King Richard's Faire is an annual Renaissance fair that takes place in Carver, Massachusetts. It was started back in 1982, making it the longest-running event of its kind in the region.
The fair was founded by Richard and Bonnie Shapiro, a husband and wife duo. It was initially held in Bristol, Wisconsin and subsequently sold to Renaissance Entertainment Corporation. In recent times, newer edition of the event has been produced by Bonnie and her daughter Aimée Shapiro Sedle.
The venue covers 80 acres, and multiple sages are set up all across the site. It is transformed into a marketplace from the 16th century, complete with delicious food, dancers, singers, puppeteers, comedians, jugglers, exotic animals, and vendors selling handicrafts. Guests can explore and indulge in gorgeous handmade jewelry, pottery, and other arts and crafts.
The festivities go on for eight consecutive weekends from August to September. Visitors and performers from all over the globe travel to Carver to be a part of the event. Live jousting takes place every weekend on a large tournament field. There is even a royal court with actors dressed up and performing as the King and his subjects.
Guests can purchase their tickets online or at the gate. Only cash will be accepted if you choose to buy them at the entrance. Passes cost about $35 for adults and just under $20 for children between the ages of 4 and 11. Children under the age of 3 can enjoy the event for free.
Discounted group passes and lower-priced tickets for seniors are available. Group tickets can be purchased over the phone in advance. For more information and updates on fares and schedules, check out the official event website. You'll need to purchase additional food tickets to buy food and beverages.
The outdoor venue is less than an hour's drive away from nearby cities like Boston and Providence. Utilize your GPS app of choice to find your way there or use the directions provided on the website. Once you reach Carver, there will be signs to guide you to the site. Before starting on your trip, call 511 or check the event's social media pages to see if any road alerts have been issued in the region.
Free parking is available at the fairgrounds. Once you enter the venue, experienced staff will guide you to an available space. Patrons are requested to follow their directions to enjoy a smooth parking experience. Parking is not allowed outside the fairgrounds or in the surrounding areas. Your vehicle may be towed if it's parked in an unauthorized spot.
Public buses, as well as privately operated shuttles, will be ferrying visitors to the venue on the days of the faire. You can also rent a car or use a taxi service to get there. Fairgoers also often make use of ride-sharing apps to get to the site.
Onsite camping is not permitted at King Richard's Faire. Fortunately, there are some well-equipped campgrounds conveniently located nearby.
The nearest campground is less than two miles away. It comes equipped with facilities like full-hookups, big rig access, and waterfront sites. Another option is Myles Standish State Forest which is about four miles away. This park offers only primitive RV camping, but guests can enjoy waterfront access and fantastic hiking trails.
You'll need to get around the site on foot. If you're with young children, strollers are welcome. Patrons with mobility disabilities can use motorized or manual wheelchairs and scooters. Most parts of the venue are accessible and navigable by wheelchair. ADA parking spots are available close to the main gate.
Patrons are encouraged to enjoy the faire in their best period costumes and renaissance garb. If you don't own an elaborate costume, you can always rent one for the day. Adult and child costumes are available for rent close to the entrance. Whether you're in the mood to dress up as a knight, prince, or peasant, you can take your pick.
You're likely to be at the faire for at least a couple of hours. Pack a small bag or backpack with all the essentials you need to stay comfortable throughout the day like sunscreen, a hat, a refillable water bottle, and sunglasses. Illegal drugs, outside alcohol or weapons of any kind, will not be allowed on the venue.
Thousands of people visit the faire every year, so the site is likely to be pretty crowded through the day. Keep an eye on your belongings and use the buddy system. Stay hydrated by making use of the free filtered water stations. Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds, except for trained service animals.
It's a good idea to stock up on supplies before heading to your campsite for the night. Campfires are typically allowed as long as they are contained in a fire ring and there is no burn ban in effect. If you plan on cooking on the stove in your RV, make sure you have enough fuel before starting on your trip.
Apart from the usual chain restaurants and fast food joints, there are some great family-run restaurants and diners in the Carver area. At these, you can indulge in comfort food like Eggs Benedict, artichoke salad, chicken parmesan, and meatloaf. You'll find some smaller restaurants serving home-style Italian food as well.
There will be booths near the entrances where food and drink tickets can be purchased. You can use these to buy delicious treats from the food stalls as well as the roaming vendors. Guests can also choose from a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages like milkshakes, juices, cider, wine, and beer.
Local law enforcement, as well as private security officers, will be present at the fairgrounds, making sure order is maintained. They will also be manning the surrounding roadways to keep traffic moving. Patrons are requested to respect the rules of the event and avoid bringing in any prohibited items.
The weather is typically warm and pleasant. A little rain is not likely to affect the proceedings, and the fair will remain open to patrons unless the weather turns severe. Any announcements or schedule changes due to the weather will be updated on the event's social media accounts and website.
There will be a centrally located first aid tent, staffed with trained medical professionals. You can head there if you or someone you know requires assistance. Alternatively, simply flag down one of the staff members. Patrons can email the organizers in advance for any queries or support related to the accessible facilities available.
