Sterling Renaissance Festival

The shows and actors are fantastic! Unfortunately the lack of workers at food stands made for insanely long lines. Highly recommend eating a big breakfast before going then stop and have dinner after. The crowds were also a downside. Over the years it has become more popular but it needs to expand to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

The owner Doug is a bad person who fired an employee over his service dog. Don’t give him your money

This was my first time attending and I will definitely be going next summer! Had tons of fun and everything was gorgeous. Merchandise ranges anywhere from $20 to $200 and half of the shops are cash only. There are a few ATM’s but I’d say get cash beforehand since lines start forming when busy. Food is $10-$20 and there’s plenty of options if you don’t have any dietary restrictions. Most games are around $5 and a short horse ride was $10. There are proper indoor restrooms and various places to sit and rest. There are two adult comedy stand up type shows with explicit language, but they’re located at the Grotto Stage which isn’t in the main area, so if you have kids you can easily avoid it.

Absolutely always a fun time at the Renaissance Festival! There are so many shows by the hour from comedy plays, story telling, and jousting. Little shops and vendors to check out. They have different themed weekends - my favorite is pirate weekend! It's so fun seeing people dressed up. AND the food is delicious! Don't forget to try the jester balls, cheese curds and grab a turkey leg!

No wifi or cellular service near entrance making online admission purchase impossible. Admission online appears costlier than box office. Box office line on Sat took over half an hour. Saturday was very crowded. The performances were pretty good. I think they need more musicians and vendors including food.

The past certainly comes alive, like stepping through a portal. Even the thousands of us who didn't wear costumes don't distract from the fun and follies of this Medieval festival. The performers are absolutely wonderful, and the setting is lovely, with paths and stages and shade trees sprinkled in the valley.
If there's one drawback, it's the price of food and drink, and the long lines to get those. Just plan on stadium pricing and bring plenty of cash. You're only going to go once each season, so take the high prices in stride and savor the whole experience.

My wife and I went for pirates week, there was 1 person working the ticket booth while there were 5 booths. Once in we waited 45 mins only to be told the wine slushy machine was not working. The turkey leg vendor could not sell any due to lack of propane, said it would be 1.5 hour wait. My wife went for a baked potato and a shish kabob yet no shish kabobs were available. So we just had potatoes and beer. Performers were great, every booth had only 1 person working, so we left due to hunger. The owner of this place needs to pay workers needs to invest back into the business instead of paying out sexual harassment suites.

Amazing trip back into history! The actors are very committed to their roles and it’s so fun to dress up for the day!

The cast/employees, especially those in character, where absolutely fantastic.

This festival is primarily cash only, which I imagine is a means for tax benefits. This is annoying, but isn’t an issue if you plan ahead.

The real issue our party had was with the food situation, it’s horribly organized and not efficient in any fashion. At 1: 30pm, we headed over to the big shelter that serves food/drinks. It took 55 minutes for us to go through the line and order our food, which was awful to begin with. Then it took ANOTHER 50 minutes to get our food, which of course no one gave any indication that the kitchen (only making rather plain paninis) that the wait was this. 2 hours of our day lost, which mentally and physically simply took us out of the game and enjoyment of the experience. You will see how god awful the turkey leg lines become once you are here.

So pro tip: you are allowed re-entry. Bring your own food in a cooler and simply plan to eat lunch at your car. Skip buying any food/beverages inside.

This is a very popular place and it is well deserved. The shows are great and varied for age and taste. The jousting is fabulous. The closing songs and parade are worth the wait.

Not as good as I remember it being as a young adult, but much improved from the experience I had going the year after the covid pandemic. Prices are a little higher than expected but all in all a fun time for all and worth the trip

Cool place to just hang out! If you're going more than once for the weekend themes - get the season pass!

We enjoyed ourselves. It was difficult to get swept away by the vibe due to the fact that most people were not in costume. Very long lines for any type of food. Most of the fair is in the shade which was nice. Plenty of shows and entertainment throughout the entire day. May go again but it would be a few years.

Great food, drinks, shows and you get to dress up as a pirate, fairy, knight, princess or whatever you want. What's not to enjoy.

Bring water and good walking shoes!

The owner violated the Americans with Disabilities act and refused to let a SERVICE dog on the property which is illegal. Do NOT support this fair.

First time ever that I have attended the festival. Overall a great time as all the shops and shows are very entertaining. Gave it 3 stars only because it is so darn expensive. $40 per adult just to get in and everything at the festival costs extra. $12 for 4 chicken fingers, no side. $12 for a little 4oz Dixie cup of mead. Take out a loan if you wish to take your family and do anything once you enter.

It really is a great attraction but it is so expensive! To get in is pricey, and all of the vendors are incredibly expensive! I will say the shows they put on were very engaging and funny! Great acting and even better people watching.