King Richard’s Faire Makes Its Return This Weekend — Highlights and New Attractions

King Richard’s Faire, New England’s largest and longest-running Renaissance Festival, returns for its 44th season from August 30 to October 19, 2025, including Monday holidays such as Labor Day (September 1) and Columbus Day (October 13). Set on an enchanting 200-acre wooded site in Carver, Massachusetts, the festival promises magic, merriment, and countless adventures for visitors of all ages.

Event Details and Location

The faire takes place at 5 Pine Street, Carver, MA, just 50 minutes south of Boston and 45 minutes east of Providence. Gates open daily at 10:30 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. Admission prices for 2025 range from $26 for children (ages 4-11) to $46 for adults 12 and older, with children under 4 admitted free. Parking is free on-site with additional shuttle service from auxiliary lots if needed.

What to Expect: Entertainment and Attractions

Visitors can expect lively entertainment on eight vibrant stages featuring minstrels, acrobats, fire eaters, aerialists, and larger-than-life puppets. Knights will engage in jousting competitions thrice daily, while bawdy beggars perform mud-filled antics. Happy villagers and frolicking faeries dance through the lanes, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the Renaissance fantasy. New additions include two dog shows that showcase captivating canines, sure to delight audiences.

Food, Drink, and Artisan Market

The faire offers a feast fit for royalty with giant spit-roasted turkey legs, crispy ringlets of fries, hearty chowders, and stews. Guests can quench their thirst with champagne, mead, wine, and a selection of brews. Artisans from around the globe present handcrafted pottery, fabulous jewelry, leather goods, armor, and footwear. Unique offerings include sword making, glass blowing, face and body painting, scented oils, perfumes, henna tattoos, and psychic readings.

Themed Weekends and Special Events

Several themed weekends add extra excitement throughout the season. Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30–Sept. 1) features a salute to safety honoring active and retired military, police, fire, and EMS personnel, including a ceremony before the 5 p.m. joust and a costume parade. Other themed weekends throughout October celebrate pirates, Lord of the Rings fandom, and highland games with contests such as “Men in Kilts” and trivia events. Special adult-only pub crawls and costume contests provide lively nightlife options.

Family Fun and Memories to Last a Lifetime

King Richard’s Faire is renowned for creating unforgettable experiences where families can play games in the Gaming Glen, enjoy thrilling rides, and meet vividly costumed characters. Children can participate in parades, trick or treating, and interactive adventures, making it an inclusive event welcoming all ages to escape into a world of fantasy, history, and celebration.

King Richard’s Faire 2025 invites all to step into its enchanted realm for a celebration of culture, community, and creativity that will captivate and charm. Whether a Renaissance enthusiast or a family seeking a magical outing, the faire promises memories that will last long after gates close each day.