The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is very different from all the other attractions covered in the performing arts category. It's live theater that includes acting, music, a variety of performances, shopping, history, crafts, and family activities. Perhaps the best description is that it represents an idealistic view of what a sixteenth century fair might have been like in Elizabethan England.

Perhaps you've been to one before? They are held in many places throughout the country; Joan and I have been to them in California and New York, as well as this one in Lancaster. Although such "faires" vary from location to location, and from year-to-year, typically they begin with the entrance of Queen Elizabeth I and part of her royal court.
As visitors to the faire you can watch the procession and then wander around the thirty-five acres of its venue, the Mount Hope Estate & Winery. When you do you'll see actors as craftsmen, tradesmen, jesters, nobles, beggars, and others, all in period costumes (and you're welcome to wear one too if you wish). They will be portraying many facets of Elizabethan life: making and selling period food and crafts, jousting and other physical sports, fighting, and far more - including breathing fire and similar acts.

Despite the emphasis on fanciful history, Renaissance Faires are designed to be a great deal of fun for every family member. Men usually enjoy the displays of martial arts and equipment, women love the shopping, and kids have fun with watching jugglers, "grovelers" (beggars), or watching and perhaps participating in a variety of games. Sound interesting? It is, and you can find out more by clicking on any picture to go to their web site.