Renaissance festivities suited for a king

Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival

Weekends, August 13–September 25

112… Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival

Weekends, August 13–September 25

112 Renaissance Lane, West Newton, PA 15089

Welcome to the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival’s village of Morelandshire, where you’ll experience the excitement of life in the 16th century. For more than a decade, the Renaissance Festival has provided Pittsburghers with the opportunity to travel back in time and enjoy seven weekends of Renaissance activities. Beginning Aug. 13 and running through Sept. 25, each weekend will have a theme where festival-goers can tap into the magic of another time period.

Interested in Celtic music? Come Aug. 20 and 21 to enjoy step dancers and bagpipers. Other weekend themes include: Silk and Spice, Romance, Shakespeare, an Oktoberfest Fall celebration and an array of other exciting events.

In the village of Morelandshire, you’ll meet street musicians, storytellers, jugglers and magicians, and you can even mingle with royalty on the shady village streets.

Feeling theatrical? The festival offers seven themed stages with interactive stage acts that include comedies and storytelling for all ages. But don’t get too close — watch out for the sword fighters who challenge one another without hesitation.

If shopping is your forte, visit the crafts marketplace and purchase original intricate pieces of 16th-century style. At the marketplace, you’ll find leather goods, jewelry, pottery, soap making, basketry, as well as soothsayers to foretell your future. The crafts marketplace even features a massage therapist to soothe your aching feet as you travel the 200 plus acres.

Take a seat and relax at the kings’ field of honor and watch the jousting knights charge against one another three times a day.

But the fun isn’t only for the king, queen and performers: You too can parade around in costumes from the time period. Contribute to the atmosphere (only if you dare) dressed as a wizard, peasant, barbarian, knight, whatever you so desire. Prizes are awarded each day to lords and ladies whose dress most impresses the royal court.

So join the townspeople of Morelandshire and revel in the ever-electrifying weekends of Renaissance fun fit for a king.

The festival grounds are located in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania and are open rain or shine every Saturday and Sunday, including Labor Day, through Sept. 25. Admission price for adults is $13.95, and children are $5.95. Season passes are available at the gate for the first three weeks for $75.

For more info, visit www.pgh-renfest.com or call (724) 872-1670.