Entertainment

Joust Tournament — Performing All Season!

By royal decree, the King has summoned the finest knights in the realm to prove their valor before his loyal subjects. Watch thunderous charges, gleaming armor, costumed steeds, and authentic weaponry bring the romance and adrenaline of the age to life—complete with daring feats and noble pageantry.

Want the best view? Upgrade to VIP covered seating at Knight's Ale by the Joust—premium reserved seats with fans, plus a souvenir pin for $15.

THEY ARE BACK! Rota Temporis is a five-person, high-energy Celtic band from Italy—medieval music with a full heavy-metal edge. Their roaring pipes and thunderous drums might just knock you off your bench!

Second only to the Joust, this is one of our top must-see shows.
And whatever you do—DON'T MISS the end-of-day Front Gate Jam!

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

Aaron Bonk is a 3-time International Performance Champion, 6-time Guinness World Record setting whip artist, and unique entertainer with a twisted sense of humor who risks his life to make you laugh. With stupefying acts of juggling, whip cracking, danger and craziness, he will amuse and amaze the whole family with his world renown stunt show spectacular. Machetes, whips, swords and fire--the hottest show in all the 'Shire!

They're back, diving through fire, hurling machetes, and testing the limits of natural selection! Don't miss seeing your favorite acrobats endanger their lives in this hilarious, award-winning show. The day starts with their "Sharp Knives and Stupid Humans" and ends with the incredible "Fiery Extravaganza". Come laugh, cheer, and become a part of the action!

With middle eastern roots and a modern vibe, Boom Boom Shake blends rock, world, surf and jam genres together to create a signature sound. BBS will dazzle with world. Bring your dancing shoes, because you won't be able to resist the groove!

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

Two thespians allow the audience to choose which Shakespearean play to perform, and hilarity ensues. Come watch the cart wreck! …Exit pursued by a bear!

Performing all Season

Doc Dixon has presented his magic and comedy in venues across the globe - even two shows at The White House, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and FOOLING magic legends Penn & Teller on Penn & Teller: Fool Us — Doc brings a special mix of amazement and hilarity.

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

Award-winning comedy theatre Dad's Garage and The Tight Acquaintances return with a brand new adventure! Also known as Improvised Dungeons & Dragons, this improv comedy tribute to the classic tabletop pen-and-paper RPG is an uproarious and magical time for hardcore fans of the original game and the completely uninitiated alike. Join our adventuring party and the conniving DM for a new adventure with every performance!

Performing April 11&12

Marc Gunn doesn't just sing drinking songs—he summons them, with the swagger of a bard and the soul of a storyteller. Armed with an autoharp and a rebel yell, he electrifies Celtic folk music with a blast of rock energy and rhythm & blues fire.

Gunn cut his teeth on Irish drinking songs at Renaissance festivals, where he learned that the key to a great show isn't just the music — it's the joy you unleash in the crowd. Inspired by Elvis Presley's command to "put on a show," Marc turns every gig into a raucous, heartfelt celebration. Expect clapping, singing, laughter—and maybe a few tears if the whiskey hits right.

May 9th - May 31st

The Lady Victoria specializes in Celtic and Early music on the Hammered Dulcimer. She mixes education and entertainment in a high energy show. Great for kids and music lovers of all ages.

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

Outrageously unpredictable and unstoppably hilarious, these three "Twins" spin wild tales and unleash nonstop laughs—making you the star of the show with every twist, turn, and audience-fueled surprise.

Performing May 9 - May 31

These three world travelers stop by Newcastle to regale you with tunes from foreign lands, full of mystery, intrigue and fun!

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

The Barehead Bards perform pub song staples along with classic fiddle tunes. These bards always have fun and put on an entertaining show.

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

From the highlands of Scotland, and the Moor-infested lands of Spain, these two men met upon the high seas and decided to share their love of Celtic and pirate music with the masses.

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

Photo credit: SoulCatching Photography

Shenanigans are known for just that - mischievous music and melodies! A trio of wand'ring Irish bards, they will steal your heart and anything else they can get ahold of!

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

Come see Iggy the Gargoyle!
Voted Favorite Pro Street Cast Character 2025 Renaissance festival podcast awards
Georgia Renaissance Festival fan favorite Ignias Rockford the 3rd comes down from the cathedral wall to make new friends in the streets of Newcastle.

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

4 tons of bronze bells fill the Festival with their majestic sound! You'll be enchanted by the melodies and energy produced by the 35 bells of the Carillon and Carillonneur Charlie St. Cyr-Paul.

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

Tuey has been providing laughter and awe for over 40 years with his clean quality entertainment. He will have you laughing, gasping and applauding as you watch a display of skill that is awe inspiring and a perfect blend of family friendly comedy, jaw dropping skills, and danger.

