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THE COLORADO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

July 17, 2014
Travel through time and enter the magical realm of dragons and fairies, knights and trolls, royalty and wenches! Join hundreds of performers, artisans, and costumed entertainers for a day filled with song and dance, laughter, amusement, and excitement.

The Colorado Renaissance Festival is a summer tradition that my family looks forward to each year. In my opinion, it truly is one of the best annual family festivals in all of Colorado. Because there is so much to see, do, hear, and taste, we have a different experience each time we go. Here are some of my family's favorites:

The Joust is the highlight of the festival with a Tournament of Skill, a Tournament of Arms, and Trial by Combat scheduled throughout the day! My kids really get into cheering for "our" knight and booing at all the others!


Johnny Fox is a "Sword Swallower Extraordinaire" and completely lives up to his reputation. His act is truly amazing and he is hilarious too. My kids like him so much, we've actually attended more than one performance in the same day!


Ye Klass Klowne joined the Festival last summer and is returning again this year. He's a young circus performer who can balance, juggle, and entertain the whole family. He ends his show with a fire performance!


The Endangered Cat Show isn't your typical animal show but is an engaging and educational experience where we all got to learn about some very rare felines, like the Caracal, Lynx, Black Panther, and others. This act joined the Festival last summer too and it's high on our must-see list again this year.


Cast in Bronze makes magical music with Carillon bells weighing more than 4 tons and is my husband's personal favorite. We have never heard music quite like this anywhere else!


Twig the Fairy
is enchanting, gentle, and looks, speaks, and acts like a real fairy! She is easy to find ... just look for the throngs of young children hugging her!


The Children's Realm
has a free petting zoo and butterfly ride, just the right size for little ones. My boys have outgrown the rides, but they still love to visit and feed the animals.

Steak on a Stake, "ye olde roasted turkey legges," roasted corn, and strawberry ice are just a few of our favorite treats. There are literally hundreds of choices, from fudge to pizza to smoothies.

Don't try to fit everything into one visit ... you simply can't! Instead, visit the website, especially the Entertainment and Themed Weekends pages, so you can choose the shows that are on your "must see" list. When you arrive, you'll receive a program which includes a Festival Map with all the times and locations of the various shows to help you plan your day. Bring sunscreen, a spray bottle (for misting yourself), and an empty reusable or factory-sealed disposable water bottle. There are water fountains near the privvies (bathrooms) so you can refill your misting and water bottles as needed.

The Colorado Renaissance Festival takes place in Larkspur (off I-25 at Exit 173) for eight festive weekends, rain or shine, from June 14 through August 3. Gate tickets are $19.95 for adults and $9 for children 5-12. Children under 5 are free. Purchase discount tickets online or at King Soopers stores. Parking is free!

Specially-Priced Weekends
  • Opening Weekend: June 14 & 15 - Get a "Buy One Get One Free" coupon from participating Wendy's restaurants.
  • Military Appreciation: June 21 & 22 - All military personnel receive a "Buy One Get One Free" with valid Military ID, plus their children 12 and under get in free.
  • Children's Weekend: July 5 & 6 - Children 12 and under get in free with a paying adult.