First-Timer's Guide to the Georgia Renaissance Festival
Never been to a Renaissance festival? You do not need a costume, a history degree, or a plan for every minute.
Come ready to explore an outdoor village filled with jousting, live entertainment, artisans, food and drink, games, characters, and unexpected things happening around you throughout the day. This guide covers the basics so you can spend less time wondering what to do and more time enjoying the Festival.
Get Tickets Directions & Parking- Outdoor Village
- Costumes Optional
- Fairburn, Georgia
What Exactly Are You Walking Into?
The Georgia Renaissance Festival is an immersive outdoor festival built throughout a Renaissance-inspired village. Guests move freely through the grounds rather than sitting down for one continuous show — if you're wondering what to expect at a Renaissance festival, think of a day-long village you explore, not a seat you stay in.
Participation is optional. You can watch, wander, shop, eat and explore at your own pace — or interact with characters and become part of the fun. No knowledge of Renaissance history is required.
Legend · What You May Encounter
- Full-armored jousting
- Live music and stage entertainment
- Comedy, variety and specialty performances
- Artisans and handmade goods
- Food and drink
- Games and attractions
- Costumed characters
- Interactive moments throughout the village
Give Yourself Time to Wander
GARF is a full Festival village with entertainment and experiences happening throughout the day. Your first Renaissance festival goes better when you allow plenty of time instead of trying to squeeze it into a short stop. A good day looks something like this:
- Choose a few things you definitely want to see
- Leave open time between them
- Wander through the artisan areas
- Stop for food or drink
- Watch something you did not plan to see
- Interact with characters if you want to
Do not try to schedule every minute.
Some of the best moments at GARF are the things guests discover between planned activities.
A Few Things to Do Before You Arrive
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Buy Admission Online
Attendance is limited and Festival admission is sold online.
Tickets -
Check the Current Festival
Operating hours, entertainment schedules and available experiences vary by Festival and date. Review current information before leaving home.
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Check the Weather
GARF is an outdoor event and operates in changing Georgia weather.
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View the Map
Looking at the Festival map before arriving helps you understand the size and layout of the village.
View the Map
Earlier Is Usually Easier. Comfort First, Costume Optional.
Arriving near the beginning of the operating day gives you more time to explore, an easier start, time to get your bearings on the grounds, and more flexibility when choosing shows, food and attractions.
Check the page for the Festival you are attending for current operating hours and arrival information.
You do not have to dress in costume — normal, comfortable outdoor clothing is completely appropriate. Wondering what to wear to a Renaissance festival if you do want to join in? Historical clothing, fantasy garb, cosplay, corsets, bodices, kilts, armor and other creative costumes are all welcome within GARF's guest policies.
The single most important tip: wear comfortable shoes.
GARF is an outdoor village with natural terrain, so expect a meaningful amount of walking. Dress for the weather and consider:
- Comfortable footwear
- Sunscreen
- Hat or sun protection
- Weather-appropriate layers
Pack Light. Bring the Useful Stuff.
What to bring to a Renaissance festival is a short list:
- Phone
- Sunscreen
- Weather protection
- Comfortable shoes
- Payment method
- Refillable water bottle
- Stroller, wagon or mobility device, if needed
Guests may bring one sealed plastic water bottle and one refillable bottle that is empty or contains ice only. For the full details on what is and isn't allowed, see Festival Policies and the FAQ.
There Is No One Right Way to Spend the Day
Things to do at the Georgia Renaissance Festival tend to find you. These are the points of interest most first-timers build a day around.
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Jousting
One of the Festival's signature experiences. Watch knights compete in the Joust arena during scheduled performances.
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Live Entertainment
Music, comedy, variety acts, specialty performances and other entertainment take place throughout the village.
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Artisans
Explore independent artisan shoppes offering handmade and specialty goods.
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Food & Drink
Eating and drinking are part of the Festival experience. Explore — there is no one required thing to eat.
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Games & Attractions
Games, rides and hands-on experiences are scattered throughout the grounds.
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The Village Itself
Characters, musicians and spontaneous interactions happen outside the formal stages. Pay attention to what is happening around you — a lot of it isn't on any schedule.
Bringing the Family. Reading the Map.
A Renaissance festival with kids works best when you treat it as what it is: an all-day outdoor experience. Strollers and wagons are welcome. Plan for walking and breaks, and let children choose a few things they are excited to see or do. Food, games, entertainment and characters provide natural breaks throughout the day.
Guest ServicesUse the map. Then be willing to ignore it.
The Festival map and the current entertainment schedule show you the stages, the Joust, food areas, artisans, restrooms, First Aid, attractions and other major locations. Use them to pick a few priorities — then let the rest of the day happen.
View Festival MapThe Advice We Give Our Friends
Georgia Renaissance Festival tips, boiled down to the eight we repeat most:
Arrive With Time to Explore
Do not treat GARF like a two-hour attraction.
Wear Shoes You Can Walk In
Natural outdoor terrain is part of the experience.
Pick a Few Must-Dos
Trying to see everything usually makes the day less fun.
Leave Room to Wander
Unexpected performances, shops and interactions are part of what makes the Festival work.
Interact If You Want To
Performers and characters may invite you into the fun. Participate as much or as little as you like.
Come Hungry
Food and drink are part of the Festival experience.
Check the Weather
Prepare for an outdoor day in Georgia.
Do Not Worry About "Doing It Right"
There is no correct way to attend a Renaissance festival.
Know the Ground Beneath Your Feet
GARF is accessible, but it is not a fully paved venue. The Festival is built on natural outdoor terrain, and guests should expect grass, gravel, slopes and changing ground conditions. Mobility devices are welcome.
Accessibility & Service AnimalsReady for Your First Festival Day?
Choose the Festival you want to experience, get your tickets, and leave a little room in the day for whatever you discover once you step through the gates. Visiting the Georgia Renaissance Festival for the first time is easier than it looks — and for a Renaissance festival near Atlanta, it's well worth the whole day.
Get Tickets Plan Your Arrival