Connecticut Renaissance Faire
The Connecticut Renaissance Faire, with its thrilling jousts, great food, and live entertainment, is a must-visit on your next RV trip to the state.
Event information
The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is a themed fair that is held in Lebanon, Connecticut. Lebanon County Fairgrounds serve as the venue for the event. As you enter the grounds, your family and you will get to experience a harvest festival in a quaint 16th-century village.
The site is beautifully decorated with banners and tapestries to make it look as authentic as possible. Actors dressed in elaborate costumes will be playing members of the royal court as well as their subjects. They will also put on stage shows for the entertainment of the guests and move about the grounds, interacting with them.
Attendees are likely to encounter traditional dances, live music, educational camps, and birds of prey demonstrations. Guests can take part in various competitions and quests to win prices. For the little ones, there are activities like face painting and hair braiding. To make things more interesting, new shows are added every weekend, depending on the theme.
Thrilling jousts are put on by trained actors, which visitors travel from near and far to witness. A bustling marketplace lies at the center of it all, where beautiful handmade products, as well as a range of delicious edible treats, can be purchased.
Tickets
Tickets go on sale online a few months before the start of the Connecticut Renaissance Faire. They can be purchased at the front gate as well. Passes range in price from $15 (Single Day General Admission Adult Pass) to $60 (Adult Season Pass). Lower priced passes are available for children between the ages of 7 and 15 and admission is usually free for younger kids. Pets are allowed, but you’ll require a special pet admission ticket.
Onsite games, food, and drinks must be paid for by cash. There will be an ATM available on the fairgrounds. Check out the faire website for more information on tickets and pricing.
Explore Connecticut Renaissance Faire RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The venue is a 20-minute drive from Norwich and about 30 minutes away from New London. Use your GPS app to direct you to Mack Road, and you should be able to spot the Lebanon County Fairgrounds in Eastern Connecticut. There will also be signs to guide you there. The event’s website and social media pages are great resources for directions, traffic information, and road alerts.
Parking areas
Free car parking on the fairgrounds is available to all ticket-holding guests. If you plan on driving to the venue, make sure you get there early, so you can find a spot close to the festivities. You may need to park your motorhome at your chosen campsite and find an alternate means of transport to the venue. Patrons with disabilities will be able to use accessible parking spaces close to the entrance.
Public Transportation
Lebanon is somewhat removed from the larger cities in Connecticut, so public transportation is likely to be limited. You may be able to get to the venue is by taking a taxi or via a ride-hailing app, but these may also be limited in nature. Check if any of the other guests staying at your campsite plan on attending the fair so that you can carpool with them. Some campgrounds may offer shuttle service during peak season.
Where to stay
Onsite
Onsite camping or overnight parking is not permitted at the CTFAIRE. You’ll need to book a spot at one of the campgrounds or RV parks in the area in advance. It’s a good idea to opt for an RV campground near the venue so that you can cut down on your travel time.
Nearby
You’ll find a couple of well-equipped options less than ten miles away. The sites come with facilities like full hookups, pool access, WiFi, and laundry services. The Salt Rock Campground State Park comes highly recommended and is about 12 miles away. The sites have many modern amenities, and you can enjoy the scenic walking trails in the area.
Getting around
You’re likely to be doing a lot of walking around, so wear comfortable shoes and keep your bag or purse light. Most parts of the grounds are accessible by wheelchair, except for a few stairs and sloping areas. Wheelchairs, wagons, or strollers are not available for rent, so come prepared with what your crew will need.
What to pack
Clothing
Costumes of all kinds are encouraged as long as they are family-friendly. You can dress up in Renaissance-inspired attire or even go as your favorite comic book or movie character. Costume weapons that are secured and peace-tied are allowed. Opt for clothing made from lightweight fabrics and comfortable, flat shoes.
Gear
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and bug spray are a must since the event takes place outdoors. Some other essentials that can come in handy are a portable charger, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a lightweight blanket. Make a list of camping essentials and ensure that all the items are checked off before starting on your trip.
Health & Safety
Carry a refillable bottle and use the filtered water stations to stay hydrated. Stay close to your group, and keep an eye on your belongings. Outside alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited. Pets are allowed as long as they can adhere to the rules of the event and stay on a leash.
Where to eat
Cooking
Always check if there is a fire ban in effect before lighting a fire at your campsite. The campground manager will be able to tell you about any restrictions and give you helpful suggestions for wood if needed. Make sure your refrigerator is stocked with supplies, and you have enough gas for the stove in your RV before reaching your site for the night.
Restaurants
You will find no shortage of good restaurants, diners, and pubs in the area. Apart from the usual restaurant chains that you’ll find along the roadways, Lebanon has excellent small, local eateries. There are also some great Italian and Mexican restaurants for guests to explore. Be sure to finish your meal with some delicious ice cream or dessert.
Vendors
Visitors can enjoy savory treats like turkey legs, poutine, and meat pies. Due to the popularity of the food in the past, new food courts have been added. A separate booth for desserts like apple strudel, ice cream, and cheesecake has also been introduced for guests with a sweet tooth.
Safety
Security
Security officers will be checking belongings, pets, and costume weapons at the front gate. If you plan on bringing a pet, don't forget to check the animal guidelines. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. You may enjoy the cannon firings, but remember these are loud and may scare or surprise pets or small children.
Weather
The climate is often warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging in the 70s. The Connecticut Renaissance Faire’s Facebook page is updated regularly with information about schedule changes or closures due to inclement weather. To be sure to check it before booking your passes. No refunds or exchanges will be entertained.
Medical
Guests who need medical assistance can head to the first-aid station. Alternatively, one of the festival staff members or security personnel can be flagged down for help. Medically necessary items and food will be allowed in after inspection. For any special requests or support related to the accessibility of the venue, contact the festival organizers directly.
