The Georgia Renaissance Festival celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025, transforming 32 acres in Fairburn into a vibrant 16th-century English village every spring from April 12 through June 1. Running Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day Monday (10:30 am-6 pm), this beloved event features over 150 artisan vendors, 10 performance stages, full-contact jousting tournaments, and attractions like mermaids, falconry, and themed food ranging from turkey legs to English ales. Drawing over 200,000 visitors annually, the festival sits just 30 minutes southwest of Atlanta at 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road. For RV travelers, metro Atlanta's exceptional camping infrastructure and convenient festival access make it perfect for combining Renaissance revelry with comfortable outdoor living. Whether you're planning a weekend adventure or an extended Georgia exploration, an RV rental puts you minutes from both medieval merriment and the state's stunning natural attractions.
The Georgia Renaissance Festival is one of the Southeast's premier Renaissance celebrations. This immersive themed fair transforms the grounds into the fictional village set during King Henry VIII's reign, where history comes alive through hundreds of costumed performers.
Over 200 professional actors and artisans bring the Renaissance period to life across 10 performance stages throughout the 32-acre site. Visitors can witness thrilling full-contact jousting tournaments, marvel at falconry exhibitions, and interact with roaming characters, including knights, nobles, jesters, and villagers. The festival features comedy shows, musical performances, magic acts, and theatrical plays that transport guests back to Elizabethan England.
The authentic medieval marketplace showcases over 150 skilled craftspeople demonstrating traditional trades like blacksmithing, woodworking, pottery, and glassblowing. Artisan vendors sell everything from hand-forged armor and Renaissance clothing to jewelry and home goods. Unique attractions include the Living Mermaid Lagoon, where professional performers create an enchanting underwater spectacle.
Food lovers can indulge in period-appropriate feasts featuring roasted turkey legs, shepherd's pies, Scottish eggs, and fresh-baked breads, paired with traditional ales and meads. More modern festival fare is also available for those seeking familiar favorites.
For those planning to explore the festival with an RV, discover Atlanta RV rentals perfect for your medieval adventure, or consider Marietta, Georgia, RV rentals just 20 minutes from the festival grounds.
The festival runs rain or shine.
Ticket options range from single-day passes to season passes, typically priced between $25 for adults (advance online purchase) and $30+ at the gate. Children's tickets generally cost $10-15, with kids under a certain age often admitted free. Season passes provide the best value for repeat visitors.
Advanced online purchase offers the best rates and helps avoid box office lines during peak attendance days. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and military personnel. Group rates and special pricing for schools and organizations may also be offered.
Parking is free for all festival guests, with accessible parking available near entrances. Check the Georgia Renaissance Festival website for current pricing and special promotions.
The festival takes place in Fairburn, located in the southwestern metro Atlanta area. The venue is about 30 miles from downtown Atlanta and roughly 25 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. You can reach the site via I-85 South to exit 47 (Highway 138), then follow signs to the festival entrance. From I-85, it's approximately a 5-mile drive on local roads to the festival grounds.
Call 511 or check Georgia's 511 traffic information to see if any road alerts have been issued in Fulton County or surrounding areas. Spring weekend traffic can be heavy as the festival attracts visitors from across the Southeast.
Free parking is available at the Georgia Renaissance Festival, with multiple lots accommodating everything from compact cars to large RVs. Arrive early for the best parking spots closest to the entrance gates. The festival grounds can accommodate RVs and large vehicles, though maneuvering may be easier in designated larger vehicle areas.
Accessible parking spaces are allocated near the main entrances for patrons with disabilities—simply display your placard. Parking attendants will be on hand to direct you to the appropriate areas based on your vehicle size.
Limited public transportation options serve the Fairburn area directly. The closest MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) stations are several miles away in College Park. Most festival-goers rely on personal vehicles or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, which can drop you directly at the festival entrance. If staying at a nearby RV park, consider carpooling with fellow campers to save on parking hassle and enjoy the journey together.
While day parking is available for RVs at the festival grounds, overnight camping is not permitted on-site. The festival focuses on daily attendance, so you'll need to arrange accommodations at one of metro Atlanta's many excellent RV parks and campgrounds.
Thanks to metro Atlanta's thriving tourism scene and abundant outdoor recreation options, you'll find exceptional RV camping within easy reach of the festival. Several outstanding campgrounds sit within 20-30 minutes of Fairburn, offering everything from full hookups to scenic lakeside settings.
Stone Mountain Park Campground (about 45 minutes northeast) is one of Georgia's most popular camping destinations, featuring over 400 sites nestled on 3,200 scenic acres. The campground offers full and partial hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a swimming pool, and easy access to Stone Mountain's attractions, including hiking trails, a scenic railroad, and evening laser shows.
