Welcome one and all to four weekends of exciting tournaments, scrumptious feasts, & pure family fun at the Sarasota Medieval Fair!

We are so proud to announce the triumphant return of the renowned 19th Annual Sarasota Medieval Fair!

For the last 18 years, our team searched for a location that supported the historic medieval atmosphere that is at the heart of our event. We hoped to find a place that would inspire the imagination through majestic oak trees, lush meadows of grass, and winding creeks. In 2021, we were excited to announce that the search was over, and this dream become a reality. Our new home, the Woods of Mallaranny, offers 47-acres of stunning natural surroundings that will bring the fair to life.

We can already hear the sounds of the fair: the shouts of "throw wide the gates!", laughter at our Children's Realm, cheers during the equestrian tournaments, and the music from wandering troubadours. And who could forget the aroma of turkey legs and kettlecorn in the air?

The festival as more than just an event. The Sarasota Medieval Fair brings together local artisans, performers, and vendors, and serves as a fundraiser to multiple non-profit organizations. It's a creative forum for learning about the history of the Medieval era through a wide-range of family friendly activities, and an occasion through which our community has made lasting friendships and lifelong memories. A huge thank you to all our participants and guests who have supported us over the years to help us make this dream come alive!

Join the chronicles of our inaugural adventure at our new location on the suncoast, as we celebrate the wonder, the grandeur, the friendships, and the merriment of this year's Sarasota Medieval Fair. Mark your calendars and stay up to date on our Facebook page as we announce all the exciting news surrounding this year's festival.

Live the majesty and madness of knights, jesters, minstrels, belly dancers, wenches, and sword swingers! Watch the full contact joust and human combat chess tournaments! Ride rides and play games. Feast on turkey legs and hearty ales from the English pubs. Plus, join in on the fun with this years unique scenario!

We encourage all to interact with our cast of characters, ask questions, and participate in the grandeur of color, sound, taste, and festivities. Come one and all to four weekends of exciting tournaments, scrumptious feasts, & pure family fun at the Sarasota Medieval Fair!

Schedule of Events

Themed Weekends

Weekend 1: Exciting English Excursions - November 4 & 5

King Henry V has come to France! As Shakespeare quotes him, "We would not seek a battle as we are, Nor, as we are, we say we will not shun it." Will the English forces prevail in the human combat chess match? Find out first hand, then join in traditional English songs at our pub sing!

Costume & other Contests unique to this weekend: (held daily at 1:00pm in our Special Event tent)

November 4: Silliest English Accents - Come compete in this tongue twister competition in your silliest impression of an English accent!

November 5: Amusing Anglo Anecdotes - Tell us a story or joke about the English language: a time when you mixed up words or pronunciations, a story about an English class, a complaint you have about English spelling. NEW
 
Weekend 2: Fantastic French Festivities - November 11 & 12

Come meet the residents of Azincourt! The French villagers want to share their culture with you, from the bustling market atmosphere to the delightful local pubs and all throughout the realm. Be sure to see the joust!

Costume & other Contests unique to this weekend: (held daily at 1:00pm in our Special Event tent)

November 11: Best Story About Visiting - Tell a story about going somewhere new and what you found there! NEW

November 12: Energetic 'Escargot' - Come play this traditional French playground game for fun and prizes! It's a bit like hopscotch. NEW
 
Weekend 3: Merry Medieval Music - November 18 & 19

Tap your foot, hum a tune, or come dance with us this weekend! In Medieval times, all music was live and in the moment, and we're celebrating that with several live bands! Find our wonderful new and returning acts throughout the Woods of Mallaranny.

Costume & other Contests unique to this weekend: (held daily at 1:00pm in our Special Event tent)

November 18: Concert Chronicles - Tell us a story about a concert or any time you heard live music. You might find inspiration for this story walking around the fair! NEW

November 19: Best Bagpipe Imitation - Try to sound like a bagpipe in this noisemaking contest. NEW

Weekend 4: Saint Nicholas Celebration - November 25 & 26

Celebrate the season with the French and English at the fair with songs and games! You can take part in the ancient tradition of Small Business Saturday and see what the vendors of our Artisan Marketplace have on display. Meet Saint Nicholas in the Children's Realm!

Costume & other Contests unique to this weekend: (held daily at 1:00pm in our Special Event tent)

November 25: Tales of Tradition - Tell us a story about a holiday tradition (all holidays welcome!).

November 26: Best Medieval Costume - Go all-in on garb and garments! Wear your medieval costume and show off!

Shows

New Riders of the Golden Age

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Tournament Field
New Riders has been jousting since 1982. The use of Belgian, Percheron, Shire, and Clydesdale horses and full suits of period-designed tilting armor differentiates the New Riders of the Golden Age from groups and organizations presenting staged theatrical medieval jousts. The use of period equipment allows the New Riders to engage in an authentic full contact joust, and the great horses add an unmatchable sense of power and presence to the joust. Family Friendly!

