The Colorado Renaissance Festival has opened its 16th century medieval village in Larkspur for its 47th season, anticipating 100,000 visitors over eight weekends from now through Aug. 6. There are themed weekends that include a Magical Fantasy Weekend, Celtic, pirates, wine, revelry and romance.
Krisy Ekiss, artistic director for the Colorado Renaissance Festival, said the 2024 festival will see a return of popular acts, including the comedy act of “Ded Bob” and Jacques Ze Whipper, a humorous whip cracker who will be performing every weekend. “We’re more focused on our returning favorites. It’s kind of our focus for this year, bringing back some of the things that people really, really loved from previous years,” Ekiss said.
There will also be new entertainment, including a comedy act called “The Witch Trial,” as well as a new circus entertainer named “Crazy Boy Coy.” And while there will be 10 stages spread throughout the festival, each with their own programming, Ekiss recommends strolling the festival to find smaller acts, like the Princess and Prince Tea Party ahead of the jousts or the kids’ knighting ceremonies.
The festival will have more than 200 artisans making pottery, leatherwork and jewelry onsite. “We do have a couple of new crafters this year,” Ekiss said. “They’re all Colorado, local artisans that we’re trying to bring in and kind of get a little bit more of that local Colorado arts and crafts spirit, because that’s definitely a huge part of our culture here.” Tarot card readings and fortunes are also available.
“I think one of the fun things, if you really want to get into it, is kind of look for the hidden gems that aren’t necessarily in the program,” Ekiss said. “Little things like finding that musician playing in the lanes and meeting them and getting to dance and sing with them. The stage shows get all the credit, but there’s definitely a lot of smaller interactive things, little demonstrations that the vendors are doing on how they make their products that also add a lot to the ambience.”
Tickets can be purchased at the event, King Soopers stores or through the festival website for $28 for adults and $12 for children age 5-12; children under age 5 are free.
The fair is open Saturdays and Sundays, rain or shine, through Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 650 Perry Park Ave. in Larkspur. Parking is free and no pets are allowed.
https://coloradorenaissance.com
