The 32nd annual Arizona Renaissance Festival returns this upcoming weekend

Contributed Photo: The 32nd annual Arizona Renaissance Festival runs for eight weekends from Feb. 8 – March 29.

Contributed Article 

GOLD CANYON – Merriment abounds! Get ready to be transported back to the 16th century as one of the largest and most picturesque Renaissance festivals in the nation prepares for raucous revelry below the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. The Arizona Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 32nd season of pomp and pageantry; join in the revelry! 

Contributed Photo: The joust is always a popular event.

The Arizona Renaissance Festival runs every Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 8  through March 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cheer for brave knights! Roam our 30-acre festival village filled with whimsical castles, cottages, pubs and 14 stages of nonstop performances of music, mermaids, merriment, dance, acrobatics, and comedy. 

Contributed Photo: Be sure to check out the artisans’ shops.

Foolish pleasures mix with artisan treasures as you shop, eat and revel with a cast of nearly 2,000 colorfully costumed characters. Prepare for new shows, a new stage and don’t forget to reserve your seat at the Pleasure Feast – the most exclusive event within the Festival with a five-course dinner and variety show! 

Advance tickets 

Save time when tickets are purchased on-line at RenFestInfo.com, or save with discount tickets purchased at Fry’s Food stores statewide. Discount ticket prices are Adult for $26, and children 5-12 $16 when purchased at Fry’s Food stores, children under 5 are always free. Tickets purchased at the Festival are two dollars more. Senior discount tickets are $25 for those 60 and older, available only on festival days at the front gate ticket booth. Parking is free courtesy of Fry’s Food stores. 

The Renaissance Festival site is located east of Apache Junction on U.S. Highway 60, just past Gold Canyon Golf Resort. (12601 East US Hwy 60) For visitor information, call 520 – 463 – 2700 or visit RenFestInfo.com. Huzzah!