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

Are you convinced you can never learn to juggle? Sir William Drops will prove you wrong! Sir Will is a master juggler and has been teaching juggling for over 30 years, and really enjoys a challenge. Learn to juggle and receive an official certificate to prove it. And it's free...!

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

The Washing Well Wenches are the funniest pair of "ladies" you'll ever meet! Part vaudeville, part sketch comedy, full-on entertaining, the Washing Well Wenches make interactive theater fun for everyone! See their new show in their new location on the Garden Cottage Stage!

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

This husband and wife team will amaze and astound you with their fearless escapes and illusions!

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

Charry Garcia is a magician when it comes to creating beautiful music on a various array of instruments - all by himself! You'll be amazed at the melodies he conjures forth!

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

Throughout the day, the spinners of Newcastle tell tales and spin yarns sharing the history of textiles. Watch the hand spinners create beautiful yarns out of colorful wool, straight out of the dye pot! Learn about traditional women's work and what it took to clothe the world. Located just inside the Front Gate.

DEMONSTRATING ALL SEASON!

This brisk, energetic act takes audiences on a jolly trip on a pirate ship manned by pups. Always a favorite, audiences will be blown away by this merry band of mutts and will watch with bated breath to see if Poochie will really walk the plank.

PERFORMING ALL SEASON!

Climb aboard for a Pub Crawl through the Festival—led by our resident cut-purses, scallywags, and troublemakers for a rowdy, bawdy romp from tavern to tavern.
Your adventure begins at Brewers Pub, where you'll receive a souvenir tankard to keep your grog close. From there, you'll carouse your way across the realm—stopping at multiple pubs for a beer at each stop, outrageous entertainment, lively music, terrible puns, riddles, and a few shamelessly bawdy drinking games (sea legs required). Expect surprises, foolishness, and plenty of "did they really just say that?" moments.
Choose your flavor of mischief:
Pirate Pub-Crawl — extra swagger, extra scallywag energy
Peasants & Pissants — gloriously lowbrow, proudly uncouth fun
Additional ticket required (does not include Festival admission). Rated R. Limited spots—plan ahead!

Lady Prudence The Court Composer - and Your Emotional Support Bard! - welcomes patrons of all ages to her Musical Retreat, with Songs for All Occasions, featuring tender harp, boisterous guitar, whimsical whistle, and sweet soprano.

Piccina is a Renaissance flautist with her main genres being Celtic and fantasy. She hails from England, however due to her frequent travels she plays and improvises in many styles.

It's time to get medieval!!!
The Atlanta Valor Buhurt Team is bringing the brutal, full contact sport of armored combat to the people of Newcastle!!!
Watch trained fighters in real steel armor battle it out with authentic weapons in fast paced duels that will make your bones ring!
Cheer for your favorite fighters, learn about the sport of buhurt, and experience the thunder of steel up close!

May 9, 10 and May 30, 31!

Bright steel and sharp wit are at your service with The Swordsmen, a lively act blending blade work, banter, and bold entertainment. With flashing swords, quick humor, and plenty of charm, these skilled performers deliver a show that is as clever as it is captivating. Expect action, laughter, and a touch of danger as they duel their way into your favor.

Join King Henry and the Royal Court and learn proper manners and customs of the Court. You might received a special commendation from the King himself!

ALL SEASON!

Aminatu the warrior Queen has traveled from her homeland of the Hausa tribe in western Africa to Newcastle to learn about new cultures and to share her own. Watch and listen as she challenges her nation's status quo of male dominance and female submission. As queen, she seeks to honor and represent her people; as a woman, she hopes to be an inspiration to women everywhere to find and harness their power.

The Hounds of East Fairhaven are a group of volunteers and sighthound owners who enjoy bringing Renaissance history to life. They educate patrons about the role our beloved sighthound breeds played in history. Currently, members of HoEF have Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Whippets, Borzoi, Afghan Hounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Ibizan hounds, Salukis, and Bloodhounds. They also love to share their hounds and promote sighthound adoption and responsible dog ownership.

Be A Pirate with Captain Sillybeard!

Young lords and ladies can learn all the necessary skills to become a legendary pirate from one of the silliest pirate Captains to ever sail the seven seas!

All Season.

Brilliant? Amazing? No, just adequate! Come see feats of bizarre geek magic and stunts of sheer stupidity! Watch and cringe as Zoltan plays with fire, swallows a four-foot balloon, and more. Zoltan will fool you, delude you about how you were fooled, deceive you about that delusion, and then bamboozle you about the deception. Surely a curiosity to be reckoned with.

PERFORMING APRIL 11 THRU MAY 3 ONLY!