Charlotte On The Cheap

Live well in the Queen City on a budget

Win Tickets for Carolina Renaissance Festival!

POSTED BY
Jody Mace

Carolina Renaissance Festival is making the Charlotte area more festive and fun, for the 33rd season! When is the Carolina Renaissance Festival? It is taking place Saturdays and Sundays from October 3 to November 22, 2026, 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.

We are giving away LOTS of FREE tickets to Charlotte on the Cheap subscribers throughout the season, starting now! Keep reading to enter the contest.

Also, read on to enter to learn about discount days!

Photo courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival

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

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. (You might need to scroll for a while!) 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.

Current Contest

The current contest is for FOUR ticket vouchers. The contest will end September 8, 2026, and we will email the winners. The email will include the voucher codes. You’ll redeem tickets with the voucher codes.

Photo courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival

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, 2026.

Opening Invasion Celebration

October 3 and 4
Save $26 with two adult tickets.
Two adult tickets for $47.99
Coupon required (see above)
More info

Deaf Awareness Day

October 10
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 17 and 18
Sorcerers and Spell Casters costume contest. Play DND and other fantasy games.
Children up to age 12 are admitted for free with coupon code or coat donation.
More info

Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights

October 31 and November 1
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 14 and 15
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 21 and 22
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.

Cirque du Sewer (new!)

Trained cats and rats! All season long

Blades & Bravery (new!)

Knives! Swords! Danger! October 3, 4, 10 and 11.

Gabs the Fool (new!)

Clowning, circus and comedy. October 17, 18, 24 and 25.

Tiny Girl Big Show (new!)

Acrobatics, circus and comedy. October 31, and November 1, 7 and 8.

The Lynx Show (new!)

Comedy sword swallowing. November 14, 15, 21 and 22.

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.

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 1,000 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.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  6. Jennifer M says

    My 9yr old has been asking on and off all year when the Ren Fest was coming again. Can’t wait!

  34. Adam says

    Went to the Renaissance Faire for the first time last year and had so much fun! Looking forward to the cat show that is new for this year!

  36. Adi RV says

    Can’t wait! Keep the family tradition going, only now there is a new addition! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🥳 So excited for our little one to explore our favorite place! 👸⚔️🍺🎯🎭🍗

  39. Charlotte Valenzuela says

    Hoping for free tickets to attend 2026 season. Craving a giant, smoked turkey leg. come on Carolina Renaissance Festival!!!
    #CarRenFest2026
    #Huzzah

  45. Kristina Cudney says

    Thank you Charlotte on the Cheap!! We are hoping to take our family and would love a win!!!

  55. Julie Oakes says

    Would love to win tickets! I would like to start a family tradition on taking my grandchildren

  65. Marissa says

    Visited the Renaissance festival for the first time last year and it’s been my absolute favorite experience I’ve had since moving here

  67. Debbie R. says

    Wow! That all sounds awesome. Would love to go and enjoy and have fun at the Renaissance Festival.

  73. Paulette Isoldi says

    Love Renaissance Festivals. They are not only educational but also great fun. Would love to win.

  79. Regina Leeper says

    Awesome fun for the whole family. My favorite is the mermaids, jousting, comedy shows and shopping

  80. Michelli Cornett says

    I can’t wait!! This would be the first time we go to the Carolina Renaissance fair! My husband’s bachelor’s party was renaissance themed. I never got to go dressed up to the fair, but if I win, I will!

  85. Holly Negron says

    My husband and I love going, but we haven’t been in a few years. Totally miss the fun and the turkey legs!😜

  102. Josh says

    I just appreciate COTC keeping us informed about what’s going on in the area. RenFest is a bucket list item so fingers crossed!

  113. Shalonna A. says

    We’ve been looking forward to this all year! Knights, fairies, mermaids, all at one festival!!!

  117. Deana Pendragon says

    I’m so glad the Renne Fair has persisted and triumphed all of these years. I’m excited to go this year.

