Find Your Fantasy at 2012 Northern California Renaissance Faire

Experience the fantasy that comes to life this fall as the Northern California Renaissance Faire travels back to the
realistic Renaissance village of the late 14th through 16th
century settled in the woodsy vale of Casa de Fruta in Hollister.  Held every Saturday and Sunday from September 15 through October 14, one can journey through the Medieval times of humanistic rebirth when classical art, architecture, literature, plays, and traditional music become one of the most notable time periods in history.

The Renaissance scene promises to have new and exciting additions this year for Faire-goers to join the villagers of Willington.  Many of the traditional themes will still take place, such as the lively drunken festival of Bacchanal
and the delicious feasts of Saint Michael. Beware of the unwelcomed invasion of savage pirates, catch a glimpse of the majestic Queen Elizabeth I, and interact with mystical creatures of the land.

Under a leafy tree branch, one can see an original form of Renaissance theatre in the form of the Italian comedy, Commedia Dell Arte, on the Royal Garden stage or laugh out loud to the mischievous antics of Moonie the Magnificent and BrooN at the Fools stage. Seven stages
boast nonstop entertainment such as William Shakespeare acts, noble social dances, magnificent swordplay, and the return of veteran jousters at The World Tournament of Champions, performed twice daily at the Tournament of Horses Arena, to demonstrate heroic acts of declared homeland victory.

As the sun sets, the Celtic Rock Concert Series rises in showcasing genre favorites!  The exclusive concert is free with admission every Saturday at 6pm.

During the festivities, meet and greet happy peasants, crooked constables, men in tights, and merry maidens as they fill the streets with revelry. Practice your archery, axe throwing and fencing skills, and don yourself with an elaborate garland or mask. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a gigantic turkey leg roasted to perfection and wear a classic Renaissance costume from a saucy pirate gear to gypsy tribal garb.

Last but not least, shop through the exceptional Market Faire of master artisans of latest designs and finest hand
work… blown glass, keen blades, armor and chain mail, romantic clothing, leather-work, woodwork, hand wrought jewelry, sculpture and much, much more.

Advance tickets will be available in August!  Purchase online before September 13th and receive $5 off admission!  Children 12 and under will be admitted FREE entrance for all five weekends, and during Opening Weekend, general ticket pricing is “Two-For-One”. Tickets will go on sale in August, 2012.

WHAT:            Northern California Renaissance Faire - A Play Faire Production
WHEN:            “Find Your Fantasy” every Saturday and Sunday from September 15th - October 14th, 2012
                        Celtic Rock Concert
Series every Saturday night, FREE with general admission
TIME:              10am – 6pm (Celtic Rock Series
starts at 6P on Sat.)
WHERE:          Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass
Highway, Hollister
COST:              $25 at the gate; children 12 and under will be admitted FREE the entire run of Faire. 
                        A weekend pass, which covers the admission for one weekend, is $35
                        A ‘Fairever’ pass, which allows unlimited access all 10 days, is $150
                        Save $5 off adult tickets for groups of fifteen or more with promotional code “group”.
INFO:              For more information and tickets,
visit www.norcalrenfaire.com or call 408.847.FAIR.

The Northern California Renaissance Faire is run by Play Faire Productions, a group of self-appointed actors and artisans who took ownership as a collective in 2004.  Many Faire participants have been exciting crowds with their performances for over 35 years, never failing to entertain the masses with their pranks and mischievous behavior.  They are proud to be the only Faire of its kind that is managed by their own performers, presenting an incomparable way to experience the magic of the time period.  Whether you attend for an all encompassing history lesson, or wish to play in the original adult playground, there is no doubt that everyone will have the chance to stretch their imagination…and Find Your Fantasy!