Set in the fictitious 14th century village of Briarwood, the Highland Renaissance Fair is a permanent attraction located in Eminence, Ky., less than an hour east of downtown Louisville. The festival grounds are designed to mimic the lush and rolling Highlands area of Scotland.
Attractions include numerous artisans making crafts before your eyes, live actor portrayals of Renaissance-era living, a mud show, jousting, a circus show, musicians, rides, games and some of the best people watching you can find anywhere.
The Renaissance Fair, Kentucky’s first permanent renaissance festival, has a themed weekend event during the Good Sam Rally, which takes place at the Kentucky Exposition Center just south of downtown Louisville. During the Rally weekend, medieval scientist Doctor Kaboom is performing for curious crowds. It’s also Steampunk weekend, and anyone wearing Steampunk attire — characterized by science fiction, fantasy, horror or alternative history — will receive a $2 discount at the gate.
Ticket prices for the 23rd range from $7 to $25 — $14 for adults 13 years and up, $25 for the adult weekend pass, $7 for a day for kids 6 to 12, and $12 for a children’s weekend pass.
Located in the triangle between Louisville and Lexington, Ky., and Cincinnati, Ohio to the north, Eminence is just south of Interstate 71. The festival is located at 955 Elm Street on the east end of town off the main east-west thoroughfare. There is ample on-site parking for cars and RVs.
The nearest RV campground is the Lake Jericho Recreational Area 20 minutes northwest in Smithfield. It’s on the shores of a beautiful lake, with water hookups, a dump station and excellent largemouth bass fishing.
For more information on the Highland Renaissance Fair or to book tickets, visit www.kyrenfaire.com, or call 859-846-4530. To learn more about Steampunk, or to get costume ideas, visit www.steampunk.com. The Good Sam Rally can be found at www.therally.com.
Don’t miss out on all the fun and excitement at The Louisville Rally, June 21 – 24.