▼ Culture umbrellas, and sunblock. Comfortable shoes are also a must, considering all the walking you’ll be doing. A bag or backpack is a good idea, as is a certain amount of cash (it’s always faster than plastic). It gets a bit dusty at times, so consider bringing a dust mask or bandanna if you have any issues. What Shouldn’t You Bring? Any sort of real weaponry, drugs or related paraphernalia, dragons, or anything else that might be considered dangerous. Outside food or drink is also forbidden. What’s It Like Getting Inside? There’s very little hassle involved with getting into the festival. Just hand your ticket to a festival employee at the front gate and waltz on through like you’re stepping back in time. Those wearing costume weaponry will need to have it checked out and peace-tied by the security staff. Re-entry is allowed the same day of your visit, provided you get a hand stamp from the front gate staff. Benjamin Leatherman Ye Olde Faire Your guide to the 2022 Arizona Renaissance Festival. BY BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN P olish up your armor, cinch up that bodice, and get ready to have a merry olde tyme: The Arizona Renaissance Festival is back after a two-year hiatus. For those who have never attended the event, which is located outside of Gold Canyon, it re-creates a 16th-century Tudor village that spans 50 acres and features a veritable feast of activities and attractions. People flock from across the state to pay a visit to the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which takes place from February to April each year, to sample its merriment over eight weekends. The festival offers a mix of artisans, performers, and memorable char- acters, as well as various rides and games. You can feast on a sizable repast of food and drink, partake in jousting tourna- ments, encounter mermaids and fairies, and maybe even battle a dragon. There’s also a variety of artisans and craftspeople, dozens of musicians and entertainers, and countless characters. The festival offers a mix of artisans, per- formers, and memorable characters, as well as various rides and games. If you’re curious about what’s in store for the 2020 edition of the festival, which kicked off on Saturday, see below for an extensive and comprehen- sive guide to everything happening. What Are the Dates and Times for 2022? This year’s Arizona Renaissance Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, rain or shine, from February 5 through April 3. It will also be open on Monday, February 21, in honor of Presidents’ Day. Where’s the Festival Located? The festi- val grounds are at 12601 East US Highway 60 in Gold Canyon. Head east on the Superstition Freeway until you reach its end, then keep going. The festival is approximately seven miles east of Apache Junction. Depending on what time you arrive, there might be a line of vehicles waiting to get in. Be prepared to deal with traffic and have a modicum of patience. You’ll get in eventually. What’s the Parking Situation Like? There are acres of free parking available at the festi- val. And the sooner you arrive, the closer you’ll be able to get to the front gate. How Much Is Admission? If you’re buying online, tickets are $29 for adults, $19 for children ages 5 to 12. (Kids aged 5 and younger get in free.) If you’re purchasing admission at the event, however, it’s $30 for adults, $27 for active or retired duty military and their spouses and dependents (IDs are required), $27 for and seniors ages 60 and up, and $17 for kids 5 to 12. Are Discounts Available? Yes. General admission and children’s tickets are two dollars less if you purchase them at cus- tomer service at any Food City supermar- ket in Arizona. You can also score two tickets for $28 by picking up coupons at The scene at one of the “Ancient Art of Falconry” shows at the festival. any Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, Hall of Frames, and Cobblestone Auto Spa locations around the state. It’s only good for the first weekend and on Presidents’ Day. Are There Age Limits? Nope. The festival is open to all ages and is mostly family- friendly, save for the occasional performer who might get a little bawdy during a show. You’ll also have to be 21 or older to purchase alcohol. What Are the Festival’s COVID-19 Policies? Neither a COVID-19 vaccination nor a re- cent negative test result is needed to enter the festival, which is largely an outdoor ex- perience in the open air. Patrons of the Pleasure Feast (an indoor VIP experience) will be required to present proof of either being vaxxed or a negative test. Face cover- ings are recommended but will only be mandated inside the Mermaid Exhibit (and free masks will be provided to anyone who requests one). What’s the Weather Going to Be Like? Open- ing weekend might be chilly, but it’s going to be sunny and warm throughout most of the festival’s run. Naturally, temperatures will increase as things roll into spring and the beginning of the warmer season. And it might just wind up raining once or twice. (As we said, the festival operates every weekend, regardless of the weather.) Basically, you’ll want to check the fore- cast before heading out and be sure to dress and plan accordingly. What Should You Bring? Any sort of sun protection, including hats, sunglasses, How Can I Get Around the Festival? Given the festival’s setting and expansive layout, you’ll be doing plenty of walking during your visit. Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available for rental, as are wagons and strollers for kids. If you’d prefer to give your feet a rest (or just ride in style), hit up one of the rick- shaw-like cabriolet carts that run around the festival ground. They operate on fares and tips, which vary depending on the number of people they’re pulling and the distance traveled. Can I Wear A Costume? Absolutely. Medieval, Renaissance-style, or even Witcher or Game of Thrones-inspired get- ups are more than appropriate, but any sort of cosplay is acceptable (that includes Imperial Stormtroopers; we’ve even seen Star Wars peeps at the event.) At the an- nual Doctor Who-themed “Time Travelers Weekend” on Saturday, February 26, and Sunday, February 27, you can get a picture in front of a TARDIS. What Are the Other Theme Weekends This Year? In addition to the aforementioned visit by time travelers in late February, this year’s list of themed weekends at the festi- val include the following: • February 12 and 13: Romance/Italian Age of Chivalry/Carnevale weekend • February 19, 20, and 21: Royal Raucous Abounds weekend • February 26 and 27: Time Travelers weekend • March 5 and 6: Pirates and BrewFest weekend • March 12 and 13: Celtic weekend and artisan appreciation • March 19 and 20: Wizards and Wonder weekend • March 26 and 27: Celebrating Theater weekend • April 2 and 3: Fairytale Fynery Final Huzzah weekend What Sort of Food and Drinks Are There? A lot of both. And, yes, >> p 27 25 phoenixnewtimes.com | CONTENTS | FEEDBACK | OPINION | NEWS | FEATURE | NIGHT+DAY | CULTURE | FILM | CAFE | MUSIC | PHOENIX NEW TIMES FEB 10TH– FEB 16TH, 2022
