The Chico Renaissance and Fantasy Faire TM

Prepare for a day of enchantment, history, and legend! The Chico Renaissance & Fantasy Faire™ returns to the picturesque Patrick Ranch Museum on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Presented by Your Local Marketplace and Sound Source, this immersive, FREE family-friendly event blends the historic charm of the Renaissance with the wonder of fantasy.

Step into a world where knights, fairies, dragons, pirates, Trekkies, vampires, and wizards roam freely. Unlike traditional historical reenactments, Northern California’s premier fantasy festival embraces all cosplay and period costumes!

Live Entertainment & Interactive Activities

• Forged in Fire Blacksmithing: Live forge demonstrations by Sam Rutherford and Michael Cross (Season 4 champion of Forged in Fire) with custom branded penny souvenirs.
• Full-Contact Historical Combat: Epic armored knight battles presented three times daily by the Guild of Rivenoak.
• Aerial & Fire Dancing: Mesmerizing physical performances by I Rays Movement and Illumanexus.
• Live Music & Stage Shows: Performances by Pub Scouts, Ha Penny Bridge, The Honest Lyre, Chico State Theatre, and magic shows by Chris Bentz.
• Dungeons, Dragons & Drag: A dazzling fantasy drag showcase presented by Vortexx and Friends.
• Herding Demonstrations: Interactive sheepdog trials presented by TurkeyTail Farm in the Shepherd’s Corral.
• Mini Bicycle Jousting: High-energy action hosted by Chico Bike Party.
• Crafts, Shopping & On-Site Experiences
• Trinket Trading: Interactive trading across all vendor booths. The first 100 guests through the gate receive a complimentary trinket trading bag!
• Cosplay & Costume Contest: Judged by local icons from 6th St. Second Hand, Vortexx, the Drag King, and Sound Source.
• Free Community Crafts: Free flower crown making with De De Jackson (Milan Studios), plus a community loom, telescope crafting, and dragon-making workshops.
• Flash Tattoos & Tintypes: Event-exclusive flash art by Pink Tattoo Studios and authentic tintype photography by Sean Peeler.
• Screenprinting & Candles: Live custom printing with Pedal Press and hand-poured candles from Ghost Poppy.
• Family Fun: Petting zoo with mini ponies by Cotton Candy Fantasies, photo booth by Enriquez Entertainment, face painting by Enchanted Storybook Events, and axe throwing with Paradise Playdium.

Local Food, Drinks & Vendors

• 100+ Local Vendors: Explore unique artisan crafts, jewelry, and wares.
• Festival Eats: Authentic giant turkey legs by North State Grill, plus local food trucks.
• Craft Beverages: Cold craft beer and local cider available for purchase from Lassen Cidery.

Accessibility & Parking Information

• ASL Interpretation: Provided for all stage skits and magic shows.
• Free Bicycle Valet: Beat the traffic! Chico Velo provides free, secure bike parking. The first 100 cyclists score a free trinket trading pouch!
• Carpooling & Parking Passes: Carpools park for free. Pre-paid single-vehicle parking passes are available via the link on our website and Instagram profile.
• NO PETS: Please leave your pets at home. We have our own animal “staff” joining us for the Sheep Dog Trials and Petting Zoo for your viewing pleasure, and we need to ensure their safety and comfort.