Renaissance faires and medieval attractions in Ontario
Oxford Renaissance Festival | Faires.ca
A renaissance faire, or colloquially known as a ren fair, ren fest or ren faire, is an interactive, outdoor event that recreates a Medieval or Renaissance era village, celebration or setting.
Strolling around a ren faire is like being transported to a lively 11th to 17th century village celebration. Fairgrounds may feature live music, dancing and costumed actors re-enacting historical scenes and outdoor pursuits from the time period, such as jousting, swordplay or archery. Performers will stay in character to keep the experience authentic.
And of course, food vendors, including ren faire traditional turkey legs, arts, crafts and other experiences also add to the revelry.
Here is a selection of family-friendly ren faires and engaging medieval-themed events from across Ontario.
Greater Toronto Area
Black Creek Medieval Faire
If you are looking for a renaissance faire in Toronto, visit the Black Creek Medieval Faire at the Village at Black Creek. It’s conveniently located close to public transit. Take the TTC subway to Pioneer Village Station and take a short walk to the main entrance of Village at Black Creek.
When: June 19‒21, 2026
Where: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto
Port Credit Renaissance Faire
Eat, drink and be merry in Port Credit, where you can feast on classic ren faire food, wander through the medieval encampment and experience the excitement of watching live combat games. Kid-approved activities for the young ones include face painting and interactive fun in the Kids Area. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
When: August 29‒30, 2026
Where: Port Credit Memorial Park, 40 Lakeshore Road, Mississauga
Southwestern Ontario
Oxford Renaissance Festival
Located outside of London, Ontario’s largest ren fest delivers historical excitement and entertainment for all. Learn about siege weapons used to storm castles, such as the trebuchet and cannons and get tips on archery from archers. Sample renaissance-inspired fare and witness awesome birds of prey demonstrations. Be part of the thunderous crowd cheering armoured knights charging on horseback in the jousting competition.
When: Check back later for more information
Where: Thorndale Fairgrounds, 21737 Fairview Road, Thorndale
Niagara Region
Niagara Renaissance Faire
Save your appetite for smoked turkey legs and magical drinks that change colour at Niagara Renaissance Faire. In addition to the food market, visit the vendors selling their wares. Put new skills to the test after watching the archery and axe-throwing demonstrations. Entertainment includes ground combat showdowns, live performances and jousting that will keep you on your feet. Plus, lots of activities for small kids to enjoy.
Visit the Niagara Renaissance Faire Facebook page for more information.
When: May 16 and May 17, 2026
Where: Fireman’s Park, 2275 Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls
Maidens of the Mist Renaissance Faire
Head to the West Niagara Fairgrounds in West Lincoln Township to enjoy the Maidens of the Mist Renaissance Faire. This annual renaissance faire made its debut in 2025 and is another exciting attraction presented by faires.ca and Knights of Valour Jousting.
When: July 4‒5, 2026
Location: 2402 Mud Street West, Grassie
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Wentworth Medieval Faire
Join the world of chivalrous knights, beautiful princesses and lords and ladies of the royal courts.
Sing along with the shanties and traditional Irish tunes performed by Cap’n Finn & the Salty Sea Dogs and enjoy the variety of entertainment from belly dancing and comedy to axe-throwing and jousting.
When: May 22‒24, 2026
Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Road South, Jerseyville
Great Lakes Medieval Tournament and Faire
The Great Lakes Medieval Tournament and Faire will take place at the Everton Scout Camp in Guelph. This immersive experience includes falconry, wandering performers, merchants, pub night on opening night and lots more.
Visit the Great Lakes Medieval Tournament and Faire Facebook page for more information.
When: July 11‒12, 2026
Where: 140 Evert Street, Guelph
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Robin in the Hood Medieval Festival
Gibson Park in Elmira becomes the 12th century village of Nottingham, England, made famous by the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men.
Enjoy medieval-themed activities and attractions and learn about house heraldry and support your favourite house, including the Robin Hood from Locksley house.
Peruse vendor stalls in the market for unique and novelty retail items, artisan crafts and products and refreshing food and drinks.
When: June 6, 2026
Where: 17 First Street West, Elmira
Royal Medieval Faire
Enjoy a day filled with family fun and interactive intrigue during one of Canada’s longest running medieval festivals.
