FAQs
When is the Faire?
This year's event will be held April 13 and 14, 2024.
Gates open at 10AM and close at 6PM.
This year's event will be held April 13 and 14, 2024.
Gates open at 10AM and close at 6PM.
What is the location?
Lenoir County Fairgrounds, 401 Fairgrounds Road Kinston, North Carolina.
Lenoir County Fairgrounds, 401 Fairgrounds Road Kinston, North Carolina.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available at the event on April 13 & 14 and online at STRIDE EVENTS.
Tickets are available at the event on April 13 & 14 and online at STRIDE EVENTS.
Special ticket perks are included when you decide to become an ENCRF sponsor.
Tickets are non-refundable & non-transferrable.
Tickets are non-refundable & non-transferrable.
How do I qualify for discounted tickets?
The Eastern North Carolina Renaissance Faire wants to recognize patrons who are active or retired military, first responders, and senior citizens. To get this discount you will be asked to show valid identification along with your pre-purchased ticket bought online, or in order to purchase your ticket at a discount at the gate.
Active or Retired Military: With proper valid ID we will honor your discount. Thank you for your service.
Senior Discount: We default to the state of North Carolina's definition of "senior" being age 65+. A photo ID with birthdate is sufficient.
First Responder: A person who is a 'first responder' is someone designated or trained to respond to an emergency. With proper ID, this designation also is eligible for a discounted ticket.
The Eastern North Carolina Renaissance Faire wants to recognize patrons who are active or retired military, first responders, and senior citizens. To get this discount you will be asked to show valid identification along with your pre-purchased ticket bought online, or in order to purchase your ticket at a discount at the gate.
Active or Retired Military: With proper valid ID we will honor your discount. Thank you for your service.
Senior Discount: We default to the state of North Carolina's definition of "senior" being age 65+. A photo ID with birthdate is sufficient.
First Responder: A person who is a 'first responder' is someone designated or trained to respond to an emergency. With proper ID, this designation also is eligible for a discounted ticket.
How much do tickets cost for children?
Children 6 and under are permitted FREE with a paying adult. Children ages 7-12 receive a discounted rate of $20.
Children 6 and under are permitted FREE with a paying adult. Children ages 7-12 receive a discounted rate of $20.
What is the cost to park?
Parking is free.
Parking is free.
What is a Renaissance Faire?
A Renaissance Faire is a recreation of a Renaissance or Medieval village. It is held outdoors as a weekend gathering and open to the public. These events are filled with costumed actors, crafts, and games to give patrons the illusion that they have stepped back in time. The Eastern North Carolina Renaissance Faire also hosts vikings, pirates, fairies, and fantasy folk.
A Renaissance Faire is a recreation of a Renaissance or Medieval village. It is held outdoors as a weekend gathering and open to the public. These events are filled with costumed actors, crafts, and games to give patrons the illusion that they have stepped back in time. The Eastern North Carolina Renaissance Faire also hosts vikings, pirates, fairies, and fantasy folk.
What if it rains?
The Eastern North Carolina Renaissance Faire will be held “rain or shine.” In the event of rain, we will remain open and present entertainment under our 40x80 tents as necessary. We also have the availability move some entertainments indoors. In the case of severe weather, ENCRF Management will advise the guests and participants of a pending closure. You may check local weather forecasts or contact the Faire for any updates.
Please note that the ENCRF does not offer refund or ticket exchanges in the event of poor weather or closures.
The Eastern North Carolina Renaissance Faire will be held “rain or shine.” In the event of rain, we will remain open and present entertainment under our 40x80 tents as necessary. We also have the availability move some entertainments indoors. In the case of severe weather, ENCRF Management will advise the guests and participants of a pending closure. You may check local weather forecasts or contact the Faire for any updates.
Please note that the ENCRF does not offer refund or ticket exchanges in the event of poor weather or closures.
Can the Faire 'sell out'?
We are expecting quite a crowd this year and, while we did not sell out last year, we have no idea what to expect. We are abiding by the rules for the location's capacity limits and parking availability.
We are expecting quite a crowd this year and, while we did not sell out last year, we have no idea what to expect. We are abiding by the rules for the location's capacity limits and parking availability.
Can I bring my own food to the faire?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Eastern North Carolina Renaissance Faire. Personal bags are permitted and are subject to being searched. Food and drink options are available for purchase on site.
Guests with the following dietary requirements are exempt from this policy:
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Eastern North Carolina Renaissance Faire. Personal bags are permitted and are subject to being searched. Food and drink options are available for purchase on site.
Guests with the following dietary requirements are exempt from this policy:
- Guests with allergies or medical dietary needs
- Infants and babies
Can I bring my pet?
We are an animal friendly event. Dogs, cats, birds, etc. must remain on leashes or within carriers at all times and the owner is responsible for cleaning up after their pet. Patrons who do not adhere to these conditions may be asked to leave the event. Please be sure to bring plenty of water for your pet, as temperatures are known to get high in April. No pet should be left in a vehicle.
Note: During our event, we plan on having active cannon fire demonstrations throughout the day. If loud noises such as this will distress your pet, please consider leaving them at home.
