While the Valley is still in the double-digit temperatures, head to the 29th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival (open weekends and Presidents' Day, 10 a.m to 6 p.m.) to soak up some sun (remember the sunscreen and comfy walking shoes), indulge in giant turkey legs, take in some top-notch entertainment and, most importantly, enjoy some quality family time as you are transported back in time to the days of knights, rogues, royalty and craftsmen.
At the Renaissance Festival, families will enjoy a 30-acre, European-style village filled with 200 charming craft shops, 13 stages of non-stop entertainment, an arena for full-contact armored jousting, a living fountain, kitchens, pubs and people-powered games and rides. And, there are plenty of fun photos ops with 2,000 friendly, brightly-costumed actors, dancers, mermaids, acrobats and musicians who roam the festive grounds.
Because the delicious food and drink are a favorite attraction of many Renaissance Festival-goers, be sure to order up some Medieval Margaritas, Da Vinci Coladas, Dukes of Daiquiri, wine, honey mead, beers and ales, along with soft drinks and lemonade for the kiddos, as well as the festival's famous giant roasted turkey legs, among other delicious eats.
One of the top entertainment options at the 16th-century festival are the live jousting tournaments, which take place three times daily in the 5,000-seat arena, complete with knights on charging horses, clanging weapons and plenty of of braggadocio. And be sure to bring along your shopping list as you wander the marketplace that spotlights time-honored crafts like weaving, jewelry making, glass blowing, blacksmithing and pottery throwing. There are endless unique gift items you'll want to bring home.
If you are seeking a truly indulgent event, make a reservation for The Pleasure Feast. This is a one-and-a-half hour, five-course medieval feast with live music and comedy entertainment. Those who attend The Pleasure feast enjoy all you can eat and drink as well as a festival souvenir. With limited seating twice daily, advance feast reservations are recommended.
The 29th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival is located east of Apache Junction on US Highway 60, near the Superstition Mountains. Advanced discount tickets available for purchase and print at home on-line www.RenFestInfo.com or at Fry’s are $22 for adults and $12 for kids ages 5 to 12, while children under 5 are always free. (Tickets purchased at the Festival Box Office are $2 more.) Discounts tickets for seniors (60 and older) are $21, only available at the Festival Box Office. Parking is free courtesy of Fry’s.
