California Festivals

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Hollister's Northern California Renaissance Faire

September 16-October 22, 2023, weekends 

Casa de Fruta
10031 Pacheco Pass Hwy
Hollister, CA
Approx. Cost: $25-35; Weekend pass: $40; Pass for full event $350, norcalrenfaire.com

Hollister hosts an annual Northern California Renaissance Faire each fall for approx. five weekends in September and October. Step back to the romance period in history, relish in the changing of the seasons, and visit an authentic Renaissance village, nestled in the shaded glen of Hollister.

Themed Weekends

  • September 30 & October 1, 2023 Heroes & Villains. Enter the costume contest!
  • October 7 & 8, 2023 Oktoberfest!
  • October 14 & 15  Carnevale & Masquerade
  • October 21  & 22, 2023 Halloween Fantasy!

2023 Entertainment

  • Rules of the Duel  swashbuckling swordsmen of the Albion School of Defense on the Main Royal Garden Stage
  • The Queen's Royal Reception - danger and intrigue is traveling beside Her.
  • The Merry Wives of Windsor serve up saucy songs of drinking, love, and what happens when the two combine.
  • Tea & Strumpets comedic, musical stage show with clever quips and naughty lyrics.
  • Cy the Sword Swallower, master of the blade, swallows swords of different shapes and sizes ranging from the smallsword to the curved scimitar. 
  • The Sea Dogs sing sea shanties.
  • Dirty Laundry are wenches, dirty women, who teach a thing or two about cleaning up your act.
  • The Willy Nilly Show with whips, tricks, quips, sock puppets, and sword fights.
  • Minstrels of Misrule  bawdy musical tales and witty ruminations.
  • BRooN, comedian with a juggling problem, likes the taste of kerosene.
  • Blame the Whiskey are Irish rogue singers
  • A Fairy's Tale spins tales of fairies, witches, trolls and more. 
  • Shrewed & Knavishe, Shelly the Fiddler, The Merry Larks, Jared Rock
  • Equine Show
  • The Queen's Royal Joust with lances, swords and shields

Swashbucklers duel for the hands of pretty maidens, minstrels regale the crowds with lilting sounds and the costume shop allows visitors to step into period costumes, all whilst Queen Elizabeth herself parades through the masses, holding court and greeting visitors from all lands.

Faire Marketplace, Celtic Concerts on Saturdays, English Ales, foods, entertainment and costumes authentic to the period make this the Elizabethan village you won't want to miss in California.

The annual Norcal Renaissance Faire is held every Saturday and Sunday during event dates. Men wearing tights, hilarious banter, magnificent swordplay, an authentic joust, and the antics of performers. At the Tournament of Horses Arena the World Tournament of Champions performs twice daily for the Queen's entertainment, demonstrating heroic acts to declare victory for their homelands.

Faire marketplace features fancy swords, bodice chillers, jewelry, crafted woodworking and carefully hammered pewter.

For other fun things to see in Hollister, be sure to check out the winter holidays with parades, choirs, and a fabulous tree lighting ceremony.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.

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