The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is back and ready for its 40th year of family fun. From small beginnings in the city of Largo, to one of Tampa’s finest regional attractions.
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival was first held in 1979 in the city of Largo. This inaugural Festival featured renaissance dancing, archery contests, jugglers, mimes, and madrigals. By 1980, the Festival had added food booths, a human chess match, and a unique marketplace. As attendance to the popular event grew, so did the number of artisans, demonstrations, entertainers, and foods.
The show has continued to develop fans throughout the years, offering more each year in entertainment, education, food, and art. Now seeing more than 80,000 fans a year, the Festival has provided opportunities for fans to escape from this realm and journey into a time when Kings and Queens rule and Mermaids and Fairies are more than just a dream.
Featured for 2018:
The Newest Edition of the Quest: This is a build on the quest that began last year, where patrons will be able to play a part in the Village of Fittlesworth, solving puzzles and playing games to win prizes.
FREE Beer Tasting: Dilly Dilly! Join us for a free beer tasting event each day at the Pit of Misery!
Time Travelers Ball: Dress in your best steampunk attire, eat some delicious food, and celebrate the night with some drinks. This steampunk themed ball is a night you don’t want to miss!
Throne of Swords Pub: Wander beyond the Wall, through The Seven Kingdoms and sit on the ominous Throne of Swords while sipping on cocktails in the All New Throne of Swords pub.
Free Beer Festival Friday: With your ticket, you receive one free beer with your purchase on the only Friday we are open! We will also be offering free tickets to anyone with a Military ID, First Responders, or USF ID (student or staff).
Honor Roll Special: For the First 3 weekends, bring a report card displaying a 3.0 GPA or higher (Middle School & High School) and receive one free admission ticket!
St. Patrick’s Day Band Blowout: On March 17th the largest St. Patty’s Party in Tampa commences at 4pm, 21 and up only, with flowing beer and bands like The Bawdy Boys hosting the evening!
Everything Unicorn!: We will have our live unicorn on site for meet and greets and pictures along with added treats throughout the festival with a yummy unicorn theme.
With 2 NEW PUBS and 2 NEW STAGES!
2018 Theme Weekends and Activities:
- Chocolate Fantasy: February 10th and 11th : Chocolate Festival, Free Vow Renewals, Fencing Competition, Whirlwind Wedding Wars and ALL NEW Rainbow After Dark Ball.
- Highland Fling: February 17th and 18th : Florida State Highland Heavy Game Championship, Scottish Dancers, Celtic Village, and a Men in Kilts Competition.
- Pirates and Pets: February 24th and 25th : Pet Fest with Vendors and Entertainment, Ultimate Air Dogs Dock Diving Competition, Weiner Dog Races, Pet Costume Contest, Perfect Pirate Competition, and Biker Weekend.
- Time Travelers: March 3rd and 4th: Steampunk Invasion and Costume Contest, Belly Dancing Championships, World Market, Dr. Who Costume Contest, Time Traveler’s Ball, and ALL NEW Cornhole Tournament.
- Barbarian Brew Fest: March 10th & 11th : Best Beard Competition and the State Royal Archery Championships
- Shamrocks & Shenanigans: March 17th and 18th : Largest St. Paddy’s Day Party in Tampa, Green Beer, Highland Heavy Games, Celtic Village, with Men in Kilts Competition, Bonnie Knees Competition, Leprechaun Costume Contest and ALL NEW After Hours Band Blowout Party.
- Free Beer Festival Friday: March 23rd: Every ticket gets a Free beer! USF Students and Staff with valid ID, Military, and First Responders all get a free ticket with valid ID. Ladies’ Shopping Day, School Day, and the Masquerade Ball that night!
- High Seas Adventure: March 24th and 25th : Tattoo Competition, Swab the Deck, Perfect Pirate Competition, and Deaf Awareness Weekend.
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is a first-class experience whose 40th season begins on February 10, 2018 and ends on March 25, 2018. The Festival is open weekends and Friday, March 23, 2018 from 10am-6pm rain or shine. Admission at the gate: Adults $21.95; Children 5-12 $13.95; four and under are free! Discount tickets are available at participating Circle K stores, or online at www.BayAreaRenFest.com.
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