Human Combat Chess - Unique to this year's 2023 scenario: French!

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Chess Field
An action packed performance using live actors as chess pieces retelling this years French vs. English scenario of the Battle of Agincourt, 1415 A.D. Only one side will prevail, choose your side wisely! PG-13

Ses Carny's Double-Edged Daredevils

When: Nov. 18-19, Nov. 25-26
Where: Market Stage
Based out of Boston, MA, The Ses Carny's Double-Edged Daredevils have been creating memories since 2000, with their unique brand of comedy, thrills, and daring stunts. Live the experience through all of the comedy, fire eating, human target knife throwing! Once seen, never forgotten. Rated PG-13.

Washing Well Wenches

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Market Stage
Who would think women washing clothes could be hilarious? These outrageous wenches will wash away your blues while they wring laughs from the entire audience. If you are in the front row, watch out! Rated PG-13

The Langer's Ball

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Old Mill Stage, Tower Stage, Castle Stage
The Langer's Ball, the two-piece Irish Folk-punk band, has been writing, touring and performing for over a decade. Playing their own brand of traditional drinking songs and original material, their sound is harder-hitting and bigger than you'd expect it ever could be. With a thumping beat and a flurry of notes and harmonies, you'll dash to refill your drink and cheer for more. Family Friendly!

Knightwings Birds of Prey

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Chess Field
Edu-tainment at its best! Birds from all over the globe, some you have never seen before. This traveling presentation has been astounding crowds for over 15 years. Audience interactive, birds up close and personal. Family Friendly!

Harmless Danger Juggling Show

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Old Mill Stage
The Harmless Danger Juggling Show has thrills, chills, audience participation, and more surprises than you can shake a baby at! His juggling will have the crowd in awe, and his comedic timing will leave you gasping for air. But, you know, in a nice way. Family Friendly!

Aaron Bonk - Fire Whips & Swords

When: Nov. 18-19, Nov. 25-26
Where: Castle Stage
Aaron Bonk is a 3-time International Performance Champion, 5-time Guinness World Record setting whip artist, and unique entertainer with a twisted sense of humor who risks his life to make you laugh. With stupefying acts of juggling, whip cracking, danger and craziness, he will amuse and amaze the whole family with his world renown stunt show spectacular. Machetes, whips, swords and fire--the hottest show in all the 'Shire! Family Friendly!

Wheel of Death

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Wheel of Death Field
Death defying, daring and dangerous. Ichabod Wainwright will run, jump, flip and more atop the worlds only wooden wheel of death! A three story tall rotating contraption built to defy gravity and equilibrium. Come see Ichabod attempt the impossible! Family Friendly!

Ronin Taiko

When: Nov. 4-5, Nov. 11-12
Where: Tower Stage
A high energy theatrical performance group combining dramatic movement, sound, music, martial arts and fire in their stage presentations. Experience the powerful sound of Taiko drums as they roar thunderously in this exciting performance you don't want to miss! Family Friendly!

Damh and Dove

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Mill Stage, Castle Stage
Mixing the power of the bagpipes with the heart pounding beat of the drums, this family friendly experience of music will take you on a journey to the fields of Athernry. This musical display is truly the reflection of a passion and love of the oldest art forms in the world. Family Friendly.

Ship Shape

When: Nov. 18-19
Where: Castle Stage
Ahoy there! We are Ship Shape, a music and comedy group newly ashore and here to entertain any landlubber looking for a laugh! We specialize in sea shanties, tight harmonies, and nautical humor. Join Frankie, Swiss, and Mack for a shipload of fun!

Children's Realm

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Children's Realm Stage
Come enjoy the free activities and performances planned for the children of the realm. Children can do all kinds of activities continuously throughout the day. Plus, there will be an assortment of performances put on by the cast of the Sarasota Medieval Fair. They are sure to entertain & maybe even educate our young Guests on the history of the past. Family Friendly!

Broon

When: Nov. 4-5, Nov. 11-12
Where: Castle Stage
While cracking bullwhips, juggling bowling balls or eating fire Broon keeps the laughs alive with a dry wit and extemporaneous style that keeps audiences in stitches. With his variety skills and stand-up comedy style Broon presents a show filled end to end with sly humor and impressive stunts and Broon's extensive improvisational experience guarantees no two shows will be exactly alike. Family Friendly!

Witch Trials

When: Nov. 18-19, Nov. 25-26
Where: Old Mill Stage
Witch Trials & The Bear-Witch Project: Making Fun of Horrible History! Join famed tragedian Ned Alleyn, as he takes a stab at comedy by flipping the script on the classic Witch Trial! The atrocious will become amusing, the rotten, risible, and the terrible will tickle your ribs - as the vicious mob persecutes an innocent to roars and howls of laughter! Special extended final show daily - featuring classically vicious and horrid Shakespearean animal sports: The Bear-Witch Project! Presented by SAG-AFTRA actor Chris Davis (as seen on HBO's "Veep"), celebrating 35 Years of Festival Performance! PG-13

The Reelin' Rogues

When: Nov. 25-26
Where: Castle Stage
The Reelin' Rogues bring a fresh take to traditional Celtic music by melding vocals that will capture your ears and spirit with unique arrangements inspired by their love of old school punk rock and traditional folk music.

