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Now On View ✥ The Georgia Renaissance Festival Presents
The Royal Gallery Awards
An inaugural exhibition of photography — the Festival, seen through your own eyes.
Submissions Open
Through June 30, 2026
A Royal Invitation

Their Majesties invite photographers, memory-makers, and Festival daydreamers to submit their finest images to the first annual Royal Gallery Awards.

Inspired by the many talented photographers who preserve the magic of Newcastle — including longtime Festival friend Wes Carter, whose images have captured countless moments from the lanes — this exhibition invites guests to show the Festival through their own eyes.

From charging knights and royal encounters to artisan treasures, costumed guests, hearty feasts, stage shows, and quiet moments of Renaissance charm — we wish to see what made your Festival day memorable.

Through the Lens
A Glimpse of the Festival
Images from Festivals past, captured by our cherished photographers — offered as inspiration for your own entries.
Hail to the Realm by Wes Carter
“Hail to the Realm”
Wes Carter
The Charge by Tony Villatoro
“The Charge”
Tony Villatoro
Clash of Riders by Tony Villatoro
“Clash of Riders”
Tony Villatoro
Hands and Hooves by Wes Carter
“Hands and Hooves”
Wes Carter
Before the Throne by Josh Ferguson
“Before the Throne”
Josh Ferguson
A Chance Encounter by Tony Villatoro
“A Chance Encounter”
Tony Villatoro
The Royal Court by Wes Carter
“The Royal Court”
Wes Carter
A Turn About the Lane by Wes Carter
“A Turn About the Lane”
Wes Carter
The Enchantress by Josh Ferguson
“The Enchantress”
Josh Ferguson
A Quiet Pint by Josh Ferguson
“A Quiet Pint”
Josh Ferguson
Tickled Pink by Wes Carter
“Tickled Pink”
Wes Carter
Brethren of the Tavern by Wes Carter
“Brethren of the Tavern”
Wes Carter
Faces in the Crowd by Tony Villatoro
“Faces in the Crowd”
Tony Villatoro
Dancing in the Rain by Wes Carter
“Dancing in the Rain”
Wes Carter
Categories of Entry
Choose Your Category
Every entry is considered for Best in Show. Entrants may also select one individual category below.
✧ Entertainment
Stage shows and lane performers who fill the realm with spectacle.
⚔ Joust
Charging knights, mounted combat, and the thunder of the lists.
♛ Fantasy / Cosplay
Costumed guests, fantasy flair, and unforgettable characters.
✳ Crafts / Artisans
Handmade goods, treasures, and demonstrations from the lanes.
❦ Family Fun
Games, rides, and joyful moments shared by guests of all ages.
✥ Festival Food & Drink
Hearty feasts, frothy tankards, and the flavors of the realm.
✧ Other
Festival scenes, details, and the quiet charm that defies category.
Entries Close
June 30, 2026
All entries must arrive before the gallery closes its doors.
Best in Show
Season Pass & More
1st Place wins a Season Pass, six day tickets & a $50 gift certificate — with prizes for 2nd, 3rd & Honorable Mention.
Category Winners
Seven to Win
Each category winner receives two day tickets and a $25 Festival gift certificate.
Where Works Hang
Across the Realm
Website, social media, promotions, exhibits, presentations & print.
Read the Full Contest Rules →
Eligibility, photo requirements, prize details & permissions.
Submit Your Entry
Present Your Work to the Gallery
Open your gallery, choose your finest work, and present it before the Royal Gallery. The realm awaits your vision.
Submit high-resolution photos suitable for print — ideally 2400 pixels, 2 MB, and 300 dpi where available. Accepted formats: .jpg, .jpeg, or .png. Please avoid heavy filters, borders, text, or watermarks. See the full contest rules for complete details.
Terms of Exhibition
Photo Usage & Permissions

By submitting photo(s), photographers grant Georgia Renaissance Festival the right to publish, display, and use submitted images in Festival-related materials, including website content, social media, promotional campaigns, exhibits, educational presentations, and printed materials.

All entries become the property of Georgia Renaissance Festival and will not be acknowledged or returned. Georgia Renaissance Festival assumes no responsibility for submitted photographs.

Photographers are responsible for ensuring they have permission from any identifiable individuals featured in submitted photos when required.

The Royal Gallery Awards
Georgia Renaissance Festival — the realm awaits your vision.