  125. Susan B says

    Thanks Charlotte on the Cheap for keeping me informed of the events around the area that I other wise would be missing out on. Would love to win tickets to the Festival for me and my Grands!

  126. Elaine says

    My nephew can’t wait to take his daughter to the festival for the first time!
    Thank you for the consideration.

  128. Heidi C. says

    I love the Ren Fest! There’s always so much to do and see and who could pass up dressing up for ye olden time🤣 hoping to be able to go this year

  138. David B says

    I got to go one year as the king and it was awesome. I wanna go again and get a turkey leg. Thanks for the opportunity!

  141. Vannida says

    I’m excited! I went last year for the first very time and it was so much fun. would love to win!

  147. Nicole Rivera West says

    Every year I say, “We need to go this year,” and then somehow another year goes by. I think it’s finally time to stop talking about it and actually experience the magic! Can’t wait!

  148. Alisa Kennedy says

    Thank you for this opportunity! Wouldl love to experience my first time with free tickets. Pick me!

  149. Tamisha Jones says

    Had a great time a few years back when I was able to go with the family. Can’t wait to visit again!

  153. Catherine Holton says

    I’ve never been able to go but heard great things about it! I hope to be able to go this year.

  159. Sarah says

    We are newer to the area and would love to experience this! We have never been before and it looks amazing.

  163. Becky Gaither says

    I would love to win! I have never been but I submit my names for free tickets each year. This could be my year!!!

  189. Tina says

    Would LOVE to give tickets to my son and his girlfriend, as they go more than once every year in full regalia! Thanks!

  191. Leyla Bayramova says

    As an adult college student it is not easy to manage family budget and go anywhere with kids if only one family member woks.
    For example this summer we went nowhere, just every evening went for a walk around our neighbourhood.
    It would be unforgettable experience for my two children have fun somewhere.
    Thanks.

  194. Tammy Wright says

    “I would absolutely love to win these tickets! 🎪 I have actually never been to a Renaissance Festival before, and experiencing the magic, history, and incredible costumes in person has been a major bucket list item of mine for years. Crossing my fingers for a chance to finally experience it first-hand! Thank you for the opportunity! ✨🛡️”

  196. Tammy Wright says

    “This would be an absolute dream come true! I’ve never had the chance to attend a Renaissance Festival before, but I’ve always been drawn to the incredible atmosphere, the creativity, and the sense of community. Winning these tickets would be the perfect excuse to finally step into the magic and maybe even put together my very first festival costume! 🎭✨ Huzzah to the hosts for this amazing giveaway!”

  204. Rick Kite says

    Looking forward to going this year as it was a lot of fun the last time I went a few years ago… Thanks COTC for the chance to go for free and take friends…

  217. Kayla Wilson says

    Can’t wait to go!! We go every year. My daughter always loves going with me and celebrating her birthday.

  225. Kathryn Klosek says

    Charlotte on the Cheap has some great opportunities. I enjoy getting their email every day. Would love to win tickets to the Renaissance Festival!

  227. Xenia Ross says

    I’m Grandma of FIVE! 😃
    I would be grateful to win the free tickets for them to attend this amazing festival!!!😃😃🤞🤞🙏🏿🙏🏿

  229. Maureen Henne says

    Attended the Renaissance Fair in PA when we lived there. Anxious to see it on e again here in NC.

  234. Nancy Hagerman says

    My family would love to go!!and I love reading Charlotte on the cheap, you are the best!!

  235. Haley N Alexander says

    cant think of anything creative to comment soooooo here’s a cat. (I hope it works)

    |\__/,| (`\
    |_ _ |.–.) )
    ( T ) /
    (((^_(((/(((_/

  239. Uzoma says

    This newsletter and website is honestly amazing. Appreciate all the work that goes into this. This is mainly how I find my events. Thank you!

