Charlotte On The Cheap

Live well in the Queen City on a budget

Contest has ended for Carolina Renaissance Festival!

POSTED BY
Jody Mace
Photo courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival

Carolina Renaissance Festival is making the Charlotte area more festive and fun, for the 32nd season! When is the Carolina Renaissance Festival? It is taking place Saturdays and Sundays from October 4 to November 23, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The event is rain or shine, except for VERY severe weather.

It is once again on a 250-acre farm north of Charlotte, between Concord and Huntersville, at the junction of NC-73 and Poplar Tent Road. Find directions here.

Tickets are on sale now. Purchase tickets at Carolina.RenFestInfo.com.

The contests have ended! We gave away a lot of Carolina Renaissance Festival tickets again! You can jump to the section about the contest to see the names of all the winners.

Read on to enter to learn about discount days!

Photo courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival

Refunds

The Festival is open rain or shine. Ticket holders will only receive a refund if the Festival is not open on a scheduled date. However, the Festival’s online ticket provider works with FanShield ticket protection to present purchasers an option to buy, at a modest additional price, an insurance policy that guarantees a refund if the purchased tickets were to be unused, under the policy’s terms and conditions,

Ticket Prices

  • $37.99 for adults
  • $23.99 for children ages 5-12
  • Free for children ages 4 and under
Photo courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival

Ticket Giveaway

vouchers for Carolina Renaissance Festival
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

We will be giving away a lot of vouchers on Charlotte on the Cheap. Here’s how to win.

First, you need to be a newsletter subscriber. We send out one newsletter every morning with information about what’s going on in the Charlotte area, with an eye to “free and cheap.”

Then, scroll down to the comment section of this article and leave a comment. Make sure to enter with the email address you use to subscribe to the newsletter. Don’t put the email address in the comment field, just in the email field. That way it won’t be visible to the public.

Subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap

Winners of Contests

As contests end, we’ll list the winners’ names here, obscuring a few letters of last names, for privacy. We also email the winners, so make sure to check your inbox and spam folder.

  • Winner #1: Katherine Rey***ds: emailed September 2
  • Winner #2: Susan R T****r, emailed September 10
  • Winner #3: Brian Sey**r, emailed September 17
  • Winner #4: Heather H, emailed September 24
  • Winner #5: Chelsea J**s, emailed October 1
  • Winner #6: Jeri R**r, emailed October 1
  • Winner #7: Lyndsay K**g, emailed October 9
  • Winner #8: Bridget M**re, emailed October 16
  • Winner #9: Leyla B***va, emailed October 23
  • Winner #10: Ashley R**ark, emailed October 30

Current Contest

The contests have all ended! Congrats to the winners!

Discount and Special Event Days at Carolina Renaissance Festival

Learn about the special weekends at Carolina Renaissance Festival.

For most of the discounts you’ll need a coupon. Coupons will arrive at Harris Teeter, Autobell Car Wash, Chick-fil-A locations and Local Trend in Charlotte the week of September 15, 2025.

Opening Invasion Celebration

October 4 and 5
Save $26 with two adult tickets.
Two adult tickets for $47.99
Coupon required (see above)
More info

Photo courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival

Deaf Awareness Day

October 11
Certified sign language interpreters will interpret performances on select stages
Members of the deaf and hard of hearing community, family and friends can save $13 per adult ticket.
Children up to age 12 admitted for free.
You’ll need a coupon code for this discount. Submit an email to request a discount code.
More info

Wizards & Revels Weekend

October 11 and 12
Sorcerers and Spell Casters costume contest. Play DND and other fantasy games.
Children up to age 12 are admitted for free with coupon code (see above) or coat donation.
More info

Photo courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival

Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights

October 25 and 26
Huge costume party, plus trick or treating. Costume contest where you can win tickets for a return visit, plus other prizes.
Free child admission (up to age 12) with no coupon required.
More info

Time Travelers’ Weekend

November 15 and 16
Costume contest where you can win tickets for a return visit, plus other prizes.Free child admission (up to age 12) with a school supply donation.
More info

Final Huzzah

November 22 and 23
Free child admission with a canned food donation.
More info

Photo courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival

Carolina Renaissance Festival Features

Carolina Renaissance Festival is one of the Charlotte area’s biggest and most popular fall events. Enjoy an open air Artisan Market, games, rides, jousting knights, falconry, feasting and more.

Jousting Knights

Three times a day knights will battle for the Queen’s honor int he shire’s tournament arena.

Artisan Market

Shop for gifts for others or for yourself! You’ll find glass blowing, blacksmithing, cobblers, potters, candle makers, sculptors, leather workers, jewelers and more.

Falconry

Falconry was known as the “sport of kings.” Find out why as you watch these majestic birds in flight.

