Knights and Fair Ladies, prepare thyself for the Georgia Renaissance Festival

Noble knights Joust during a performance during the 34th annual Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn Saturday, April 20, 2019. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJC
Steve Schaefer

Mark thy calendars — the 2023 Georgia Renaissance Festival is upon us! This epic event brings a European country fair to life with knights, jesters, and maidens. With eight weekends of jousting tournaments, sword-swallowing shows, and more, you’re guaranteed to have a blast.

The festival runs from April 15 through June 4, and admission if you buy your ticket online is $26.95. But with the Access Atlanta promo code “ACCESSATL,” you can score a 15% discount — a most wondrous deal!

Get ready for themed weekends like the Wizarding Weekend and Pirate’s Invasion Weekend, and check out the Artisan Market for crafts and yummy food. And be sure to read our handy “know-before-you-go” list to make the most of your visit. So grab your best renaissance gear and head to the festival for fun and adventure!

When is the 2023 Georgia Renaissance Festival?

From April 15 to June 4, join the Georgia Renaissance Festival every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 in the morn’ until 6 in the evenin’ for a grand ol’ time filled with jousting, feasting, and all manner of medieval delights!

How much is admission to the Georgia Renaissance Festival?

Fear not! Tickets are priced between $11.95 and $28.95, depending on age and how you purchase (online or at the gate). Plus, little ones who are five years old and under can join the fun for FREE! But wait, there’s more! Unlock an exclusive 15% discount on your tickets using the promo code “ACCESSATL.”

Where does the Georgia Renaissance Festival take place?

Travel back in time to the Georgia Renaissance Festival, conveniently situated just off I-85 (take exit 61 for Fairburn and Peachtree City). The festival grounds are a mere eight miles from the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. Enter 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd. in Fairburn, Georgia 30213, in whatever GPS app you prefer.

Are shows included with my ticket?

Absolutely! All entertainment shows, jousting tournaments, contests, special events, and the Children’s Play Kingdom and Juggling School are included with your admission. Additionally, you can upgrade to the VIP section of the Extreme Joust for an additional fee and enjoy perks like crowns and photo opportunities with the knights.

Are pets allowed in the Georgia Renaissance Festival?

The Georgia Renaissance Festival asks that you leave your pets at home during its regular festival weekends to ensure the safety and well-being of its performing animals. However, there is a designated Pet-Friendly Weekend on April 22-23 (restrictions apply).

As for service dogs, they are welcome any weekend as long as they have proof of up-to-date vaccinations.

What can I do at the Georgia Renaissance Festival with kids?

You’re in luck! Plenty of activities are sure to delight kids of all ages. First up, check out Children’s Play Kingdom area. It may not be from the 16th century, but it’s a hit with little ones who love to climb, slide and explore.

Next, head to the Reptile Farm to meet a variety of lizards, snakes, and even a tortoise! There is also a range of exciting games and rides that will keep the kids entertained.

What is there to do at the Georgia Renaissance Festival for adults?

Enjoy shows designed for mature audiences, or set sail on the Pirate Pub Crawl, where you can join other buccaneers for a three-pub adventure, complete with a different beer at each stop and a souvenir tankard to take home. So get your limited tickets now for this unforgettable experience, available twice daily at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Are there hotels nearby?

Looking for a cozy spot to rest after a long day of jousting and feasting at the Georgia Renaissance Festival? Look no further! According to the festival’s website, it recommends staying at one of the nearby hotels for maximum convenience and comfort, like the Comfort Inn & Suites - Fairburn or the Wingate By Wyndham - Fairburn, both located just a stone’s throw away from the Festival site.

Where can I find more information to help plan ahead?

With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s where the festival’s handy “customize your experience” tool comes in. Select the shows, rides, and food you’re most excited about, and the tool will create a personalized itinerary just for you. And the best part? It’s all sent straight to your inbox!

For more information about the Georgia Renaissance Festival, visit garenfest.com.

Georgia Renaissance Festival

Location: Fairburn - 6905 Virlyn B Smith Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213; Date: Saturday, Apr. 15 through Sunday, June 4; Website: garenfest.com

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