  242. Liz Lamb says

    Huzzah!!!! It’s almost time for the Renaissance Festival!!!! I want to be part of the revelry!

  251. Alexandra White says

    Wow!!! We haven’t been to the REN Festival since my kids were young. Now they’re 22 & about to turn 21 on Friday, Sept 4th. Winning tickets would be a great way to celebrate his birthday!! 🎉 🎂
    Love to see all the New Shows they’ve addedt too! So much fun! 🤞🏻

  253. Alexandra White says

    Wow!!! We haven’t been to the REN Festival since my kids were young. Now they’re 22 & about to turn 21 on Friday, Sept 4th. Winning tickets would be a great way to celebrate his birthday!! 🎉 🎂
    Love to see all the New Shows they’ve addedt too! So much fun! 🤞🏻

  262. Kelly says

    I love charlotte on the cheap and would be honored to win some tickets to the Renfest. Thank you so much for the consideration.

  271. Lynne says

    I would love to win. I’ve lived in the area for 6 years now and I’ve never been to this festival. My friends all say it’s fun and they were just talking about going this year, so I’d be thrilled to be able to take them for free!

  272. YM says

    I have lived her 35vyears, never have went even though I have heard of it, would like the opportunity to go see what it’s all about!

  273. Nicholas Gathings says

    Will be celebrating 7 years of marriage this year! I hope Ren Fest will be part of that celebration!

  274. Kim Boyd says

    I would love to win free tickets, and I love Charlotte on the Cheap I have enjoyed saving money, thank you so much Charlotte on the Cheap.

  281. Christine Watson says

    I love Renaissance Festivals and having recently moved here from FL I can’t wait to experience this one!

  294. Janine Brewington says

    We love the Renaissance Festival, but we weren’t able to make it last year. Hoping for a free weekend to make it this year! We love dressing up and getting Faire food.

  296. Melody Roberts says

    🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️

  308. Candy Lake says

    I hope I win! It looks like I have less of a chance to win than playing the lottery but I always try! I love the Ren Fest and have been going since it started!

  314. Elyse Da Silva says

    Oh this would make my baby shower one to remember!! New in the area and can’t wait to experience a new renaissance festival

  315. Elyse Da Silva says

    This would make my baby shower one to remember!! New in the area and can’t wait to experience a new renaissance festival

  318. Ekaterina says

    Take me where the fairies dance,
    Where knights and jesters take their chance.
    Where mead is poured and magic’s real—
    I need that Renaissance Festival feel😍

  319. Filip says

    My heart yearns for thee.
    My soul demands thy turkey leg. 🍗
    My calendar says WHEN ARE WE GOING?! 😂

  322. Rebecca L Briggs says

    Would love to go to the Ren fest. Haven’t been since my daughter was 8 years old, she is now 33. lol

  337. Paul Keith says

    My wife and I would love to win 4 adult tickets. Lived in the Fort Mill, SC area for almost 20 years and have always wanted to go, what a blessing it would be for us to go (has to be a weekend please as we both work during week)!!
    Cheers!!

  342. Lisa D says

    Can’t wait for ren faire this year!! Wasn’t able to go last year but my sis and I already have our outfits planned! 💖💖

  345. Bonnie Saylor says

    I believe our adventure has taken a most serious turn. Reliving Bill and ted’s Excellent Adventure at the Ren Faire would be Wyld and bodacious!
    [upon meeting the “royal ugly dudes”]
    Bill: I am the Earl of Preston.
    Ted: And I am the Duke of Ted.
    [upon meeting the princesses]
    Bill, Ted: How’s it goin’ ladies?
    Princess Elizabeth: You’re the ones we saw in front of the castle.
    Ted: I am Ted of San Dimas, and, uh, I bring to you a message of love.
    Princess Elizabeth: [giggles] From who?
    Ted: [thinking] From… from myself.
    Princess Elizabeth: And what is this message you speak of?
    Ted: Uh…
    Bill: [whispers in ted’s ear] Lyrics, dude, recite them some lyrics.
    Ted: Oh, you beautiful babes from England, for whom we have traveled through time… will you go to the prom with us in San Dimas? We will have a most triumphant time!
    [princesses giggle]
    Bill: Way to go, dude!

