What is the Renaissance Festival?

The Renaissance Festival is a dramatic recreation of an Elizabethan town at festival time. It is a Renaissance styled theme park, a 12-stage performance venue, a 35-acre interactive/environmental theatre, an arts and crafts fair, a Jousting Tournament, a food festival and tavern, all rolled into one non-stop, day-long, family adventure!

What are the dates and hours of the Festival?

The Festival is open on weekends, Saturdays & Sundays, from July 5th to August 17th, 2025. Festival hours are 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM. Rain or shine.

What is the cost of admission?

Discount tickets available August 15th through May 31st, 2025.

REGULAR ticket pricing begins June 1st, 2025, Adults (12 and up) $39.95, Children (ages 4-11) for $21.95, Children 3 and under are FREE. *Two-day passes $69.95 (only available for purchase at the ticketing windows). Adult season passes $229.95 and Children season passes $119.95 Tickets may be purchased online or at the Festival upon arrival. We suggest purchasing tickets ahead of time to avoid lines at the ticket windows. All tickets are subject to NYS Tax and tickets purchased online will incur additional online ticketing fees.

What does the admission price include?

Free parking, all entertainment shows, including the tournament Jousting.
Additional items available at variable costs such as some of the wonderful items from our Artisans which feature a variety of handmade, quality crafts and arts. There is also food and beverage and a variety of games and rides available at additional costs.

What is the cost of parking?

Parking is free, the Festival is not responsible for opening locked car doors or towing but will recommend service companies.

Can we bring outside food and drink?

No outside food and drink is permitted through the Festival Main Gate.

Are alcoholic beverages served?

Beer, wine, meade and wine slushies are served from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM Saturday and 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM Sunday. Proper ID is required. Guest must have their hand stamped at the gate to buy alcoholic beverages. No alcohol may be carried outside of the Festival grounds. Guests who have had too much to drink will be cut off at the pubs by security personnel.

Can we leave the Festival and go back in later that day?

As you exit the front gate, you may have your hand stamped in order to re-enter the Festival that same day.

Is the Festival wheelchair accessible?

The Festival is held in a natural, outdoor setting. Wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs are allowed, however, the Festival site is 35+ acres and some stone or grass covered areas may need to be traveled to access some artisans or food booths. We have disabled accessible parking. Handicapped accessible restrooms are also available.

Does the Festival rent wheelchairs or strollers?

Wheelchairs and strollers are not available to rent or loan.

Are pets allowed at the Festival?

Due to the great variety of performing animals in the festival, we do not allow pets to be brought into the park by visitors. Service animals are allowed.

Can we come in costume?

You are welcome to come dressed in costume and costumes are available for rental. Costumes are available for rental at the Royal Rags Shoppe located on the main lane just after you enter the gate. Prices vary based upon costume choice. Costume swords and daggers are permitted as long as they are properly sheathed and peace tied.

Are we allowed to wear weapons?

Weapons are discouraged even as part of costume. You may be asked to check / hold any weapon at the gate. Costume pieces must be “peace tied” so as not to become a hazard to our guests or the patron. The guards at the front gate will assist with the peace tying process if necessary.

What happens if it rains?

We are open rain or shine. It is extremely rare that we close on an event day. In the extreme event of a closing while you are attending, contact the Festival ticket office. Rain checks will only be considered in the event of a CLOSING.

Is there an ATM?

Yes, we have 6 ATM locations, one in the gift shop, another just inside our main gate, a third at Rose & Crown Tavern, the fourth on the side of the Pork & Steak building, the fifth located at Snickleway Pub and the sixth located at Sir Williams Pub upper deck.

Are there First Aid stations?

There are two First Aid Stations. One is located at the top of the festival near the front gate, the other is at the bottom of the “High Road” that leads down the hill to the Joust. A registered EMT is on duty at all times.

Where can I find my child if lost?

Lost children can be found at either of the First Aid Stations. You may also notify any Security personnel or Staff member with a two-way radio. There is a Security Officer posted at the Front Gate at all times.

Can I take photos or video of entertainers?

Taking photographs and video on the grounds of the Sterling Renaissance Festival is permitted provided the photographer understands that the photos and video are for personal use only. Please tag us in any of your social media posts at @sterlingfestival

Where can I find my lost items?

Lost items can be found at the Canterbury Hall Faire Office just outside the front gate.

Will you close for weather?

The Festival is open rain or shine. Due to the safety factor for some of the performers, some shows may be altered due to inclement weather. Check out the current weather forecast for our region, the forecasts and temps for Syracuse, Rochester and other cities may vary greatly from our location in Sterling, NY. We are generally cooler in summer being on the shore of Lake Ontario.

Is there a schedule of events?

A schedule of events is available in PDF form here, and will be provided in our free program given out at the gate. All entertainment is subject to change without notice. Most shows will go on in the rain; some shows may be altered due to inclement weather.

Schedule of Attractions PDF

Is food and drink available?

Food & Drink is not included in the admission price. There are many choices for both Food & Drink on the Festival grounds.

Is there a fee for rides and games?

Rides or games are not included in the admission price. Prices for these activities range from $3.00-$5.00 each.

How should I dress for the event?

Dress comfortably and appropriately. Proper tasteful attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times. Remember, we are a family-friendly facility. We also recommend you wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is hilly and natural.

Are credit cards accepted?

All major credit cards as well as travelers checks and cash are accepted for purchase of admission and in most shops. Food merchants do not accept credit cards for food purchases. We encourage bringing cash or visiting one of our ATM machines for your visit.

Are there baby changing / nursing stations?

The First Aid Stations are available for baby changing and for those needing privacy.

Are strollers recommended for small children?

Strollers are encouraged for those families with small children. Stroller rentals are not available. Not all areas are accessible to strollers.

Is there a Guest Relations window?

Located at Canterbury Hall through the door marked “Office.” Guest Relations is the location where you will find “lost and found” items, information on future events and comment cards.

Is smoking permitted on grounds?

Yes, though no tobacco products are sold at the Festival. For the comfort of all guests, please refrain from smoking near stages and audience areas.

Are cell phones allowed?

So as to respect all patrons, we ask that cell phone ringing tones be muted or switched to the vibrate mode. We also ask that cell phone usage be limited to non-stage and audience areas.

Are there any special codes of conduct?

We work hard to offer a comfortable, safe and enjoyable experience for all of our guests. Please help us by showing common courtesy to fellow patrons. Please be respectful of others. The use of profanity or unsafe, illegal or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.