Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is a Renaissance Faire?

A Renaissance Faire is a recreation of a Renaissance or Medieval village. They are filled with costumed actors, crafts and games to give patrons the illusion that they have stepped back in time. The New York Renaissance Faire features over 125 performance on 20 stages and over 100 craftspeople set on 65 acres of beautiful Sterling Forest.

How long does it take to see everything?

It is quite impossible to see everything in one day. We recommend arriving as close to our 10:00 AM opening as possible and plan to spend at least 5 hours to see most of the key performances and have a chance to do some shopping.

I've been to another Renaissance Faire, is yours the same?

No. Renaissance Faires range from single weekend street shows to huge productions which run for several months. The New York Renaissance Faire has over 75 costumed actors, over 20 independent specialty acts and over 100 craftspeople. The buildings of our village are permanently built and the grounds are only used for the Faire.

Do you take your Faire to other locations?

No, however our parent company Renaissance Entertainment Productions produces two other Faires: the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale, California and the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha, Wisconsin near Chicago.

How long has the New York Renaissance Faire been operating?

2012 is our 35th season.

Do you close if it rains?

No. We are open Rain or Shine. There is shelter in the craft shoppes and other covered pavilion areas for heavy rain and some performances may be delayed or canceled if the rain is very hard and there is danger of performers being injured. Otherwise the show continues as scheduled. On very rare occasions, the weather may be severe enough to warrant a danger to all. At that time, the Faire may elect to close.

How long does it take to get there from New York City?

We are approximately 45 minutes from the George Washington Bridge.

Is there public transportation available?

Yes! We have direct bus transportation provided by Shortline from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to the Faire. They offer either a round-trip bus-only ticket to the Faire OR a Day Trip Package which includes round-trip bus ticket plus Faire admission and a Faire Program. Please contact Shortline for further details: 1-800-631-8405 or shortlinebus.com.

Can I bring my pet?

No. Our insurance does not allow for the public to bring pets.

If I leave the Faire, can I come back during the same day?

Yes, but you must receive a hand stamp on your way out, and show this to the front gate personnel on your return back to the Faire.

Entertainment

Do the shows cost extra?

No. All 125 plus performances are included in the ticket price.

What is a joust?

A joust consists of two knights upon horseback who gallop at each other. Using long poles called lances, they try to knock each other off their horse. Typically the unhorsed knight is angered by that and often will continue the fight with his sword.

Are there shows suitable for children?

Yes! Shows* such as Arsene Dupin, Brother Donald Storytelling, Earthquest's Birds of Prey, Dextre Tripp's Thrill Show, Jayna Lee's Aerial Acrobatics, and Theatre of Fools - The Wacky Chickens are especially good for children. Kids can also be made a knight or lady of the realm, join Robin Hood's Band or participate in the Maypole Dances. *Check the stage schedule for exact performance dates & show times.

Are there other forms of entertainment besides shows?

Yes! There is shopping among our crafts vendors, you can have your fortune told by one of our psychics, there are human-powered rides and clever games of skill. These do have an extra charge. With nearly 10,000 visitors per day, there is also people watching which is included in our ticket price!

Children

Can I push a stroller around?

Yes! Much of our site has paved roads and nearly all of it is accessible with strollers.

Are there diaper changing facilities?

Yes! Our Royal Flush Privies feature diaper changing facilities in both the mens and ladies rooms and at the Parking Lot #2 restrooms.

Is there food my children will like?

Yes! We have pizza, turkey legs, bagel dogs, french fries, fried cheese, and pickles to name a few. We also have a large assortment of offerings for the sweettooth.

Costumes

Can I come in costume?
Yes! Many of our visitors come in costumes ranging from simple to elaborate. It's a great way to add extra fun to your day.

If I wear a costume do I get in free?
No. Unfortunately we cannot offer that as it would require our ticket takers to make judgement calls as to what constitutes a costume. With nearly 10,000 visitors per day this would hinder our ability to get people through the gates and in to where the fun is.

Can I rent a costume when I get there?
Yes! We have a shoppe called "The Bellrose" which rents costumes by the day. This shoppe is located inside the Faire, near the Information Booth. The best choices are early in the day so plan to arrive as close to our 10:00 AM opening as possible.

Can I wear a sword or dagger with my costume?
Yes! As long as they are "peace-tied." This means they are sheathed in such a manner as to make them unable to draw. You can use rope, ribbon, leather or other means. Our security personnel will check the weapons at the gate and will assist you if you need help with this.

Are there restrictions on costumes?
Yes and no. We do not ask that your costume be of any particular make or time period. We do insist that private parts of the body remain private at least to the coverage that swimwear on a public beach allows and shirts must be worn at all times.

Special Needs

Is the Faire wheelchair accessible?

Most areas of the Faire are handicapped accessible. A large percentage of the Faire has paved paths, with the remainder hard compacted gravel. We also have wheelchair accessible portable restroom facilities.

