FLORENCE-Founded in 1987, we are the official faire of Alabama by legislative decree. Our mission is to educate about the Medieval and Renaissance Eras through entertainment. Our timeline is 1100-1650, with the focus on 1330-1550. While the theme and monarchs change each year, everyone is welcome — including Vikings, pirates, fairies, trolls, and dragons!
Alabama Renaissance Faire on the Fourth Weekend in October Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. The 2021 Renaissance Faire will subject to Covid guidelines, regulations, and safe practices.
Held in Wilson Park (renamed Fountain-on-the-Green on weekend of the faire), the Alabama Renaissance Faire draws 30,000– 35,000 people each year and is designated as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast, giving it recognition by more than 800 media outlets throughout the region. It is always held on the fourth Saturday and Sunday in October, taking advantage of the balmy weather and the gorgeous fall foliage in the park.
The faire is unique because it is a non-profit, educational, all-volunteer staffed and managed event highlighting all aspects of the Medieval/Renaissance period. Our mission is to educate about and to celebrate the Renaissance — the rebirth of learning in almost all disciplines — while focusing on the social/cultural characteristics of the period. The event is family-friendly, providing free activities for children and adults throughout the faire. We have 100+ merchants and food vendors, but no admission or parking fees. The park is handicapped accessible and in the middle of downtown, so within easy walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and mundane shopping. 
Our performers come from all over the country to provide entertainment, so please be generous with your gratuities when they pass the hat! Sword fighters, Renaissance dancers, belly dancers, musicians, singers, jugglers, and magicians continuously perform on both stages and in the lanes. Be sure to visit the Kozaky living-history encampment and do not miss the Rainbow Dancers belly-dancing at the Conical Dwelling. Crafts include handmade baskets, handcrafted chain mail, home-made soap, and hand-thrown pottery. We have vendors who provide a broad selection of garb, weaponry, books, jewelry, and specialty items to fit any budget. Delicious faire food is available, including huge turkey legs!
The Royal Pavilion is located near the fountain on the Wood Avenue side of the park. Our monarchs hold court throughout the weekend and preside over all ceremonies. The faire opens on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. The opening ceremony and Royal Proclamation is at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday followed by a processional. The Awards Ceremony for our art and sonnet contests is at the Royal Pavilion on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The Memorial Fleet Boat dedication follows at 2:30 p.m. The Coronation for the new monarchs (chosen randomly at the Feast on the prior Saturday night) is at 3:00 p.m. The faire closes at 6 p.m. October is a great time to be in Florence, Alabama — especially the fourth weekend!
All events are planned and executed by an all-volunteer Roundtable. The 18 members of the Board of Directors serve three-year terms, guide the overall planning, and set policy. The Roundtable meets monthly from January through August, bi-monthly in September, and weekly in October. The Board meets quarterly. There are no paid employees.
Media Release/Alabama Renaissance Faire
