Ren Faire returns this weekend

Head to Bonney Lake for the next three weekends for jousting, equestrian archery, bawdy comedy, and more.

By Alex Bruell • August 1, 2022 2:10 pm
Washington’s annual Renaissance Faire at Kelly Farms features vast amounts of performances, from sword fights, jousting to juggling and magic, ax throwing and archery, and — pictured here — raptors and falconry. Photo by Alex Bruell
Washington’s annual Renaissance Faire at Kelly Farms features vast amounts of performances, from sword fights, jousting to juggling and magic, ax throwing and archery, and — pictured here — raptors and falconry. Photo by Alex Bruell

Three weekends of swords, spears and shields return to Bonney Lake this month for the 2022 Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire.

Every year, the faire teleports visitors back in time to the Renaissance era, filled with jousting, archery, falconry shows, live music and more. It all takes place in The Village of Merriwick, a fictional, late-16th century village reenacted on the Kelley Farm at 19401 Sumner Buckley Highway in Bonney Lake.

But the faire also plays with convention, twisting eras and themes together into an homage to fantasy of all sorts over its three-week run.

For instance, this weekend — August 6 and 7 — is themed “Masked Marauders,” a paying homage to both the masquerade and pirates. A 21+ Masquerade Ball will be held Friday evening at the Hammered Troll, with karaoke and a costume contest.

Next weekend, August 13 and 14, it’s “Fairytales and Fantasy Adventures,” featuring a Disney themed party that Friday. Visitors are encouraged to dress up as their favorite fey, fairytale, or otherwise magical character.

Finally, August 20 and 21 take visitors “Across the Multiverse,” encouraging you to dress up with inspiration from your favorite science fiction book, show, movie, story or comic. Finally, we may learn who’s the greatest among Captain Kirk, Captain Nemo, Captain America, Captain Morgan, and Captain Hook. The Friday party will be Marvel vs. DC.

Tickets are available online at washingtonfaire.com/, and at the gate if there are any left over from online sales. Tickets are good only for the dates purchased, and there are also camping packages. Kids 12 years old and younger get in free as long as they come with a paying adult. Parking is free, but the faire isn’t responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items.