Can I rent a wheelchair there?

No. We do not have wheelchairs available for rent or loan. If you will be requiring one, please contact your local medical supply store. Many rent them on a daily basis.

I am on a restricted diet. What do I do about food?

The Faire offers a wide variety of food including vegetarian. We also have bottled spring water available at the Pubs and water fountains on the site. If you are on a very special diet, we can make exceptions to our "no outside food or beverage" policy if you are only bringing in small quantities for yourself.

I require a regular treatment which I will need to return to my car for. Will I be able to get back into the Faire?

Yes! Be sure to have your hand stamped on your way out and returning will be no problem.

Do you have medical staff available in case of emergencies?

Yes! Our emergency medical services are provided by RPS/Tuxedo Ambulance Corp. There is an ambulance stationed at First Aid throughout the day.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes! Guide dogs for the deaf and/or hard-of-hearing and/or visually-impaired are allowed.

Money & Tickets

How much does it cost?

Prices vary during the year. We often have special offers available through the website. Click here to see what is currenty being offered.

Do I have to buy tickets at the gate?

No. You may purchase advance tickets via our website ticket page at http://www.renfair.com/ny/tickets/index.asp or by calling our office at: 845-351-5174 Monday through Friday 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM.

What is "Will Call"?

If you purchase advance tickets and are concerned about receiving your tickets in time, there is a "Will Call Pick Up" option. Will Call is a specific ticket window just outside the Front Gate where your tickets will be waiting for you. The lines there are much shorter than for the regular box office windows. You will have to have identification such as your driver's license or credit card in the same name that the tickets were purchased under. Once the tickets are placed in Will Call, they remain there every day of the Faire until you pick them up. There is no need to worry if changes in your travel plans mean you visit on a different day than you originally planned.

Do I have to purchase tickets for a specific date?

No. Advance tickets are good any one Faire day.

Are there discount coupons available?

Yes! They are available through on this website, in some local newspapers, and through Clipper Magazine.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes! VISA and MasterCard are accepted at the box office and the Renaissance Collection Shoppes. Many of our craftspeople also accept credit cards.

How many people are required for group rates?

Group Rates are for groups of 25 or more. They must be purchased by credit card via phone only. 845-351-5174.

How much money should I bring?

A lot depends on your tastes and how long you plan to visit. Typically you should allow for $10-$15 per person for food and beverage. Crafts range anywhere from $1 through $5,000 and all prices in between. Games and rides are $1 -$2.

If I don't bring enough cash is there a way to get more?

Yes! We have ATM's located near the Front Gate.

Food & Beverage

What kind of food do you sell?

We have a wide variety of food ranging from simple to exotic. Roasted Turkey Legs might be considered as the "don't leave without trying one" Renaissance food. To list some others we serve: Steak-on-a-Stake, Sausage-on-a-Stick, Greek Gyros, Fish & Chips, Falafel and other Mediterranean fare, Pizza, Fajitas, Grilled Chicken or Sausage Sandwiches, Barbecued Pork and Chicken, French Fries, Fried Cheese or Mushrooms and Vegetable or Chees Pies. There is also a wide variety of sweets including Cheesecake-on-a-Stick, Ice Cream, Chocolates and other candies, Apple Dumplings, Churros, Funnel Cakes, Flavored Snow, Brownies and more!

What kind of beverages to you serve?

We serve a variety of Pepsi products, iced tea, lemonade and bottled water. Our alcoholic beverages include Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Amberbock and Michelob Ultra, Sam Adams and Sam Adams Seasonal, Hardcore Cider, Bacardi Limon, O'Douls, Coastal Vinters Wines, and Chaucer's Mead.

What form of ID do I need to purchase alcohol?

We accept official State issued driver's licenses and identification cards, Military ID's and passports. All forms must have a photo and your date of birth.

What is mead?

Mead is the oldest form of alcoholic beverage known to man. It is simply fermented honey made in a similar brewing process as beer. Although some bottlers may call honey-flavored wines "mead", the Chaucer's brand which we sell at the Faire is a true-brewed mead in the traditional sense.

Your mead is great! Where can I find it to take home?

We only have a partial list of area liquor stores which carry Chaucer's Mead. They are KG Wine & Liquor in Harriman, NY; Star Wines & Liquors and Harriman Wines & Liquors in Monroe, NY; Liquorama Wine Cellars in Hyde Park, NY; Woodstock Wine & Liquor in Woodstock, NY; The Wine Steward in Ashoken, NY; Viscount Wine & Liquor in Wappingers Falls, NY; Vineyards Wine & Spirits in Middletown, NY; Brewster Liquor in Brewster, NY; Peck's Wine & Spirits in Warwick, NY; Liquor Store of Warwick in Warwick, NY; and Overlook Liquor in Woodstock, NY. Check with your local wine store for availability.