  346. Twyla says

    Finally, the event we’ve been waiting for all year, and our family wants to make memories there! 🍁 Hope we win!

  352. Ashley Dearth says

    Would love to go for the Carolina Renaissance Festival for the first time since living here for years!!

  360. Jaimie M Parraga says

    I’m so excited to go this year! It’s been a while since I’ve gone and it’s always so worth it! Free tickets or not I’m just happy to go 💕✨ HAAAZAAA😝 ✨

  399. Kelsey Mercer says

    My three kids and I would love to attend for my son’s birthday. 🤞🏼 we’re going regardless, but this would go towards a vendor purchase for my sons birthday. 💜

  400. Kelsey Mercer says

    My three kids and I would love to attend for my son’s birthday – we’re going regardless, but this would go towards a vendor purchase for my son’s birthday.

  405. Ella says

    Can’t wait for the renaissance festival! It’s always such a blast me and my family look forward to it every year!

  408. Julie says

    Thanks for the chance to win tickets to the Carolina Renaissance Festival it’s the best in the southeast.

  409. Emily Carpenter says

    Free tickets to the renaissance fair? Count us in! This would be the first time we visit as a family, and it would be extraordinary! Good luck to everyone who enters!

  411. Sonia says

    This looks like so much fun. I would be very appreciative to get the opportunity to experience this festival.

  414. Krystin Nicholson says

    Such a great website that shows cheap activities in charlotte! Partnering with the renaissance fair is awesome, we hope to attend!

  415. Cynthia Thompson says

    I’m EXCITED to go with my husband and best friends to escape to another realm for a few hours and explore the new stuff!

  429. Katherine Reynolds says

    It’s a family tradition! My kids, husband, and I look forward to it every year! 🫅👸🧙‍♂️🧜‍♀️🍗🍖⚔️

  443. Jesse V says

    we took our daughter for the first time last year and hope to be able to take her every year. Winning these tickets would help make that possible this year

  446. Isaiah Maddox says

    Me and my little guy would be thrilled to be winning ticket recipients to the fest this year. Either way thank you for keeping me abreast with all of the happenings in Charlotte and beyond Cltonthecheap!

  452. Alexandra says

    Pretty sure I’m already subscribed but excited for this opportunity again. Wasn’t able to get a pass this year because of budget issues, and can only afford maybe 2 tickets. So this would be a lifesaver!! Crossing my fingers.

  457. barbara brown says

    Pictures of us in the costumes we rented last year are on my desk top. Absolutely loved the experience and plan to go again. It would be great to win tickets so we could rent costumes again this year

  466. Kymona Thomas says

    Our family has attended the Renaissance festival since we’ve moved to Charlotte. We can’t wait to attend this year!

  470. Wanda T Garland says

    I would be honored to receive free tickets for REN fest. Thank you for offering the contest!

  476. Robin Justus says

    you weren’t joking about scrolling awhile to leave a comment lol. We’d love to go! thanks for doing this contest. love Charlotte on the cheap!

  487. Lis Donathan says

    Can’t wait to take my son this season for his first time at the Renaissance Festival! We’re already working on teaching him the word “Huzzah!”

  492. Amy von Kampen says

    First time bringing my kiddos this year! We’re all going to dress up and soak in the experience! SOO EXCITED

  496. AnnaOlsen says

    My family and I have never been to the Renaissance Festival. we are hoping to make it there this yr.

  504. Madeline Black says

    RenFest is our family’s favorite fall activity we look forward to! Worth the long drive to dress up and spend the entire day in whimsy!

