors $18 Children 6 – 12: $12 Children under 6: FREE!
Saturdays and Sundays only from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
For more information, daily schedule, and a complete list of acts, vendors, and activities, visit: www.wvrenfest.com, and the West Virginia Renaissance Festival Facebook page.
Now hie thee hence with thy merriest mates to the West Virginia Renaissance Festival, where revelry, mirth, and merry festival fancies await!
