Jousting knights, jugglers, fire eaters, live music and great food – it must be time for the The Georgia Renaissance Festival! This annual spring event is held on weekends from April 13 to June 2, transporting guests to 16th-century England. There are so many activities for families to enjoy, including live performances, costumed characters, games and rides. We’ve put together a handy guide to help you navigate this amazing eight-week festival in Fairburn.

Save Money

Plan ahead and save on your tickets – on opening weekend, adult tickets are BOGO. The second weekend, purchase one adult ticket and get free admission for up to four children. No matter when you go, be sure to buy your tickets online beforehand and save a few dollars. Children ages 5 and younger always get free admission.

Play and Ride 

From the Bola Throw to the Amazing Maze, kids will love the games and rides that the festival has to offer. Don’t miss the Junior Test of Strength and Ghosts of the Abyss. Each is between $2 and $5.

Pick your Favorite Theme 

Each weekend of the festival is a different theme, such as “Pirates and Pets” and “Wizard’s Weekend.” For science fiction fans, “May the Fourth Be With You Weekend” combines fantasy with history and features a costume contest and parade.

Dress the Part

Speaking of costumes, every weekend of the festival is a good time to sport your favorite Renaissance ensemble. If you don’t want to splurge on costumes, the festival has them available to rent by the front gates. Even if your family doesn’t go all out with costumes, kids will just get a kick out of seeing all of the 16th-century-clad festival-goers.

Chow Down

There is nothing cuter than a little kid gnawing on a turkey leg. This festival has that and so much more. Kids cab enjoy mac and cheese on a stick, giant pretzels and root beer floats. More adventurous kids may want to try the steak on a stake, feast of fowl or Scotch eggs.

Catch a Show

Spectators will have no shortage of opportunities to see family-friendly shows at the Georgia Renaissance Festival – jugglers, acrobats and even acrobatic dogs. Kids (and their parents!) especially get excited for the Extreme Joust with armored knights riding horses, fighting with swords and crossbows. Shows are included with your tickets but for an extra cost, you can sit in the preferred VIP section of the Extreme Joust and get perks like crowns and photos with the knights. Be sure to check the festival’s website to see the schedule as different weekends feature different shows.

Climb the Kingdom

It may not be authentically 16th-century, but the Superior Play Systems Kids Kingdom Play Area is a popular spot for kids. Let the kids climb and slide in this fun, free play area after all the jousting and juggling.

Pet the Animals

Don’t miss the Royal Petting Farm with goats and sheep and the Goose Gazebo where children can pet gentle geese.

Roll with It

Bring your own stroller or wagon or rent them at the front gates. Parents will enjoy the convenience of getting around the 32-acre festival with fewer complaints from their kids!

Make an Agenda

Yes, there is a lot to do and see at the festival so if you’re not sure where to start, use their helpful “customize your experience” tool. With it, you can click on the shows you want to see, the rides you want to do and even the food you’d like to eat. After you’ve made your selections, the tool creates an agenda and emails it to you. That’s something they definitely didn’t have in the 16th century!

Recent Posts