New England Renaissance Faires 2026: A Complete Guide
From spring through late October, New England turns out a full circuit of Renaissance and medieval faires — jousting knights, artisan marketplaces, turkey legs, and themed weekends across five states. Here's the 2026 lineup, from the region's largest to its hidden-woods gems.
The 2026 New England faire calendar
Listed by opening date:
- Robin Hood's Medieval Faire — Harwinton, CT — weekends May 16 – June 21, 2026
- Vermont Renaissance Faire — Essex Junction, VT — June 27–28, 2026
- Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire — Ansonia, CT — weekends June 27 – July 12, 2026
- Maine Renaissance Faire — Acton, ME — July 18 – August 2, 2026
- Connecticut Renaissance Faire — Lebanon, CT — weekends August 29 – October 25, 2026
- King Richard's Faire — Carver, MA — weekends September 5 – October 25, 2026
The New Hampshire Renaissance Faire in Fremont, NH rounds out the region each May; its 2026 run has passed, and the 2027 season is in the works (dates not yet announced).
The big two
King Richard's Faire (Carver, MA) is the largest and longest-running Renaissance festival in New England — a 200-acre site, eight stages, and daily jousting, now in its 45th season. The Connecticut Renaissance Faire (Lebanon, CT) is the region's other heavyweight: a 28th-season fall run with 13 stages, 204 vendors, and nine themed weekends. Both run rain or shine, 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. on their weekends.Cluster deep-dives
We've published full visitor's guides to each of these faires:
- King Richard's Faire 2026: Visitor's Guide
- Connecticut Renaissance Faire 2026: Visitor's Guide
- Maine Renaissance Faire 2026: Visitor's Guide
- Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire 2026: Visitor's Guide
- Vermont Renaissance Faire 2026: Visitor's Guide
Q: How many Renaissance faires are in New England?
In 2026, MMATF tracks at least six active Renaissance and medieval faires across Massachusetts, Connecticut (three), Vermont, and Maine, plus the New Hampshire Renaissance Faire, which runs in May. They span from mid-May through late October.
Q: Which is the biggest Renaissance faire in New England?
King Richard's Faire in Carver, MA is the largest and longest-running, set on a 200-acre site with eight stages and daily jousting. The Connecticut Renaissance Faire in Lebanon is the other major multi-weekend event, with 13 stages and 204 vendors.
Q: When is Renaissance faire season in New England?
It runs from spring into fall. Robin Hood's Medieval Faire opens in mid-May, summer brings the Vermont, Midsummer Fantasy, and Maine faires, and the season peaks in fall with the Connecticut Renaissance Faire and King Richard's Faire running through October 25.
Q: Are New England Renaissance faires family-friendly?
Yes. All are family-friendly, with jousting, live entertainment, games, and artisan shopping. Most welcome (optional) costumes, and several run themed weekends with rotating programming.
Last updated: June 2026