Photo courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival

Sea Fairy Mermaids

Catch a glimpse of living mermaids as they perform underwater!

More entertainment

There are fourteen stages of entertainment, including comedy, music, dance vaudeville and circus entertainment. Over 500 costumed villagers roam the streets as well!

All Day Play

Ride the world’s largest rocking house, try out Da Vinci’s Flying Machine. Sail on the Voyage to the New World. Ride a camel. Meet the animals in the Village Petting Farm. Try out archery, ride the Pirate’s Assault Catapult, or throw a tomato at a surly peasant.

Photo courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival

Reader Interactions

Comments

  6. Ezekiel Tallant says

    Why is one person winning 8 and 9 tickets. 4 people should win a pair. Id love to take my son.

  11. Joy Lynch says

    Please 🙏🏼 please 🙏🏼 please 🙏🏼 choose me for tickets! It’s my most favorite thing and I can never afford to go 🥹

  20. Debbie De Louise says

    Try, Try, Try again. Time is running out. I hope I can win tickets for my family to this fun event. Thank you for the chance.

  22. Jessica Leigh Gilbert says

    Finger’s crossed to win this time ✨️ We plan to go the 15th and these would be wonderful!!

  27. Sedona N. says

    Looking forward to going this year with some of our friends! The perfect weather has arrived!

  29. Charlotte Valenzuela says

    I need some good Carolina RenFest therapy!!!
    Even though exhausted after a day walking the Shire, I always feel entertained and happy!
    Hoping to be there soon!
    Huzzah!

  31. Alicia Martinez says

    Unfortunately we had a death in the family and can’t go the weekend we booked tickets for. Are hoping to win so we can go and have some fun.

  34. Isamar Dutch says

    Oh my freaking gawd PLEASE choose me I need a got dang win for once PLEASE!!! 😭 AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! Thank you for yalls time and hard work here by the way. Stay blessed Charlotte on the Cheap. Much love. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

  39. Alexandra Russell says

    We’d love to take our family visiting from TN to the Carolina Renaissance Festival!

  40. Carla Moore says

    Please choose me!! I would be forever grateful to win these tickets for the Renfest! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

  48. Vickie Valentine says

    Still hopping for a win! Would love to go with friends and gift them tickets so we can all enjoy together.

  49. Diana Silva says

    Just moved to NC from Hawaii and so excited about all the new Fall memories we can make. So many opportunities all around us!! 🙂

  52. Christina Dressing says

    Giving this another try! I so badly want to take my son for his birthday! FIngers crossed.

  54. Jo Velasquez says

    I’d love to bring my family! It’s been quite a few years since we’ve last gone and I know everyone would have a blast!

  61. Summer Greenwell says

    I would love to take my son and his girlfriend they have never been. Pick me pick me please 🙂

  63. David K says

    Let’s hear it for the boys…would love to bring some testosterone to the winners’ circle!

  68. Brianna Stone says

    My kids would be happy to attend! We’re new to the area & I think they’ll love it.

  71. Bryanna Bracey says

    What a fun giveaway! We are hoping to go on Novemebr 2nd for Pirates weekend with Mom and Dad as pirates and Baby Girl as a parrot!

  77. Mallory E says

    Hear ye, hear ye! Thou est back again to beg and plead for another chance to merrily skip my little heart out with my friends at the Renaissance festival this year. Have pity on our poor destitute souls as we bask in the light of joy and joust. Our garb will be show stopping in the realm with our resident king in tow. We cannot wait to fling tomatoes at the town heckler. Blessed be thy choice!

  89. Debra C Werner says

    I have been to this festival once many years ago. I would love to take my husband so he can see how truly amazing this festival is.

  91. Ricki Herlihy says

    Pick me! Moving soon and might not be able to experience a Ren Fest again where we’re headed!

  98. Miriam Pasquier says

    Congratulations to the winners!! Hope I get the chance to take my friends and family soon!

  103. Barbara J. Walker says

    Would love to be able to take my family to the festival. We have never been and I am sure we would enjoy every minute! Thank you for the opportunity.

  104. Carisa Weeks says

    I would love to take my children and grandchildren to the Renaissance festival for the first time ever!! Hope we win😁

  109. Kristin R says

    hoping to win so I can take my family!!!!! thanks for this awesome contest and congrats to all the winners!!

  111. Jackie Peck says

    Today is my husbands 69th birthday. Would love to take him. Either of us have never been. Thank You

  114. Jorden Henderson says

    another contest i will end to see if im lucky to be chosen. bring my crew and get our ren Faire on

  121. Jenna P says

    Really hoping for the chance to win and go with our family coming to town! Thanks for the opportunity!

  125. dawn dameron says

    Would love to win tickets! I haven’t been to the festival and would really like to go.

  129. Kristina Cudney says

    YESSSSS my sister is coming up in November from Florida and we are planning to take my son!! This would be an awesome way to get the whole family there!!

