Your Guide to the Georgia Renaissance Festival Near Atlanta

The Georgia Renaissance Festival is one of metro Atlanta’s biggest spring traditions—a sprawling outdoor fair where you can eat turkey legs, watch jousting, and wander through a recreated 16th‑century English village. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting in the spring, it’s an easy day trip that feels like a mini‑vacation from the city.

Below is everything you need to know to plan your visit from Atlanta, including dates, getting there, tickets, family tips, and what to expect once you step through the castle gates.

Where and When the Georgia Renaissance Festival Happens

The Georgia Renaissance Festival takes place in Fairburn, Georgia, just south of Atlanta.

Typical details (subject to yearly changes):

• Season: Spring (usually late April through early June)
• Days:Saturdays and Sundays, plus some Memorial Day Monday dates
• Hours: Commonly around 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Location:
  Georgia Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds
  6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road
  Fairburn, GA 30213

From most parts of Atlanta, it’s about a 30–45 minute drive, depending on traffic and your starting point (Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, etc.).

Because specific dates and times can shift from year to year, always verify the current season schedule before you go.

Getting to the Festival from Atlanta

Driving Directions

Most Atlanta visitors arrive by car. The fairgrounds sit just off I‑85 South:

• From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta:
  • Take I‑85 South
  • Exit near Fairburn / Palmetto (exits in the 60s range)
  • Follow roadside signs to Virlyn B. Smith Road and the festival entrance
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  • Drive I‑85 South about 15–20 minutes

Parking is typically in large grass or gravel lots surrounding the site. Plan for short walks from your car to the gate, especially on busy days.

Parking Tips

• Arrive early on opening weekends, theme weekends, and near Memorial Day to avoid long entry lines.
• Bring cash or card for parking if fees apply that year.
• Make a quick note or photo of your parking area landmark—the lots can look very similar when you head back.

Public Transit Options

There is no direct MARTA rail service to the festival grounds. For most people, driving or rideshare is the most practical option.

If you don’t have a car:

• Take MARTA to College Park or Airport Station, then arrange a rideshare or taxi to the site.
• Because the area is suburban and event-focused, check pickup points and estimated wait times in your app before leaving Atlanta.

What to Expect Inside the Georgia Renaissance Festival

The festival is set up like a small village with shops, performance stages, food booths, games, and rides spread across acres of outdoor space.

You’ll find:

• Live shows: Jousting, comedy acts, musicians, acrobats, and storytelling
• Artisans and vendors: Handmade leather goods, swords, jewelry, costumes, pottery, and decor
• Food and drink: Giant turkey legs, sausages, baked goods, funnel cakes, and themed drinks
• Games and rides: Archery, axe throwing (age limits apply), carnival-style games, and human-powered rides
• Characters: Street performers in costume who interact with guests and improvise scenes

The overall vibe is casual, theatrical, and family‑friendly, with pockets that feel a bit more adult (taverns, some comedy shows, etc.).

Tickets, Passes, and Discounts

Ticket structures can change slightly from year to year, but you can expect:

• Single‑day admission tickets (adult, child, sometimes senior pricing)
• Season passes for frequent visitors
• Occasional special discounts on certain weekends or for specific groups (for example, military or first responders)

You will typically find:

• Gate pricing is higher than advance online pricing
• Children under a certain age (often under 5 or 6) may be admitted free with a paying adult

General rule: buy in advance when you can to save money and shorten your wait at the entrance.

Theme Weekends and Special Programming

One of the reasons many Atlanta locals go back year after year is the rotating theme weekends. These can change annually, but common themes include:

• Pirate Weekend
• Celtic or Scottish Weekend
• Time Travelers / Fantasy Weekend
• Heroes or Villains Weekend
• Cosplay or Superhero Weekend

On theme weekends you’ll see more costumed guests, themed contests, and special performances tailored to the weekend’s topic. If you love dressing up, pick your date based on the theme that fits your style.

Costumes: Do You Need One?

You’ll see costumes everywhere: knights, nobles, fairies, pirates, and plenty of fantasy mash‑ups. But:

• Costumes are not required. You can absolutely attend in regular shorts, T‑shirts, and sneakers.
• Dressing up is encouraged if you enjoy it—it adds to the experience and makes for fun photos.

