It is time to leave the 21st century behind! The iconic New York Renaissance Faire is set to open its gates on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Located in Tuxedo, NY, this beautiful 16th-century village is just a short drive away, sitting only 40 miles from Manhattan in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
The 2026 season runs for eight action-packed weekends, closing on Sunday, October 4. Whether you are a dedicated cosplayer or just looking for a unique weekend escape, here is everything you need to know.
Feast like a king and join the Pub Crawl
You cannot visit a Renaissance Faire without grabbing a colossal roasted turkey leg for your stroll through the village. However, the Faire’s massive menu also features plenty of delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
You can munch on an onion blossom, falafel, chocolate-dipped bananas, and savory Portobello mushroom sandwiches.
For the thirsty villagers, there are craft brews, refreshing meads, ciders, and teas readily available. If you want the ultimate tavern experience, you can grab tickets for the highly popular Pub Crawl.
Tickets are $90 and include four alcoholic drinks, and you get to travel with your own bartender for immediate service. Just remember, Pub Crawl tickets go on sale in August and sell out very quickly!
Full-contact jousting and artisan shops
The village is set on a summer day in the year 1574 during a visit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The streets are filled with hundreds of costumed performers bringing the realm to life.
You can expect to see daredevil acrobats, soulful musicians, side-splitting comedians, and thrilling full-contact jousts. If you are looking for a rush of adrenaline, a wonderland of rides and games awaits you, including the Sea Dragon Swing and Dragonslayer.
Before you leave the shire, be sure to browse the bustling Marketplace. It features over 125 artisan shops selling everything from handmade chainmaille and Scottish kilts to handcrafted leather masks and beautiful floral hair wreaths.
You can even catch educational, live demonstrations by working blacksmiths and glassblowers.
Magical themed weekends for 2026
Every single weekend offers a different way to experience the Faire. Here are a few highlights from the 2026 calendar:
- Marketplace Weekend (August 15 and 16): Spend $500 or more in the Marketplace and receive two return tickets for any weekend through September 20.
- Cottagecore Weekend (August 22 and 23): Don your woodland attire for a self-guided “Cozy Crawl,” a costume contest, and a Whimsical Ball.
- Pirate Weekend (August 29 and 30): A massive celebration of all things piratical for visitors of all ages.
- Time Travelers’ Weekend (September 5, 6, and 7): Dress up in your finest sci-fi, steampunk, or fantasy cosplay to celebrate any genre.
- Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19): The pirates return for a single day to host a pirate ball and a costume contest sing-a-long.
- Harvest Ball (October 3 and 4): Celebrate the turning of the seasons with Final Revels upon the Chess Board at sunset.
How to visit
The New York Renaissance Faire is open rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.. It runs every Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day Monday from August 15 through October 4, 2026.
Adult tickets are $60, while tickets for children ages 5 to 12 are $28. Kids aged 4 and under can enter for free.
If you show an ID, you can also receive a discount for military members or seniors aged 62 and better. You can grab your season passes or single-day tickets ahead of time on their official website.
