Oh, the irony.
The 33rd annual Florida Renaissance Festival — which is, by its very definition, all about the past — is adding a lot of newness this year.
“My motto has always been to raise the bar each and every year,” says , the festival’s founder and organizer. “Adding more and more attention to detail is critical in keeping the show fresh and keeping patrons from ever having to say, ‘Been there, done that.’ ”
, the event will celebrate “ye olden days” every weekend from Feb. 1 through March 23 at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, with each weekend spotlighting a different theme.
Of course, there will be the typical festival features, such as jousting knights, magicians, and comedic stage shows, as well as vendors offering crafts, food and drinks. There will also be live music, animatronic installations and other novelties.
THE NEWNESS
- Clan Tynker Circus (circus acts such as stilt walking, juggling, unicycling, sword swallowing, fire eating, magic)
- The Flaming Ginger, Jon Norton (fire danger comedy show)
- Gear Garden Gem Mining Co. (buy a 5- or 10-pound bag and pan for “gems”)
- Gaêlica (Latin Grammy Award-nominated Celtic folk and world music trio)
- Loud Mime Show (juggling, stunts and comedy)
- The Hurdy Gurdy Guy (music spanning from 1100s to now)
- The Piper Jones Band (bagpipes and bouzouki playing Irish, Scottish and inter-Celtic music)
- Krewes Korner (professional pirate impersonator)
- The Byrne Brothers (family band showcasing Irish music and dance)
- Edged Feather Experiences (falconer and wildlife educator Crystal “Cryss” Stacey)
EVEN MORE NEW STUFF
- Gear Garden: “For 33 years, we have always had an area known as the beer garden. This year, for the first time, we are transposing the area into a steampunk theme, now known as Gear Garden,” Rodriguez says. “Steampunk, obviously, is not a 16th-century phenomenon, but due to its popularity and because we like to think outside the box, we are going to give it a shot and are excited to see the reaction of the audience.”
- A chatbot named Flarfette: “If you call our phone number, 954-776-1642, Flarfette will answer your call,” Rodriguez says. “She can answer any questions you may have regarding the festival, and she can also respond in several languages. We encourage fans to give her a try!”
THE SCHEDULE
Guests are encouraged to wear costumes to Ren-Fest, especially if they align with the different themes of a particular weekend. The themes are as follows:
- Feb. 1-2 — Jester’s Jamboree – A Gaggle of Giggles
- Feb. 8-9 — Valhalla’s Call: A Saga of Fire and Ice
- Feb. 15-16 — Heartstrings and Heraldry: A Valentine’s Weekend
- Feb. 22-23 — Peg Legs and Polly’s – Part of the Ship, Part of the Crew
- March 1-2 — Marketplace Mayhem – Shopeth ’till you Dropeth
- March 8-9 — Gears and Gadgets – The Lost Inventions of DaVinci
- March 15-16 — Gaelic Legends: Tales of the Blarney Stone
- March 22-23 — Enchanted Extravaganza: Characters on the Loose
TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS
- Get a head start: “The first thing I recommend to first-timers coming to the Florida Renaissance Festival is to arrive early before our kingdom gates open at 10 a.m.,” Rodriguez says. “That way you will be able to experience and witness a full day of entertainment and activities.”
- Plan ahead: “Check the entertainment schedule and the map so that you can get the most out of your experience,” he adds. “You might want to consider embracing the theme by getting dressed up, [though] that’s optional … and, most importantly, wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Florida Renaissance Festival
WHEN: 10 a.m. to sunset over eight weekends from Feb. 1-March 23
WHERE: Quiet Waters Park,
COST:
- Admission is $37 for adults, $15 for children age 6-11, and free for age 5 and younger).
- Parking is free (though there’s a $1.50 county parks charge per vehicle, which is included in the ticket price). VIP parking is $12 for one day and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The same rules apply to Season Pass VIP parking, which is $12, and you must bring a pre-purchased season pass at time of entry.
- For the first weekend only, children age 11 and younger get in free of charge (but $1.50 county park fee still applies).
- Group rates are $30 per person for 20 or more adults and sold only at the box office.
- Season passes are $148 for adults and $58 for children.
- Pub Crawl tickets are $38 (for age 21 and older) if you pay cash at the box office at the main entrance, while tickets are still available. Tickets in advance are available for $40.71 at . Pub Crawl tickets do not include adult admission to the festival.
INFORMATION: 954-776-1642;