  510. Kailey Moore says

    Going to celebrate my 29th birthday at the renfaire in October! It’ll be my husbands first time at CRF and I’m so stoked to show him where it all began for me 🥰

  514. Darren Biehler says

    Our family would love free tickets. The Renaissance Festival is such a great family memory for us!

  525. Cynthia Le Thompson says

    Huzzah! Love walking through the festival and see the costumes and shows! Definitely something for everyone!

  526. Nicole Mullins says

    cant wait to go this year! its always a great time! cant wait to see what’s new this year.

  529. George Heard says

    my brother came from Australia and was blown away last year. I think we saw ded Bob three times. must go!

  543. Alyson Altman says

    We went last year for the first time and have already been talking for months about going back again. We had so much fun.

  557. Andrea R. says

    This has been a rough year. Free tickets to anything would be a welcome gift in my life. Good luck to all!

  562. Larry B says

    The King has summoned me to his court so please sendeth 4 tickets so I can make my appointment. I thank thee for thy assistance with this request.

  577. Ryanne Whitt says

    The Renaissance Fair is something I look forward to every year, and even better is when my new found family of close knit friends schedules align for us to go on an adventure back in time to the medieval era!

  580. Sandra Parker says

    Huzzah!!!!! My son & daughter-in-law go every year. As a teacher and a librarian, funds can be tight for them. I’d love to gift them some free passes for this year!

  586. Alexa says

    It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to afford to go but I would love to go again! It would be the first year taking my son. I miss all of the fun and whimsy!

  588. Michelle says

    My 12yr old Grandson can use this. He’s never been to the festival and he’s going through a rough time right emotionally. He’s very insecure about himself and feels he doesn’t measure up to his peers. Thank You

  590. Kristen Johansen says

    I’ve been wanting to go for years but I have continually missed it. It would be awesome to win tickets so I can go.

  591. Tracy Weeks says

    Looking forward to going to the Carolina Renaissance festival again! Can’t wait to get one of those big turkey legs and another cheddar broccoli soup bread bowl and to watch my favorite show, the jousting! I love this place! ❤️🍗🥧

  621. Sabrina says

    My nephew travels here for the festival. I haven’t been in years. I would like to visit the artisan village.

  625. Felix Zyra says

    Very excited to take my 9 and 4 year old to the festival. Hopefully we will be selected for the free tickets

  632. Stephanie Milch says

    I love checking COTC for fun stuff to do when I visit family in CLT! I sure hope I score the tickets to the Renaissance Fest!!

  633. Tracy Weeks says

    Missed getting to see everything last year but hoping to get to go this year. Really enjoy the jousting and the turkey legs and getting to see all the neat costumes!

  634. Belange Katungu says

    I’m thrilled to attend my first Renaissance fair with my boyfriend. I can’t wait and am hoping to win a prize! 🥇

  652. Roberta Smyla says

    Our family Loves the Renaissance Festival and it would be incredible to win tickets to go this year

  653. Michael Schwarz says

    Used to go with my family every year when I was a kid. I’m going back with some friends for the first time in years and I’m super hyped! Hoping I can get a free ticket so I can save some to support some of the vendors while I’m there.

  659. Jen Mary V says

    We always have a great time at the festival. We usually go to time travelers weekend. I dressed as Dr Who last year.

  662. Alaina Boston says

    Would love to go to the Renaissance Festival! We’ve never been! Sounds fun, and now I’m craving a turkey leg!

  664. Diane Carlson says

    Would love to go with grandkids- haven’t been in at least 10 years!
    Thank you for the chance to win tix!

  668. Robert Krok says

    OUTSTANDING and fun event for the entire family. Very safe, spectacular food, and wonderful shows and entertainment. Thank you to Charlotteonthecheap for this contest.

  671. Angeles Cook says

    Husband and I would love win tickets. We just sent our son off to college and we’re looking for fun things to do as we are now ’empty nester’.

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