Get ready to step straight into the Middle Ages: no time machine required. The Sarasota Medieval Fair is back for its 22nd year, and it’s not holding anything back.
For five weekends, from November 7 through December 6, the Woods of Mallaranny in Myakka City transforms into a 47-acre medieval village, just east of Sarasota. Every Saturday and Sunday, from 9:45 in the morning until 5:30 in the evening, the fair draws in crowds ready for a bit of living history mixed with food, music, and plenty of adventure.
True, it’s not a short drive, just over an hour for most people in the area. But for diehard Ren-Fair fans, there are 14 stages packed with entertainment, roving minstrels, and the adrenaline rush of jousting tournaments twice a day. You’ll find plenty to fill your day and make the trip worthwhile.
Tickets start at about $35, including taxes and fees, but there’s an entire menu of options: VIP tickets if you want the royal treatment, special experiences, and even season passes if you can’t get enough. You’ll find all the ticket details on the fair’s website.
Every year, the Sarasota Medieval Fair outdoes itself, and if you’ve visited before, you know how much it feels like a scene straight from a fantasy novel or film. Nationally known entertainers come in from all over, cycling through fresh acts every day and weekend. There are crowd-pleasers you can count on, too. The wishing well wenches never disappoint, and the human combat chess matches always draw a crowd.
The village itself is just as lively. There’s artisan shopping where you can pick up handmade crafts, food and drink stalls (yes, giant turkey legs included), rides, classic medieval games, and English-style pubs for when you need a breather and maybe a pint. Comedians, bagpipers, fire-breathers, jugglers, aerialists, magicians, the lineup goes on and on.
This year’s theme is The Viking Siege of Paris, featuring the legendary Ragnar Sigurdsson at the helm of a fearsome Norse force chasing conquest, glory, and a bit of gold.
Besides VIP admission, this year’s fair throws in extra ways to join the fun: a pub crawl, mead tastings, the Bards Brunch, a masquerade ball, the grand Feast of the Crown, and more. If you’re feeling especially bold, you can even get married in the middle of all the madness.
The organizers promise “the majesty and madness of the Middle Ages”—and once you step through those gates, you’ll find knights, jesters, minstrels, rogues, and artisans ready to sweep you straight into their world. There’s something for every age, every fantasy, and every appetite for adventure.
Curious? Click here for all the details and ticket information.