We are an animal friendly event. Dogs, cats, birds, etc. must remain on leashes or within carriers at all times and the owner is responsible for cleaning up after their pet. Patrons who do not adhere to these conditions may be asked to leave the event. Please be sure to bring plenty of water for your pet, as temperatures are known to get high in April. No pet should be left in a vehicle.
Note: During our event, we plan on having active cannon fire demonstrations throughout the day. If loud noises such as this will distress your pet, please consider leaving them at home.
What should I wear?
We are located in Eastern North Carolina and the weather conditions can vary greatly, from hot and humid, to cool and wet. We recommend you check the weather reports before you come out to the Festival.
We are an outside, family friendly event.
Shoes must be worn. Closed-toed footwear is recommended.
A head covering is also recommended, (there is no shade on our site).
Can I rent a costume?
No. We do not have costume rentals. We do, however, encourage you to wear your favorite Renaissance/Fantasy styled clothing or visit one of the vendors to buy your attire. There should be clothing vendors on site.
We are located in Eastern North Carolina and the weather conditions can vary greatly, from hot and humid, to cool and wet. We recommend you check the weather reports before you come out to the Festival.
We are an outside, family friendly event.
Shoes must be worn. Closed-toed footwear is recommended.
A head covering is also recommended, (there is no shade on our site).
Can I rent a costume?
No. We do not have costume rentals. We do, however, encourage you to wear your favorite Renaissance/Fantasy styled clothing or visit one of the vendors to buy your attire. There should be clothing vendors on site.
How much do the different activities cost?
All of the entertainment is FREE. Outside of the stage entertainments, a variety of games may be available for patrons to play and they will range in cost. Some vendor activities (for example, gem mining or face paining, fairy hair, etc.) will have a fee based on the vendor's choosing.
All of the entertainment is FREE. Outside of the stage entertainments, a variety of games may be available for patrons to play and they will range in cost. Some vendor activities (for example, gem mining or face paining, fairy hair, etc.) will have a fee based on the vendor's choosing.
What is ENCRF's carding policy?
No matter what your age, please be prepared to show proper identification in order to consume alcohol. Valid ID includes a state-issued driver’s license or state-issued ID card with photo, a passport, or a United States military identification card with photo. We are unable to accept any foreign driver’s license. Note the identification cannot be expired at the time of the festival.
No matter what your age, please be prepared to show proper identification in order to consume alcohol. Valid ID includes a state-issued driver’s license or state-issued ID card with photo, a passport, or a United States military identification card with photo. We are unable to accept any foreign driver’s license. Note the identification cannot be expired at the time of the festival.
I bought my tickets online, what do I bring to get into the event?
After purchasing your tickets online, you will receive an email. Within that email is a QR code which can be printed or viewed on a mobile device. This code will be scanned at the event gate for entry and is considered your "ticket".
After purchasing your tickets online, you will receive an email. Within that email is a QR code which can be printed or viewed on a mobile device. This code will be scanned at the event gate for entry and is considered your "ticket".
Do you have handicapped parking?
Yes. We have handicapped parking close to our Faire entrance.
Yes. We have handicapped parking close to our Faire entrance.
Do you have carts or wheelchairs to rent?
No. We do not rent wheelchairs or carts. Our grounds, however, are very flat and we encourage patrons that need this kind of assistance to plan to bring their own equipment.
No. We do not rent wheelchairs or carts. Our grounds, however, are very flat and we encourage patrons that need this kind of assistance to plan to bring their own equipment.
Can I smoke/vape at this event?
There is no tobacco use or vaping allowed on the premises.
There is no tobacco use or vaping allowed on the premises.
If volunteering to be on CAST, what are the rules regarding Union and Equity actors?
Since our volunteer acting group is an improv ensemble, Actor’s Equity has no jurisdiction, therefore both Union and Non-Union actors may apply. We welcome actors of all abilities and talents to participate. Auditions are held in advance (for 2024) and workshops will be held regularly. More information coming soon.
Since our volunteer acting group is an improv ensemble, Actor’s Equity has no jurisdiction, therefore both Union and Non-Union actors may apply. We welcome actors of all abilities and talents to participate. Auditions are held in advance (for 2024) and workshops will be held regularly. More information coming soon.
What health and safety measures are in place?
Consistent with the most recent guidance from the NC Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control, Easter North Carolina Renaissance Faire is pleased to update our initiatives designed to keep everyone safe. Guests, volunteers, vendors, and acts are welcome to wear face coverings if they choose. We will continue to maintain our cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection standards, which meet or exceed established industry guidelines. ENCRF asks that you stay at home if you have any of the following:
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death and people who show no symptoms can spread COVID-19 if they are infected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Visit the CDC website for the latest guidance. You voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Consistent with the most recent guidance from the NC Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control, Easter North Carolina Renaissance Faire is pleased to update our initiatives designed to keep everyone safe. Guests, volunteers, vendors, and acts are welcome to wear face coverings if they choose. We will continue to maintain our cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection standards, which meet or exceed established industry guidelines. ENCRF asks that you stay at home if you have any of the following:
- Symptoms of COVID-19.
- Pending COVID-19 test results.
- Are under the a provider's care for a positive COVID-19 test.
- Have been exposed to COVID-19 (unless fully vaccinated).
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death and people who show no symptoms can spread COVID-19 if they are infected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Visit the CDC website for the latest guidance. You voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Have more questions? Please, contact us.