If you don’t already own a costume:

• Many Atlanta-area thrift stores and fabric shops (including around Midtown, Decatur, and the Westside) are popular for DIY outfits.
• There are costume rental and purchase shops on-site at the festival, but these can be pricier than pre‑planning.

A balanced approach:
Wear comfortable “base” clothes and shoes, and pick up a few themed accessories on-site (flower crown, hat, belt, or cloak).

Food and Drink at the Festival

Eating is a big part of the Georgia Renaissance Festival experience. You can expect:

• Hearty fair food: turkey legs, sausages on a stick, roasted corn, meat pies
• Sweet treats: funnel cakes, candied nuts, pastries, ice cream
• Beverages: soft drinks, lemonade, water, and beer / mead / wine for guests of legal drinking age (ID check required)

Key tips:

• Lines at popular stands get longest during lunchtime (12–2 p.m.)
• Many vendors accept cards, but having some cash on hand might help if card lines are slow
• If you have dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-sensitive), options exist but can be limited, so consider eating beforehand or planning carefully once inside

Family-Friendly Tips for Atlanta Parents

The Georgia Renaissance Festival is popular with families from across metro Atlanta, including those coming from Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Clayton, and Henry counties.

Kids’ Activities

You’ll often find:

• Interactive shows directed at children
• Human-powered rides and gentle attractions suitable for younger kids
• Face painting and themed accessories (fairy wings, toy swords, crowns)
• Opportunities for kids to meet characters and performers

Many families push strollers or use wagons, but be aware of grassy, uneven terrain.

Noise and Crowds

• Weekends closer to opening day and Memorial Day are typically busier.
• Mid‑season weekends and days with iffy weather can be slightly less crowded and easier with toddlers or sensitive kids.
• Shows with loud sounds (like jousting) may be intense for very young children; seating away from the speakers can help.

Accessibility and Comfort Considerations

The festival grounds combine dirt paths, gravel, and grassy areas. For visitors coming from urban Atlanta, it’s more like a large park than a paved city street.

Terrain and Mobility

• Wear sturdy walking shoes; sandals or heels are not ideal.
• If you use a wheelchair or mobility device, expect uneven ground—some areas may be more challenging.
• Seating is available at shows, but it can fill up on busy days.

Weather and Shade

Spring in metro Atlanta can be warm, humid, and occasionally rainy:

• Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses; shade is scattered but not everywhere.
• Carry a light rain jacket or poncho if the forecast is uncertain.
• Hydrate frequently; standing in lines and walking around can be tiring in the afternoon heat.

What to Bring From Atlanta

Here’s a quick list to help you pack efficiently:

• Essentials

  • Photo ID, tickets (printed or digital), payment method (card + some cash)
  • Fully charged phone (for photos, schedules, and coordinating rides)

• Comfort items

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
  • Small portable fan or cooling towel on hotter days
  • Light poncho or compact umbrella (if allowed that year)

• Family extras

  • Stroller or wagon for young kids
  • Snacks for the car ride (and for the ride home)
  • Change of clothes for small children in case of spills or muddy areas

Always check current prohibited items policies before packing (for example, outside alcohol, large coolers, or realistic‑looking weapon props).

Budgeting for Your Visit

If you’re planning from Atlanta, it helps to budget ahead so the day doesn’t surprise you.

You’ll typically want to plan for:

• Admission tickets (per person)
• Parking (if applicable)
• Food and drinks (festival pricing, per meal/snack)
• Optional spending on:
  • Games and rides
  • Tips for live performers (often encouraged and appreciated)
  • Souvenirs (art, jewelry, costume pieces, pottery, toys)

A simple way to manage costs:
Set a per-person spending limit for kids on games and souvenirs, and keep a rough mental budget for food and drinks.

Quick Reference: Georgia Renaissance Festival at a Glance

Is the Georgia Renaissance Festival Worth It for Atlantans?

For many metro Atlanta residents, the Georgia Renaissance Festival is a yearly tradition. It offers:

• A unique spring outing within an easy drive of the city
• Plenty of entertainment in one place—shows, shopping, food, and games
• A chance to dress up, unplug, and wander in a playful, theatrical environment

If you enjoy outdoor events, live performances, and a bit of fantasy, it’s one of the most distinctive spring festivals near Atlanta and a strong addition to your annual seasonal plans.