Central Coast Renaissance Festival

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Take A Trip Back In Time
You are warmly invited to attend the 27th Annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival, San Luis Obispo County's most unique festival, where over 800 costumed participants converge in beautiful El Chorro Regional Park to create Donneybrooke, an English Renaissance village, brilliantly decorated for your ultimate summer fantasy entertainment.

Step into the year 1585 when Queen Elizabeth I was England's magnificent monarch. This is the age of legendary characters like William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Francis Drake and a host of famous Dukes, rogues and scoundrels whom you'll see about the village. Remember to remove your hat as Her Majesty parades though the streets of Donneybrooke with her stunning Royal Court, accompanied by her handsome foot soldiers and hand maidens.

Attend the Royal Joust, held twice daily. This isn't make believe - it's the real thing! This isn't something you see every day - men in full armor atop huge war steeds, charging at each other with lance in hand. Watch as they test their skills at various authentic contest games, ending with real combat. Get there early and prepare to cheer for "your" Knight! These are internationally recognized professional jousters.

Relax on a shady haybale and watch riotous stage plays and hilarious comedy acts on multiple stages throughout the village. See authentic Elizabethan dancing. Enjoy the lilting voices of the The Lacey Ravens, an acapella group. There is a hilarious parrot show, juggling acts and buffonery, as well as demonstrations of military skills, woodworking, leatherworks and much more.

Refresh yourself with the Queen's finest ales, beer and wine imported from the new world. There is also delicious freshly squeezed lemonade, waters and even Hawaiian Shave Ice (OK, we admit that one isn't period, but it sure is refreshing on a warm day). There is also a rare chance to taste authentic, hand-made honey mead.

The Lacey Ravens, at right, are our resident songbirds.

Treat your tastebuds to a bounty of delicious foods from grilled meats to exotic foods from the Orient, funnel cakes, salads, baked potatoes, baked pies much more. Of course there are those famous gigantic fire roasted turkey legs that people love to wave about.

Watch peasants, soldiers, merchants and royalty strolling about the village while you are enjoying your feast. They, too, are enjoying this summer marketplace just as you are. Don't be surprised when they greet you in the Queen's tongue - just say "Good Day" in return. You'll find youself slipping into Elizabethan in no time.

You'll be delighted by over 70 of the finest craftsmen selling the most unique crafts and goods you've ever seen. From hand thrown pottery to drinking vessels, there is something for every taste and budget. Gentlemen always enjoy shopping from the sword merchants, while ladies can't resist the array of fine clothing and jewelry. You can even have your hair braided into the most beautiful designs and get a henna tattoo.

Join the fantasy by purchasing Renaissance clothing. From hats, shirts, bodices and breeches to handmade boots and shoes, you'll find everything needed to become an Elizabethan at any level from peasant to royalty. Of course, costumes are not required of our guests and you are welcome to dress as comfortably as you wish.

Bring The Whole Family
There is something for all ages. Your youngsters will enjoy face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo and games just for them. They'll delight in wooden toys and can even try their hand at fencing. Of couse, everyone loves the Royal Joust!

Share The Fun With Your Friends And Family

Bring your friends and family for the time of your life. There simply is no other event like this in San Luis Obispo County, and it only happens on one weekend. Help us celebrate our 27th year. Mark July 16 & 17, 2011 on your calendar - we'll see you there!

Costumes Welcome But Are Not Required

Sometimes people think they have to wear a costume to attend the festival. This is not true! Only the participants putting on and participating in the festival are required to wear costumes (we call it "garb"). You may come as you wish. Dress comfortably, it's hot out there.

However, you are more than welcome to come in a full costume, or perhaps only wear a peasant blouse, hair wreath or hat that makes you feel more a part of the fantasy. There are plenty of vendors in the festival who have everything you might wish to purchase, from hats to boots.

If you do want to put together a costume, we highly recommend the Elizabethan Costuming For The Years 1550-1580 as your guide (it's also a good shopping guide). It is the best costuming book available for creating a Renaissance costume. You can order it by clicking the link below or the image or right:

Click To Order Elizabethan Costuming (For The Years 1550 - 1580)