Joust for Fun

The biggest Renaissance festival in the Southeast celebrates its 29th year in 2014, and several new family-friendly shows and themed weekends are planned. Here's what to expect:

Entertainment

Adam Crack Fire Whip Show: A 12-time Guinness World Record holder for whip cracking performs routines including double-handed multi-crack demos, stunts and tricks including balloon popping, candle snuffing, paper cutting, flower snipping, whip dancing and fire whips.

Sirena: Mermaid-like costumed sirens perform a theatrical show that includes drumming, dancing and original music sung in three-part harmony.

Cirque du Todd: Todd Key, former member of the popular act the Zucchini Brothers, presents a one-man show of juggling, ladder balancing and rope-spinning.

Upcoming Themed Weekends

May 3-4. Kids Free Weekend. One child (12 and younger) gets in free with each paid adult! Kid-friendly activities include a royal petting farm, Maypole dancing, games, rides and the Amazing Maze. 

May 10-11. Mother’s Day Weekend. The first 100 moms through the gate receive a free flower.

May 31-June 1. Pirates Plunder Weekend. Pirates of all ages can compete in a costume contest, sea legs relay, and walk-the-plank trivia contest. A grand Parade of Pirates takes place each day at noon.

If You Go

Georgia Renaissance Festival
6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd., Fairburn
770-964-8575; garenfest.com
Hours: April 19-June 8. Sat. and Sun.,10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Also open Memorial Day.
Cost: Adults: $22; children 6-12, $10; 5 and younger, free.