Central Coast Ren Faire, photo by Ed E. Powell.

34 annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival is scheduled for July 21 & 22

– Central Coast residents and visitors are invited to travel back in time at the 34 Annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival, to be held July 21 and 22 in San Luis Obispo’s Laguna Lake Park.

Rick Smith, Media Coordinator of History Revisited, the non-profit organization that produces the event, says that there are four stages of entertainment including authentic music, dance, plays, comedy skits, acrobatics, magic, a parrot act and a falconry show.

“I’m especially excited about this year’s joust,” says Smith. “Performing will be the Knights of Mayhem, who had their own shows on The National Geographic Channel, Netflix, and Nickelodeon; they have performed and won top honors in shows, events, and competitions around the world.”

Smith says that new this year is Pirate Row, with games, ornate buildings, a pirate ship and a colorful assortment of buccaneers, brigands, cutthroats, and privateers.

Smith emphasizes that this is a family event. “Children will enjoy face painting, games, archery, a magic show and the pirate ship where they can come aboard for photos. Children can attend Buccaneer Boot Camp and safely learn swashbuckling with balloon swords. There is a costume contest on both days and a treasure hunt on Sunday.”

Vendor coordinator Barbara Shrum of Grover Beach says the festival presents a unique shopping experience offering everything from hats and shirts to complete costumes, swords, footwear, tankards, leather goods, pottery, jewelry and much more.

Delicious food will include goulash with warm red cabbage; German sausage w/sauerkraut; pommes frites; chicken, beef and veggie plates with fried rice or noodles; Scotch eggs; meat pies; bangers and mash; fish and chips and of course, those fire-roasted turkey legs that people love. Ale, beer, cider, wine and honey mead will be available too.

Smith says that guests are welcome to come in costume but that it is not required. “If you don’t have a costume and you get into the Renaissance spirit, you can find everything you need at the festival, from a simple hair wreath to a peasant blouse or complete outfit. You can get your hair braided and even get a henna tattoo.”

Parking is in Laguna Lake Park at $8 per car or $5 for cars with four or more in them. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Adult tickets are $20, seniors and ages 6-15 are $15. Under age 6 are free. Pets are not allowed. Information, directions and advance tickets are available at http://ccrenfaire.com/.