All the Faire is a stage so prepare thyself for a day of laughter, merriment, and highly interactive characters that pull you into the fun. We hand-pick a unique assortment of the most incredible performers in the US and Canada and bring them to Connecticut to enchant you. You'll see jousting knights, armored combat, belly dancing, comedy, magic, madrigal singers, and so much more. For the more adventurous types you can join interactive dances, sing along with traditional songs, participate in contests and games, and have the time of your life. This is one adventure you'll be looking forward to all year long. All shows run daily unless otherwise noted. Check our Show Schedule for details!

May Pole

May Pole

Join our gypsy dancers twice a day for a dance around the May Pole. What better way to welcome in the spring than getting wrapped up in ribbon with complete strangers! Enjoy!

 

Rob from the Rich, Give to the Poor!

Rob from the Rich, Give to the Poor!

Just like it sounds but with less prison time!

 

The Story of Robin Hood

The Story of Robin Hood

THE STORY OF ROBIN HOOD

Follow this classic tale full of adventure, humor, betrayal and exciting combat at the following times and locations:

SCENE ONE: A HERO IS BORN* In which noble King Richard leaves for glory on the crusades, his wicked brother John takes control, and a nobleman risks all to protect the people of this land. CASTLE STAGE 12:30

SCENE TWO: ROBIN MEETS LITTLE JOHN* In which a larger than life character joins Robins cause, and help comes from an unexpected source. GREENWOOD ACTION STAGE 1:15

SCENE THREE: THE TOURNAMENT OF THE GOLDEN ARROW* In which the villains set a trap for our hero, and someone unexpected springs it. GOLDEN ARROW STAGE 2:45

SCENE FOUR: THE SHERIFF FORMULATES A PLAN* In which the search for Maid Marion leads to some surprising Revelations, and the Sheriff gains an ally. GREENWOOD ACTION STAGE 3:30

SCENE FIVE: TRAPPED AT NOTTINGHAM CASTLE* In which a forbidden meeting between lovers has deadly consequences for both. CASTLE STAGE 4:15

SCENE SIX: THE EXECUTION* In which brave Sir Ivanhoe fights for the life of our hero, but will he succeed, or will Prince John kill two birds with one stone? TOURNEY FIELD 5:00

*Denotes a scene featuring exciting choreographed combat.

 

The Gaming Glen

The Gaming Glen

Visit CTRF's Gaming Glen with old favorites like The Axe Throw, Bow & Arrow, Dagger Toss, & Smite the Knight!

 

Knighting Ceremony

Knighting Ceremony

KIDS! Have you performed well at our games of skill and daring? Get knighted by King Richard or his Knights on the Castle Stage at 10:30 or at the Greenwood Action Stage at 2:45!

 

Join the Merry Men

Join the Merry Men

Ever want to be part of Robin Hood's merry band? Do you have it in you? Only Robin Hood will decide...

 

The Court of Prince John

The Court of Prince John

Interact with Prince John and his court throughout the day in the streets of the shire. Don't be shy...he MAY not throw you in the stocks.

 

Madrigals

Madrigals

CTRF cast performing madrigals.

 

Bret Blackshear's Gi Shiata

Bret Blackshear's Gi Shiata

Gi Shiata, (pronounced "gee shee-ah-tah") - translates loosely from Japanese into "Deception Theater", which works perfectly as the name for this mysterious, masked character. Gi Shiata will fool you, simple as that. With 100% pure sleight of hand, a normal pack of playing cards, four stainless steel rings, or a coin, or perhaps even something some one is carrying - becomes a path towards Gi Shiata's promise on his sign which states "30 seconds to blow your mind." There are no words to distract from what is happening, there is only magic. You will be amazed.

 

Ye Olde Medicine Show and Flea Circus

Ye Olde Medicine Show and Flea Circus

Eric and Susan Scites of Faire Wynds Entertainments are pleased to introduce their newest family-friendly comedy show "Ye Ode Medicine Show and Flea Circus"! A hilarious look at the entertainments and cures of the past, along with a look at the 14th century vermin shows with the greatest little show on earth, "Virginia's Vermin"! 5 highly trained fleas for your pleasure and amusement! Yep, we're here to show you how to raise and train your fleas! We believe that if you give a flea a skill, he won't have time to go wandering the countryside spreading plague and disease! And remember our motto: if we're not the people on stage, you're probably not watching our show!

 

Faire Wynds presents The Glass Harps

Faire Wynds presents The Glass Harps

Eric and Susan Scites have been presenting their family-friendly and historically based entertainments for over 15 years. They are pleased to bring to the Robing Hood Springtime Festival the glass harps-or ghost fiddle-for your listening pleasure. As one of only 2 duets on this instrument, it is sure to please the ears of even the most ferociously tired Renaissance Patron after a long day of merriment! So sit back and enjoy the sounds that one anonymous French monk was quoted to have said "...if this is truly the sounds of the angels, I am glad I have my place in Heaven reserved!"

 

Hopeless Romantics

Hopeless Romantics

Featuring Guido Libido ! Friend to all women!..... Alllllll women!.... Sometimes twice! Telling love stories through out the ages, but the way they REALLY happened! Because in the books they got it all wrong! This Interactive Comedy Show involves the audience to portray some of history's most tragic couples. Learn to be Romeo, the lover of all lovers. Or Juliet, fair Juliet, sought after by all the men of Verona...Alllllll the men Also, look for Guido on the street teaching the art of.....well, picking up women. Sharing Personal tales of Romance, and Tragedy. Because love is funny! Guido will also play host to the Challenge Chess match, were the audience gets to play the chess pieces in this battle of silly challenges, fun for all ages.