St. Nikolaus Celebration

When: Nov. 25-26
Where: Children's Realm Stage
The festivities conclude as thoughts turn to Christmas on our Final Weekend! Visit Father Christmas in our Kid's Realm! Our young guests may just receive a free gift from St. Nick!

Adamo Ignus

When: Nov. 4-5, Nov. 11-12
Where: Market Stage
Adamo Ignis means 'to love flame', exactly what you'll do when you see the hot stunts in this show! Throughout time, human beings have been drawn to fire. Adamo Ignis continues our oldest tradition of gathering to the flame, but with elements of danger and dance. Join her for fire eating, fire breathing, fire dancing, and more and she'll have you leaping out of your seat as she leaps into your heart!

The Freestylers of Piping

When: Nov. 4-5, Nov. 11-12
Where: Castle Stage
Inspired by the progressive rock bands and jazz musicians of the 60s and 70s. The Freestylers of Piping aim to create music that reflects these influences with the use of The Great Highland Bagpipe, Percussion, and Bass. Consisting of long time Renaissance faire performers David Duncan, and Michael Huebner along with Armando Wood. The Freestylers of Piping are extremely excited to be able to bring their unique brand of bagpipe music to the Sarasota Medieval Faire.

Children's Knighting Ceremony

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Chess Field
Children can receive the highest badge of honor by being knighted by the Royal Court! Free and held daily at the Human Chess Field. Family Friendly!

Dragons Head Productions

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Viking Encampment
Visit the Viking Caravan's encampment. These Northmen (and women) have traveled the known world and offer a unique view into the daily lives of Norse textile traders. Come learn from the warriors about Viking combat and the wool workers about cloth production. See the games and pastimes of the Vikings. Family Friendly!

Landsknechts

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Near Jousting Field
The Landsknechts are a reenactement / entertainment troupe that studies the costumes, fighting practices, and personas of much of historic Western Europe. Joining us from Saxony this year, the Landsknechts will be teaching historic combat techniques, and will be wandering about the festival telling stories of their exploits and conquests! Family Friendly!

Village Tinsmith

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Children's Realm
Visit the Village Tinsmith in the Children's Realm where he will 'smith' you a memory of your day at the Festival. His creations are your keepsakes. Family Friendly!

Acrobellum

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Tower Stage
Acrobellum is a fun and entertaining troupe of Acrobats, Tumblers, Dancers, and Fire Performers that mix style, movement and music to create a one of a kind performance. Family Friendly!

Blue Skye Pipes & Drums - Returning!

When: Nov. 18-19, Nov. 25-26
Where: Old Mill Stage, Tower Stage
Blue Skye Pipes and Drums is fast becoming a favorite in the southwest Florida community, and area known for its impressive Scottish heritage. The band, named for the magical Isle of Skye, is comprised of a group of extremely talented female members who play an assortment of traditional and modern music with a decidedly highland flair! Performing on bagpipe, drum, whistle, violin and harp, these musicians are all former or active competitors and recognized award winners throughout the southwest Florida highland music community. Family Friendly!

Irish Dance Academy of Sarasota - Returning!

When: Nov. 4-5
Where: Tower Stage
Irish Dance Academy of Sarasota was established in 2009 by Gillian McCormack-Aeppli, an entrepreneur starting a new academy. Gillian McCormack-Aeppli TCRG enjoys sharing her heritage and passing along the gift of dance.

Barbary

When: All Four Weekends!
Where: Mordreds Heart Tavern
Come revel in refreshment and respite as musician BARBARY weaves lovely melodies on her 'loom of many strings, the Hammered Dulcimer. Mordred's Tavern is the perfect spot to meet with friends, raise your glasses and quench your thirst in an informal setting. We'll see you there! Family Friendly!

Mindshifter

When: Nov. 18-19, Nov. 25-26
Where: Old Mill Stage
Visit the Medieval Mindshifter, Marshal Manlove, and his stage hypnosis show. Take a journey through your mind in a comedic adventure which thrills, fascinates, and inspires.

Geoffery Piper

When: Nov. 4-5, Nov. 11-12, Nov. 18-19
Where: Blackfriar's Tavern
A talented long time musician at renaissance festivals across the nation! Enjoy the songs, the stories, and the music of this talented minstrel! Family Friendly!

Plus Many More!
Plus special appearances each weekend, artisan and crafter demonstrations, interactive lane performances, daily festival parades, contests, AND MUCH MORE!

Date: November 4-26, 2023 (Saturdays & Sundays)

Time: 10am-5:30pm

Location:
Woods of Mallaranny,
29847 FL-70 East,
Myakka City, FL 34251.

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