In the past, Folsom’s Lion’s Park has been known to draw some 8000 spectators and participants each year when the annual Renaissance Faire makes its arrival in town. Such attendance is expected to be the case once again next Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept 28 as the sights, sounds and experience depicting the era of Queen Elizabeth I descend upon the city as the iconic event returns. 

Surpassing three decades years of operation here in Folsom, the annual Folsom Renaissance Faire provides people of all ages a chance to have an interactive experience with musicians, jugglers and the ribaldry of actors drawing you deep into the magic of another period and time, according to officials of Renaissance Productions, organizers of the event and others in the region each year.

Over 800 costumed performers are expected on site over the two-day run to bring Shakespeare’s England to life with parades, pageants, reenactments and fun townsfolk, offering non-stop entertainment of a unique variety spread throughout the grounds. Whether you love a good Renaissance Faire or have never attended one, Folsom’s full-scale, interactive experience is not to be missed. 

The weekend’s event always celebrates the Elizabethan age and bring it to life the backdrop of a Renaissance English Village and is a chance for the young and old alike to take a step back in history. The result is always an experience unlike anything else, showcasing a range of entertaining, authentically historical presentations and costuming from ethnic backgrounds that can appeal to all tastes and ages.

The event is expected to portray Queen Elizabeth’s historical progress and Shakespeare’s development of a new play.  In addition to the theatrics taking place, the event will be home to artisan crafts and wares, a variety of tasty food and drink, including the iconic giant turkey leg that is one of the many go to dining delights annually.  

Jousting tournaments take place both days of the faire in the stadium. These events will feature talented riders in full suits of armor riding on their sturdy draft horses as they race forward and “take a stab” at being victorious. 

The event is slated to be open at Folsom City Lions Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Note, that tickets are only available by advance online purchase only and will not be sold at the gate, according to the City of Folsom Parks and Recreation Department.

The Friends of the Folsom Library will also be hosting a book sale at the Renaissance Faire on Saturday and Sunday in the Pavilion area as part of the event.

Ticket prices are $15 for children 6 to 12; $20 for seniors, military and teens ages 11 to 17 and $25 for adults; and free for children under 6. Tickets can be purchased at www.folsomfaire.com .