By Charly SHELTON

The sounds of drums and laughter echo once more through the trees of Irwindale as the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire returns for the 2025 season. Held at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, the faire is the longest-running Renaissance fair in the country and continues to offer immersive, whimsical fun for all ages. Open weekends through May 18, this season brings new shows, returning favorites and themed weekends to delight every type of faire-goer.

Opening Weekend and Pirate Weekend have already passed, but there’s still plenty to look forward to. April 19 and 20 is Cottagecore Weekend when woodland attire and cozy vibes take center stage with maypole dances, botany workshops and a self-guided Cozy Crawl of cottage-themed artisans. April 26 and 27 is RennCon™, a celebration of cosplay across genres with panels on costume building, villain acting and even a time traveler costume contest. Whether dressed as a wizard, warrior, anime hero or historical figure, the faire welcomes all into the fold.

The food remains a major draw with fan favorites like turkey legs, steak on a stake and Scotch eggs returning for another season. A standout treat not to be missed is the chimney cake – a sweet pastry baked on a rotating spit over an open flame, rolled in cinnamon sugar or other toppings, and filled with either a savory sausage or sweet fruit. The crispy exterior and warm, fluffy interior make it one of the most craveable snacks at the fair that you’ll be thinking about all year until you return.

Of course, no visit to the Renaissance Faire would be complete without a few “cold drynks.” The festival offers a variety of beers, ciders and meads, with each bar featuring its own unique selection. This year we explored several of the meads from B. Nektar Meadery, a Michigan-based producer known for bold flavors. The standout pour was Odin’s Blessing, a classic honey-forward mead that struck a perfect balance of sweetness and refreshment – a cool, crisp treat ideal for sipping as the morning fog gives way to an afternoon of California sun.

For those curious to learn more about what the fair has to offer, be sure to check out our full walkthrough and food review from last year’s event. Scan the QR code attached to this story to see the video.

The Renaissance Pleasure Faire runs Saturdays and Sundays through May 18. For tickets and more information, visit renfair.com/socal.