Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival
Head to the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival in your RV to interact with royalty, witness thrilling sword fights and indulge in delicious food.
Event information
The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival runs weekends and Labor Day from August 23 through September 28, 2025, transforming 30 acres in West Newton into the medieval village of Morelandshire. This family-friendly event features competitive jousting, entertainment on seven stages, themed weekends including Pirate Invasion and Celtic celebrations, plus over 90 artisan vendors and authentic period food. General admission costs $27 at the gate ($25.50 online), with free parking and children under 5 admitted free. Located just 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh at 112 Renaissance Lane, the festival offers no on-site RV camping, but nearby campgrounds and Pittsburgh's excellent RV rental selection make it perfect for a medieval weekend adventure combining Renaissance revelry with comfortable camping.
What is the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival?
The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival brings 16th-century England to life in the fictional village of Morelandshire, set sometime between 1533 and 1536. This immersive experience features hundreds of authentically costumed performers living and working throughout the village, creating the illusion of a rollicking Tudor-era festival day.
Seven stages host continuous entertainment, including full-contact jousting tournaments, comedy shows, musical performances, and interactive theater. The highlight remains the competitive joust between brave knights representing the houses of York, Lancaster, England, and Scotland, with thundering hooves and clashing steel captivating audiences throughout each day.
The festival's marketplace showcases master craftspeople demonstrating blacksmithing, woodworking, pottery, and armor-making using period techniques. Over 90 juried artisans sell authentic Renaissance wares, from hand-forged swords to intricate jewelry, while food vendors serve everything from roasted turkey legs to shepherd's pie alongside traditional festival treats.
For RV travelers planning their Renaissance adventure, explore Pittsburgh RV rentals perfect for your festival weekend, offering easy pickup and delivery options throughout the Steel City area.
When and Where is the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival Held?
- Dates: August 23 - September 28, 2025 (weekends and Labor Day only)
- Location: 112 Renaissance Lane, West Newton, PA 15089
- Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:30 am-6:30 pm, plus Labor Day Monday
- Themed Weekends: Opening/Celtic Weekend, Children's Weekend, Mead & Whiskey Weekend, Pirate Invasion Weekend, Oktoberfest Weekend, Harvest Celebration Weekend
- Attendance: 95,000+ visitors over the six-weekend season
The festival sits in Pennsylvania's scenic Laurel Highlands, just 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh via Routes 30 and 136.
Tickets
How Much Does the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival Cost?
Adult tickets cost $27 at the box office or $25.50 when purchased online in advance, while children ages 5-12 pay $12 (children under 5 enter free). Tickets provide full-day access to all entertainment, though some special experiences like the Royal Court feast require separate reservations.
The festival offers special pricing for themed weekends, with Children's Weekend featuring free admission for kids 12 and under with paying adult admission. Military Appreciation Weekend provides buy-one-get-one-free tickets for current military and veterans, while Union and Labor Appreciation Weekend extends similar savings to union members.
Advance online purchase through partner websites offers the best value and helps avoid box office lines during peak attendance days.
Check the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival website for current ticket information and themed weekend details.
How Do I Rent an RV Near Pittsburgh for the Festival?
Pittsburgh's robust RV rental marketplace provides excellent options for festival-goers seeking comfort and convenience during their medieval adventure. The city's location along major interstates offers easy access to West Newton, with most rental locations providing comprehensive orientation for first-time RVers.
Pittsburgh campervan rentals prove especially popular for festival weekends, offering excellent maneuverability for navigating rural Pennsylvania roads while providing essential amenities for a comfortable stay. These compact rigs are ideal for those new to RV travel while delivering the convenience of having your accommodation travel with you.
For families or larger groups, Pittsburgh travel trailer rentals provide spacious interiors perfect for storing Renaissance costumes, fair purchases, and camping gear. Many hosts offer delivery services to area campgrounds, eliminating towing concerns for first-time renters.
Book your festival weekend RV well in advance, as late August through September represents peak season for Pennsylvania RV travel due to ideal weather and numerous regional festivals.
Explore Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The festival grounds sit conveniently off Route 30 at the Mars-Brownsville Road exit in West Newton, approximately 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. From the city, take Route 30 East for about 45 minutes, following signs for the festival during operating weekends.
Major access routes include I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) to Route 31 South, then Route 30 West to the festival entrance. Clear signage guides visitors during festival weekends, though GPS coordinates (40.2066, -79.7692) ensure accurate navigation.
Parking areas
The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival provides free parking for all attendees in designated lots adjacent to the festival grounds. Parking fills progressively throughout the day, with earlier arrival recommended for weekend peak times, especially during popular themed weekends like Pirate Invasion.
Accessible parking spaces are reserved near the main entrance for visitors with disabilities, while overflow parking extends to additional fields during high-attendance days. No overnight parking or RV camping is permitted on festival grounds.