 

Middle Earth Puppets

Middle Earth Puppets

Middle-earth story telling is a unique blend of storytelling and children's interactive theater that was developed by the company owners, Carl and Patricia Odhner, who began touring in the USA in 1978 along with a marionette show fashioned after J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit". Since then thier performing arts company has gone on to produce countless live performances, each with a life of its own all over the country.

 

The Limey Birds

The Limey Birds

Sweet Sirens with Wicked Wit - This award winning act is one of today's hottest "Don't Miss" acts on the Renaissance Festival circuit. The Limeybirds are unique - high energy antics, sharp wit, and not to mention their stunning harmonies. The Limeybirds are Faith, Charity & Bunnie - 3 strong sisters of song who genuinely love what they do - and boy does that show! Standard Renfest tunes that everyone knows and loves plus some Original music; a new take on the "Wench Style Act". The Limeybirds present a new style Renaissance show. What sets these gals apart? Drawing on their professional Musical Theatre backgrounds; they have sculpted a weird, wacky and wonderful 30-40 minute show that envelopes the audience and carries them away. (PG & R)

 

Commedia Mania

Commedia Mania

Commedia Mania, is a show of laughs, masks, slapstick and shameless theatrical nonsense. The cast of Italian stock characters tell the tales of the lover's plot, Macbeth, Doctor Faustus, and even an adults only show where the laughs get truly outrageuous!

Come and see why Commedia Dell Arte has been one of the strongest influences in the world of entertainment for centuries

 

Vow Renewals with Friar Tuck

Vow Renewals with Friar Tuck

Reaffirm your love by renewing your vows with the shire's own holy man...Friar Tuck! Best of all is it's FREE! ** Romance Weekend Only **

 

Temujin

Temujin

"A STORY IS AN EPHEMERAL THING THAT ONLY TRULY EXISTS AT THE MOMENT OF IT'S TELLING... IT COMES FROM THE TELLER ALIVE AND HAS A FRESH LIFE WHICH EACH TELLING." Babalosa Obalorun Temujin Ekùnféo (Temujin The Storyteller), His list of talents includes lecturer, workshop developer, musician, and instrument maker. As both a scholar and performer of African culture Temujin feels a strong commitment to researching African Folklore from the Americas as well as from the continent of Africa and shares it by means of family oriented, audience participatory storytelling programs. All of this is done in the ancient tradition of the "Itinerate African Bard" hailing crowds with his talking drum. Temujin studied Anthropology and Theater at The University of Pittsburgh and African dance, drumming and languages at The Olatunji Center for African Culture in New York City.

 

Hooligan

Hooligan

With a combined 36 years of fulltime or mostly fulltime performance, Bernard and Miller bring a wealth of experience and flair to the table. Together they perform original and traditional music and song with a unique and often fluid style, ranging from the solid tradition of Irish music to the grace and open interpretations of the Cantigas de Santa Maria, and all the way through jazz and folk to the back-beat of early swing. Bringing such a wide variety of flavors and themes to the table, Bernard and Miller refer to this delicious concoction as 'Music Soup'; just plain good for the soul!

 

The Rogues

The Rogues

Renowned for their musical skill, quick wit, and engaging stage show the ROGUES have mastered the art of creating an immediate connection with their audiences. The ROGUES are fast becoming a household name with music lovers across the U.S. and Canada, loved by young and old of all backgrounds.

 

Celtic Mayhem

Celtic Mayhem

Combining the talents of members of three of the renaissance faire circuit's most popular musical acts, Celtic Mayhem has been entertaining audiences with their unique, raucus brand of Celtic folk music since their debut in the Spring of 2007. When performing at faires and festivals, the band plays Celtic traditional music and folk songs, along with original and contemporary music with a traditional feel.

 

Kathleen Finnegan - Celtic Harp

Kathleen Finnegan - Celtic Harp

Kathleen Finnegan has studied classical harp, piano, and flute for most of her life. Her passion is to share the beauty of the Celtic harp everywhere she goes with anyone - including waiting passengers on the New York subway system! With Celtic roots and love of traditional music, Kathleen loves bringing new life to familiar and sometimes forgotten music of the British Isles.

 

Men of Action

Men of Action

Join the mirthful masters of all things masculine as they debate the driving questions of the day.

 

Noble Cause Productions

Noble Cause Productions

Jousting, sword combat, battles, and horse stunts. Don't miss this!

 

Blackenshear's Curious Magic

Blackenshear's Curious Magic

Sidesplitting comedy and amazing magic are what you can expect at a Blackenshear show. This seasoned performer and consummate entertainer will win you over with his award winning magic show. All ages are welcome and are sure to be delighted with Blackenshear's street-honed style. If you like your magic heavily seasoned with sarcasm, this show is bound to be a favorite!

 

Pony Rides!

Pony Rides!

West Ledge Farms brings pony rides for your own little "Maid Marion" or "Robin Hood".

 

Petting Zoo

Petting Zoo

Bring the kids to the Petting Zoo where they can interact with all sorts of Barnyard animals that may have been seen in and around the camp of the Merrie Men!