Oxford Renaissance Festival

Event Description

ABOUT
So – just what is a Renaissance Festival?
 

A Renaissance Festival is a wonderful mix of entertainment with a splash of history that colours the festivities. As you walk into the gate, we hope that you will feel that you have visited a small village festival in the heart of Oxfordshire, England, in the middle of the 1500s. Some people choose to dress the part – we love it when you dress up and play along – but you can come as you are if you so choose – just dress for the weather! Throughout your day, you will have an opportunity to enjoy live music, stage shows, interactive renaissance characters, and a host of renaissance styled vendors who make up our village. It is a music show, live theatre, fine arts, food, fun, and history all wrapped up in a single visit! Bring the kids, or come without – we endeavor to have something that will entertain everyone at the Oxford Renaissance Festival!

About Us
 

The Oxford Renaissance Festival has been in operation since 2013. We began our adventure at the Woodstock Fairgrounds, and moved to the Dorchester Fairgrounds in 2016. Ontario has been host to a series of similarly themed festivals for many years, and we are proud to carry on the tradition of celebrating history, live music & entertainment, and artistic endeavors. The Oxford Renaissance Festival is pleased to partner with many fine organizations in order to provide opportunities and culture to the surrounding regions.

Our “Big Event” is the Festival Days  a weekend of fun held in October – 2 full days of entertainment, open to the public. Most people plan to stay for several hours, enjoying a meal in our pub, and filling their day with all live opportunities to play along or watch the action. Live music, demonstrations, stage acts, and jousting will give you plenty of renaissance to experience! There are games to play, a storyline to follow, and you could even meet the Queen! On Saturday night the pub stays open after the gates close – and you can party with us with live music all night and our special selection of Renaissance styled beverages, including cider, beer, Mead, and more!

School Trip – The Oxford Renaissance Festival is also open for field trips – The Friday (and Thursday if we get booked up!) before the festival is open for registered school groups to attend an Education Day where groups rotate through learning pods and find out more about Renaissance England. We tend to teach about the ancient sports of falconry, jousting, armed combat; trades such as blacksmithing, and Renaissance fashion, and manners. The day is designed for Grades 1 – 8, with discounts for schools that register early and bring more than one class. Find out more on the “Education Days”  Tab.

Throughout the year, you may find Special Events put on by the Oxford Renaissance Festival – In the past we have hosted feasts, a masquerade ball, and movie nights. Follow us on Facebook  to stay on top of all the best events!