Public Transportation
Shuttle Services
While no formal shuttle services operate to the festival, ride-sharing apps provide convenient transportation from nearby accommodations. The rural location makes personal vehicles or RV travel the most practical options for festival attendance.
Where to stay
Onsite
While the festival grounds don't offer RV camping, Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands region provides excellent camping options within easy driving distance of West Newton, combining medieval entertainment with scenic mountain camping.
Nearby
Premier RV Parks Near the Festival:
Fox Den Acres Campground offers the closest full-service option to the festival grounds, located just outside New Stanton. This family-friendly campground features over 100 full-hookup sites accommodating big rigs, plus amenities including a swimming pool, playground, game room, and on-site lake for fishing. The convenient location puts you less than 20 minutes from the festival entrance.
Bear Run Campground provides a scenic lakeside setting next to Lake Arthur, about 40 miles from the festival. With over 200 all-weather sites (half with full hookups), heated pool, rec hall, and game room, this Portersville location offers excellent amenities while keeping you close to Moraine State Park for additional outdoor activities.
Madison/Pittsburgh S.E. KOA delivers the classic KOA experience just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike, featuring full hookups for RVs up to 65 feet, complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV, swimming pool, and organized activities during the summer months. The shaded sites and central location make it ideal for exploring both the festival and the greater Pittsburgh area.
For budget-conscious travelers, several Pennsylvania state parks in the region offer more affordable camping options, though with fewer amenities than private campgrounds.
Getting around
While the fair takes place in a natural, outdoor setting, there are plenty of gravel and hard-packed earth pathways. These are accessible by wheelchair. But some parts of the site can become hard to navigate, especially if it rains. Motorized wheelchairs and recommended and patrons may bring strollers for children.
What to pack
Clothing
Embrace the festival atmosphere by dressing in Renaissance costume or comfortable period-inspired clothing. Many vendors sell authentic garb on-site, making costume acquisition part of the festival experience. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, given the 30-acre grounds and occasionally uneven terrain.
Late August through September in Pennsylvania brings variable weather, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F and cooler evenings around 60-65°F. Pack layers, including a light jacket for evening activities and potential afternoon thundershowers.
Gear
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must since you’re going to be exposed to the elements all day. Other items that can come in handy are hand sanitizer, bug spray, and a portable charger. If you plan on enjoying activities like hiking and swimming at your campsite, make sure you pack good shoes and water gear.
Health & Safety
The fairgrounds are likely to be crowded, so stay close to your group and designate a common meeting point. Keep your energy up by drinking plenty of fluids and eating at regular intervals. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. Pets, except for trained service animals, will not be allowed.
Where to eat
Cooking
Ask your camp manager about the RV camping rules before lighting a fire. Many of the campgrounds have convenience stores on site, so you should be able to pick up essentials like firewood. Due to tree care in the region, firewood from a local source may be required. It’s a good idea to pack some snacks and ready to eat meals before starting on your trip in case you’re not able to find all the brands you’re used to at the store.
Restaurants
West Newton and surrounding communities offer casual dining options perfect for post-festival meals, while nearby Pittsburgh provides world-class restaurants for special occasion dinners. The festival's rural location means most dining occurs either on-site or back in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Local favorites include family restaurants along Route 30 serving hearty Pennsylvania fare, perfect for refueling after a day of medieval merriment.
Vendors
The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival showcases authentic period cuisine alongside modern festival favorites. Must-try items include roasted turkey legs, shepherd's pie, steak on a stake, and fresh-baked goods like honey cakes and meat pies.
Local breweries and meaderies provide authentic ales, meads, and wines for adult patrons, while fresh-squeezed lemonades and artisan sodas satisfy all ages. Food vendors span the spectrum from quick handheld snacks to full medieval feasts.
Safety
Security
Security personnel patrol the festival grounds during operating hours, conducting bag checks at entrances and maintaining a visible presence throughout the village. The family-friendly atmosphere creates a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages.
Weapons policies allow peace-tied, sheathed costume weapons as part of Renaissance attire, though real weapons and anything violating state or federal law remain prohibited. Staff assist with any questions about appropriate costume accessories.
Weather
Late summer in Pennsylvania typically brings stable weather perfect for outdoor festivals, though afternoon thunderstorms can occur. The festival operates in light rain but may temporarily close outdoor shows during severe weather for safety.
Monitor weather forecasts during your visit and dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes throughout the day. The wooded setting provides natural shelter during brief showers.
Medical
First aid stations staffed by trained medical professionals operate throughout the festival grounds. Emergency services remain accessible, while the rural location means serious medical situations may require transport to regional hospitals.
The festival accommodates wheelchairs and mobility scooters, though visitors should note the outdoor setting features crushed asphalt paths that may be challenging in wet conditions. Accessible parking and restroom facilities serve visitors with disabilities.