  136. Beth Butchino says

    We try to go every year, our favorite fall activity. We would love to take our whole family by winning the 8 tickets!

  137. Rachel B says

    My daughter has never been and is begging me to go this year. She would be THRILLED if we won!!! 😊

  138. Kathey Brown says

    Thanks for another try! Love reading all your offers and all the fun things to do in Charlotte and other areas. Good luck to everyone but pick me!

  142. Ria Lamadrid says

    The RenFest is an annual event for my boyfriend and his buddies. They always have a great time!

  144. Donna Marie Miller says

    I’d really would love to win. Because I have several senior friends (I’m in my late 60’s) who are in their late 60’s and late 70’s that are on tight fixed incomes, and we’d have a blast!
    Have A Wonderful Blessed Day!
    Donna Marie

  150. Heather Gaines says

    Would love to go with a bunch of friends and enjoy the food, laughter…and get in some holiday shopping!

  166. Haley Ward says

    So thankful for you guys giving us a chance! With the shutdown, money is more tight than ever. Doesn’t look like we will be able to make it this year.

  180. Mary-Catherine Berger says

    This is such an amazing giveaway you guys have done and I think I speak for all your readers when I say we really appreciate it! Have a good week and happy Halloween!!!

  188. Leslie Myers says

    Living here only 6 months and would love to experience the Renaissance festival! we LOVE North Carolina!

  189. Carol Epperson says

    I would love to take my family to the festival. I went a long time ago but unfortunately it is cost prohibitive since I retired. It was a lot of fun and hopefully I can go again. I love the Charlotte on the Cheap newsletter. It is so informative.

  193. Brittney Danna says

    My birthday is November 19 and I don’t have any birthday plans. I would love to go for my birthday 🎂

  212. Brandy G says

    Hoping for a chance to go to the Ren fest this year. Haven’t missed the last 5/6 years but 2025 has proven to be a bit crazy. Lol thank you for a chance to win the tickets!!

  213. Tim G says

    Always enjoy the Renaissance Festival when my wife and I get to go. It would be cool to get these tickets and surprise her with them!

  221. Danielle M says

    I am a student and my grandparents from the Philippines are coming to visit. They are such nerds, they would love to experience it. These tickets would make it possible for me to bring them and the family to the Ren Fair.

  222. Robyn Walls says

    My daughter will be visiting from England and bringing her English fiance. He is beyond excited to attend Ren Fest for the first time!

  234. Maria Adriano says

    Thank you, Charlotte on the Cheap! found some costume dresses at Goodwill; would love to take the family to enjoy them!

  236. Heather C says

    Love the Renfest! And would love to bring my adult kiddos that have never been! Fingers crossed that this time is my lucky turn to win!!

  239. Lisa Williams Wright says

    Would love to win tickets and take the family! It has been years, and the kids were super young the last time we went.

  241. Juliet says

    By my troth, these Ladies and Lords shall be everlong thankful to Your Majesty for bestowing entry to such a fantastical Fair!

  246. Bianca H says

    Four years in NC and still have not had the pleasure of going to the Renaissance Fair- my boys would love it! We love Charlotte on the Cheap!

  252. Cecilia Roche says

    Hello,
    My name is Ceci Roche. I just moved to the Charlotte area after withdrawing from App State University. I really appreciate the community that y’all have built on the website, and thank you for sharing! Would be thrilled beyond belief to attend such an amazing festival. Please consider me for your contest winner!

  270. Amy Cassidy says

    Pick me, pick me – costumes ready and friends traveling up from Greenville to partake! Can’t wait to go!

  273. Alejandra Seiwert says

    I would love to try and go to time travelers weekend! I have never gone to that weekend.

  286. Maia Chevalier says

    Have yet to go, really want to go this year. Pregnant and need a turkey leg!! Really enjoy your content, thank you for the opportunity!

  292. Amanda Stone says

    I would LOVE to win this amazing gift!! I would be able to takes pictures, share it on social media and be a marketer for this incredible event. Please pick me!!!!

  295. Beth Butchino says

    We try to go every year and would love to win the tickets so we could take our whole family!!

  297. Ty Harris says

    I get so excited when I get my newsletter and share with all my friends 🧡 . thank you for bringing joy to my day so many exciting activities to plan each week and month !

  298. Keith O says

    I am excited to see falcons, and maybe other birds of prey, as well as horses and other live animals.

  302. Judy E says

    I hope I can win and finally get a chance to enjoy RENFEST. Looks and sounds amazing . Thanks

  309. Kim Chapman says

    Would love the opportunity to win tickets and enjoy the Carolina Renaissance Festival with our family! Thank you for a chance to win!

  310. Randall Keith Watson says

    Always an entry and never a Winner.
    Guess I will have to go to Dinner and then on a Bender

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