Witness valiant knights in battle in the Kingdom of Mearth. Greet the friendly dragons, enjoy festive music and dancing, engaging storytelling, dramatic swordplay and meet the royal couple, King Bertram and Queen Charlotte for a chance to be knighted.
Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.
Cash only admission at the gate.
When: September 19, 2026
Where: Waterloo Park West, 100 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo
The Fergus Medieval Faire
Enjoy a free one-day medieval celebration in the historic downtown of the village of Fergus.
The event features a variety of exciting all-age entertainment. Live actors will recreate medieval experiences like archery, axe-throwing and Viking battles. Enjoy strolling musicians, live birds of prey demonstrations by a falconer and arms and armour displays.
Be prepared to encounter knights, wraiths, peddlers, iron welders and a town crier.
When: July 25, 2026
Where: Downtown Fergus
Ontario Pirate Festival
Bring the whole family for a full day of pirate fun this August long weekend. Visit the merchant booths for all kinds of hand-crafted treasures, plus food (including smoked turkey legs) and drinks (fully-licensed). Enjoy hours of all-ages entertainment, including sword-fighting, fire-eating and acrobats. Admission is free for kids under five. Don’t miss the live music, food and drink at the adults-only Saturday evening event.
Admission prices are available online and tickets can be purchased in person at the gate.
When: August 1‒3, 2026
Where: Marden Park, 7376 Wellington County Road 30, Guelph
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Hastings Medieval Festival
Located near the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, this three-day family-friendly festival celebrates various types of swordplay. Sword fighting groups include LARP, Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), Olympic fencing, Historical European Martial Arts, Viking, Buhurt and Mace. Blacksmiths, loom weavers and other medieval vendors will be selling their wares. Guests are invited to try axe throwing, archery, spear throwing and making chainmail. There will also be medieval musicians, dancers and falconers.
When: September 5‒7, 2026
Where: 122 Dunlay Road, Hastings
Southeastern Ontario
Glengarry Renaissance Festival
Maxville Fairgrounds transforms into an era that features fully armoured knights in thrilling jousting matches, stunning aerial performances, graceful mermaids, interactive storytellers and much more for a weekend packed with fun and excitement.
When: May 30‒31, 2026
Where: 35 Fair Street, Maxville
Kings Town Renaissance Festival
Be part of the medieval merriment on the grounds of Fort Henry National Historic site when the faire.ca roster debuts in Kingston in 2026.
When: September 11‒13, 2026
Where: Fort Henry Drive. Kingston
Northwest Ontario
Thunder Bay Renaissance Faire
Join the bustling fantasy Faire over the Thanksgiving weekend in Thunder Bay for a world of adventure. Bring your appetite to explore the delicious food lineup. Enjoy interactive entertainment with actors and musicians. Learn something new from the educational demonstrations. Chat with the vendors and artisans at the marketplace, where you can find clothing, ceramics, weaponry, blacksmithing, jewellery and more.
When: October 10‒11, 2026
Where: Murillo Fair, 600 Pole Line Road, Murillo
Renaissance faire outfits and tips
Here are a few fun tips to keep in mind before you travel back in time.
What to wear to a renaissance faire
Ren faire attendees wear myriad outfits inspired by the history and mythology of the Middle Ages or the Renaissance period. You may find people dressed in robes of King Arthur’s court at Camelot, Nordic Viking attire, Shakespearean couture, pirate slops or even fairy garbs.
You’re not required to wear ren faire outfits or costumes to attend. Contemporary and casual clothes, including jeans, are totally ok. However, most loyal followers enjoy wearing costumes to the faire, as it adds immeasurably to the immersive experience.
Ren faires also include marketplaces where artisans and vendors sell their wares. You may even find renaissance or medieval outfits to buy or the perfect items to accessorize your faire costume.
Learn the lingo!
In addition to costumes, enjoy using ren faire vocabulary. Some key phrases are:
Greetings = Good morrow
Goodbye = Fare thee well
See you later = See you anon
Please = Prithee
Thank you = Grammercy
Hurray! = Huzzah!
Dress for the weather and stay hydrated
Costumed or not, you’ll be outdoors and walking most of the day, so make sure to prepare for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring cash
If there are no ATMs at events or merchant vendors, have some cash on hand in addition to credit or debit cards.
Experience a magical world of joyful spectacle filled with laughter, celebration and community at renaissance faires across the province.
Last updated: February 5, 2026