Atlanta Marietta RV Resort in Marietta sits just 25 minutes from downtown Atlanta and 30 minutes from the festival. This upscale resort features full hookups, cable TV, internet connections, laundry facilities, a seasonal pool, and pet-friendly grounds—perfect for families seeking comfort after a day of medieval adventures.
Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve in Austell (about 20 minutes north) offers a peaceful creek-side setting with full hookups, laundry facilities, and showers. Located near Sweetwater Creek State Park, you can combine your festival visit with hiking along 15 miles of wooded trails and exploring Civil War-era mill ruins.
Sweetwater Campground on Lake Allatoona (about 40 minutes northwest) provides over 150 spacious campsites along the shores of one of Georgia's most visited lakes. Electric and water hookups are available, along with swimming beaches, boat ramps, and fishing access—ideal for extending your trip with lake activities.
For additional options, explore Red Top Mountain Campground on Lake Allatoona, Fort Yargo Campground near Winder, or Don Carter Campground on Lake Lanier for beautiful lakeside settings within an hour's drive.
Weekly and monthly rates are available at most Atlanta-area campgrounds for those looking to make the festival part of an extended Georgia adventure.
You'll likely be on your feet all day exploring the 32-acre festival grounds, so wear comfortable, supportive shoes. The terrain includes both paved pathways and natural surfaces that can become muddy if it rains. Strollers are welcome for families with young children, and wagons can make carrying purchases easier.
Wheelchair-accessible pathways run throughout most of the festival, though some areas with natural terrain may be challenging. Wheelchairs and scooters may be available for rent—contact the festival in advance to arrange accessibility services.
Get into the spirit of the fair by dressing in Renaissance-inspired attire—many visitors embrace the experience by wearing period costumes. Costume rentals are typically available near the entrance if you prefer not to bring your own. Some vendors don't accept cards, so carrying a small amount of cash is advisable, though ATMs are available on-site.
Spring weather in Georgia can be unpredictable. Layers are your friend, as mornings may be cool while afternoons can be warm. Even if you skip the costume, comfortable, casual clothing works perfectly. Weapons that are part of costumes must be sheathed and peace-tied according to festival regulations.
Carry a valid ID along with your festival tickets. Other essentials include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. Free water refill stations are typically available throughout the grounds. A small backpack or bag makes it easy to carry purchases and essentials—just be prepared for bag checks at the entrance.
Cameras are welcome for capturing memories, but check the festival's current policy on professional photography equipment. A portable phone charger ensures you can snap photos all day without battery anxiety.
Protect yourself from Georgia's spring sun with SPF 30+ sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes prevent blisters during hours of walking. Bug spray can be helpful for outdoor festivals, especially in wooded areas.
For safety, keep your group together in crowds and establish meeting points if you get separated. Emergency exits are marked throughout the site on festival maps. First aid stations staffed with trained medical professionals are available for any health concerns.
RV parks in the Atlanta area may have restrictions on open campfires depending on drought conditions, but portable grills are generally permitted. You can always prepare meals on your RV's stove. Several grocery stores, including Walmart and Kroger, are within easy reach of Fairburn for stocking up on supplies before settling in at your campsite for the evening.
Fairburn and the surrounding metro Atlanta area offer diverse dining options. You'll find quick, affordable restaurants a short drive from the venue—perfect for post-festival meals. If you have time and budget for fine dining, Atlanta's world-class restaurant scene is just 30 minutes away, featuring everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.
The festival's food offerings are a highlight, serving authentic Renaissance-era fare alongside modern festival favorites. Don't miss the iconic roasted turkey legs, shepherd's pies, Scottish eggs, and fresh-baked bread. Wash it down with traditional English ales, meads, and wines (for guests 21+), or enjoy lemonade and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are typically available at select vendors. Prices are festival-standard, so budget accordingly or eat a hearty breakfast at your RV before heading to the grounds.
Security personnel patrol the Georgia Renaissance Festival grounds during operating hours, conducting bag checks at entrances. Leave valuable items secured in your RV or vehicle rather than carrying them through crowds. If you notice any concerns, festival staff and security are easily identifiable and ready to assist.
April through early June brings pleasant spring weather to Georgia, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F. However, spring storms can roll through, bringing rain and occasional thunderstorms. The festival operates rain or shine, but severe weather may temporarily pause activities.
Pack rain gear or purchase an umbrella from festival vendors. Dress in layers as mornings can be cool, especially in April, while afternoons warm up. Check the forecast before your visit and plan accordingly.
First aid stations staffed with trained EMTs are available on festival grounds. ADA assistance and support services can be found at the information center near the main entrance. For serious emergencies, Fairburn and Atlanta have full medical facilities, including urgent care centers and hospitals.