The event, held in a glen at Casa de Fruta, recreates a village during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the theme, but even if you're not willing to lace up a corset or speak Old English, there should be more than enough to amuse you. Entertainment includes live music, jousting, dancing and refreshments.
The Faire shows also include an abridged version of"Twelfth Night," one of the world's first romantic comedies. Written by William Shakespeare, it's replete with slapstick and various machinations by characters with names like Toby Belch and Andrew Aguecheek. Jousting has long been one of the most popular activities at the Faire, with what organizers describe as full-contact jousts"to entertain the Queen." In addition to watching others risk life and limb, there are lots of participatory activities, including axe-throwing, archery and knife-throwing.
The origins of popular events are often disputed, but many sources report that California's Renaissance Faire began in 1963 in Southern California's Agoura Hills. The event has a considerable Northern California history as well. The Northern California version began in Marin County in 1967, at China Camp State Park, according to numerous media accounts.