SNOHOMISH—The fictional 16th Century town of Merriwick closed its gates Sunday as the last of its inhabitants exited the grounds to return to their everyday lives in the modern age.
“We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire for another year of magic and merriment,” said David Day, Faire Organizer. “Our team has worked tirelessly to create new experiences that will delight both returning visitors and first-time attendees. We’re also proud to support local artisans, performers, and businesses, making this event a true celebration of our community.”
Each year Snohomish’s Sky Meadows Lane is warped back in time – and often to fantasy – complete with castles, knights, queens, and bardic jesters. In some instances, lucky townsfolk may even come face-to-face with orcs, tieflings, fairies, and/or elves.
For the last five weeks, beginning July 19 through August 17, the faire commenced Fridays through Sundays with a prompt 10 a.m. cannon ball blast (not a real one). Immediately following, rennies found no shortage of fun and activities until the town closed its gates each night at 7 p.m.
Just some of those activities included: archery, axe throwing, medieval-style rides and games, sword fighting workshops, foam sword dueling, live jousting matches, knighting ceremonies, carnival games, and more.
But the festivities didn’t end when the town gates closed, with late night activities stretching well into the night with the Knight Club, night markets, and even overnight camping communities. The after parties featured an assortment of late-night shows including fire dancers, acrobatics, Baldur’s Gate III-themed burlesque shows, and karaoke. Music was spun by DJ Blake.
Interspersed through the day were several live entertainment shows including musical acts sämäs, Baksana, and the Rowdy Bardlings, comedy group the Clergy of Errors and comedian-flame juggler Jim McKenzie, incredible athlete Supernova the Strongwoman, and social media sensation, America’s Got Talent contestant, and Guiness Book of World Record holder Jacques ze Whipper.
In the Royal Jousting Arena, the World Tournament of Champions jousters pitted four knights, all representing a different country – Spain, Scotland, England, and France – against each other for the chance to win the favor of Queen Elizabeth I or the Swedish Court royalty. In between jousting matches Equestrian Chaos awed audiences with jaw-dropping feats of horseback archery, and raptor handlers demonstrated the incredible abilities of some of the world’s most impressive birds of prey.
Children could have a tea party with rabbits, a unicorn, and the Swedish Court, play castle games, undertake a gnomish scavenger hunt, meet the Wyldewood Fae, or go on a fairy smashing hunt with Woton the fairy smasher.
For the 21+ crowd, two bars – the Red Dragon Inn and the Hammered Troll – served alcoholic libations of meads and ales, with pub crawls and even adults-only shows, such as the Sirens of Circe, performing much more lewd content.
Through the winding streets and alleyways of Merriwick, hundreds of merchants could be found selling one-of-a-kind goods from jewelry to leatherwork, to musical instruments, fantasy books, toys, woodwork, pottery, apparel, and more. Several specialists of their craft, such as woodworkers, leatherworkers, and blacksmiths could even make custom projects on the spot to fit their clients’ needs.
Patrons could also take a crafting workshop in the Artisan’s Hall to learn how to basketweave, make their own potions, and more.
Making its Washington Midsummer Renaissance debut this year was the newly added Dungeon Museum, showcasing several Middle Ages torture devices, the jail – where patrons could send a bounty out for the arrest of their friends or family, and the book pub where bibliophiles could read some fantasy stories and enjoy live theatric dramatizations.
In the food court there was something for everyone. While several stands sold age-appropriate eats like turkey legs, meat pies, and baked potatoes, others sold more modern dishes like pizza, burritos, burgers, freshly smoked barbecue, paninis, and yakisoba. Nonalcoholic beverage options included lemonades, artisanal sarsaparilla, and magical potion concoctions (which were basically like juices with sparkle effects).
Although cosplaying isn’t a requirement to visit the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire, it is encouraged with different themes each weekend kicking off with “Mystic Meadows” its opening weekend, followed by “Legend of the High Seas,” “Fete des Masques,” “Saga of Steel and Storm,” and “Infinite Realms.” The last of which, guests can blend the multiverses by dressing up in Star Trek, Star Wars, Marvel characters, or whatever pop culture franchise they desire.
Each year’s Ren Faire takes a whole year to organize consisting of the Washington Renaissance Arts and Education Society’s (WRAES) Board of Directors sitting down each September to begin planning how the following year can be bigger and better. The production could not be made possible without the roughly 500 volunteers and hobbyists who have a love for history, performance, cosplay, and a love for Ren Faires.
The Washington Renaissance Arts and Education Society is an organization that puts on multiple festivals that promotes learning about the times through fun and creative ways.
As a cornerstone of cultural tourism in the Pacific Northwest, the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire also serves as a vital platform for local creators, small businesses, performers, and nonprofit partners. With more than 150 vendors, 300+ cast and performers, and an annual attendance of over 80,000 guests, WMRF not only delivers unforgettable entertainment—it generates real economic impact for Snohomish County and beyond.
The Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire is more than just an event—it’s a gathering of fantasy lovers, history buffs, families, and creatives celebrating a shared love of story, spectacle, and connection.
Renaissance Faires have a, roughly, 40-year history in the country beginning with the Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California which began in San Diego in 1962. Originating as a one-off fundraiser event for a local radio station, the RPFS is still alive today, having grown into a massive festival that attracts a quarter of a million visitors annually.
Today, there are at least 66 long-running Renaissance Faires in North America with at least a two-week or better run and have at least a five-year continuing run.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
