Renaissance Fair Atlanta Georgia: Your Guide to the Georgia Renaissance Festival and Beyond

If you’re looking for a Renaissance fair near Atlanta, Georgia, you’re in luck. The Georgia Renaissance Festival, held just south of the city, is the main destination for Atlantans who want knights, jousting, turkey legs, and all things medieval. There are also a few smaller themed events and year-round options for Renaissance fans in and around Atlanta.

This guide walks you through where the Renaissance fair is, what to expect, how to plan your visit from Atlanta, and local tips to make the most of your day.

The Main Event: Georgia Renaissance Festival Near Atlanta

Where is the Renaissance fair for Atlanta?

The primary Renaissance fair that serves the Atlanta area is the:

Georgia Renaissance Festival
Location: 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213
This is roughly 20–30 miles south of downtown Atlanta, depending on your route.

Even though the mailing address is Fairburn, this festival is commonly treated as Atlanta’s Renaissance fair because:

  • It’s the closest large-scale Renaissance festival to Atlanta.
  • It draws visitors from across the metro area, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties.
  • Many Atlantans make it an annual spring tradition.

When does it happen?

The Georgia Renaissance Festival typically runs:

  • On weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
  • From late April through early June
  • Often including Memorial Day

Dates can shift slightly each year, so it’s smart to double-check the current season’s schedule before you go.

What to Expect at the Georgia Renaissance Festival

If you’re driving down from Atlanta for the first time, it helps to know what the festival actually looks and feels like.

Atmosphere and theme

The Georgia Renaissance Festival recreates a 16th‑century European village with:

  • Half-timbered buildings and shops
  • Costumed performers (nobles, peasants, pirates, fairies, etc.)
  • Cobblestone-style streets, stages, and open-air markets

Everything is built around a playful, “day in the life of a medieval village” feel. You don’t have to know any Renaissance history to enjoy it.

Shows and entertainment

Common entertainment options include:

  • Jousting tournaments with knights on horseback
  • Comedy and variety shows (jugglers, acrobats, improvisational troupes)
  • Musicians and dancers playing period-inspired music
  • Street performers who interact with guests throughout the village

Many Atlantans plan their day around jousting showtimes and a few favorite comedy or stunt acts. Show schedules are usually posted inside the gate and on printed maps.

Food and drink

Expect a mix of classic fair food and themed items:

  • Turkey legs, sausages, and meat pies
  • Pretzels, roasted nuts, and sweet treats
  • Soft drinks, lemonade, and beer/wine in designated areas

Food and drink are typically sold at outdoor stands and taverns, and most vendors accept cards as well as cash, though it’s wise to bring some cash just in case.

Shopping and artisans

The festival includes a large marketplace with:

  • Handmade jewelry, leather goods, and clothing
  • Costumes and accessories (corsets, cloaks, hats, armor)
  • Blades and blacksmith items (often with age or handling restrictions)
  • Pottery, glasswork, and decor

Many Atlantans use the festival to build up their Renaissance outfits year after year, adding a new piece each season.

Getting There from Atlanta

Driving directions and travel time

From downtown Atlanta, most people reach the Georgia Renaissance Festival by:

  1. Taking I‑85 South toward the airport/Newnan.
  2. Exiting near Fairburn (exact exit can vary depending on current signage and routing).
  3. Following local event signs and traffic directions to Virlyn B. Smith Road.

Typical drive times (without heavy traffic):

  • Downtown Atlanta → Fairburn: around 25–35 minutes
  • Buckhead → Fairburn: around 30–40 minutes
  • Decatur → Fairburn: around 30–45 minutes

On busy festival mornings, expect added time as you approach the site due to entry traffic and parking.

Parking

The festival usually offers on-site parking in large fields near the gates.

Common experiences:

  • Parking is often included with admission or charges a flat fee, depending on the year’s policy.
  • Arriving earlier in the day makes it easier to find a closer spot and reduces the walk.
  • After popular show times, exiting the lot can take longer, especially on sunny weekends.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for Atlantans

Tickets and entry

Things local visitors often consider:

  • Advance tickets are commonly available and can save time at the gate.
  • There may be special theme weekends (pirate weekend, Celtic weekend, etc.) that affect crowds and costumes.
  • Children, military, and group discounts are sometimes offered; always verify current details before you go.

If you live in Atlanta and expect to attend more than once in a season, check whether season passes are available that year.

What to wear

You’ll see everything from jeans and T‑shirts to full armor and elaborate gowns.

  • Costumes are optional, but many Atlantans enjoy dressing up at least a little (a simple tunic, flower crown, or hat).
  • Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking on dirt, gravel, and uneven paths.
  • In spring, metro Atlanta weather can be warm, humid, and occasionally rainy, so:
    • Dress in light, breathable fabrics.
    • Bring a light poncho or compact umbrella (if allowed).
    • Consider a hat and sunscreen for sunny days.

Budgeting your day

Typical expenses from an Atlanta visitor’s perspective:

  • Gas and parking for the drive from the city
  • Admission tickets for each person
  • Food and drink (prices are often higher than everyday restaurants)
  • Optional extras:
    • Games and rides for kids
    • Souvenir items and costume pieces
    • Tips for performers, if you choose

Many locals set a spending limit for kids ahead of time to manage impulse buys in the marketplace.

Family-Friendly Considerations

Bringing kids

The Georgia Renaissance Festival is generally family-friendly, with:

  • Kid-focused shows and characters
  • Games, rides, and interactive activities
  • Photo opportunities with knights, fairies, and royalty

Some shows may include mild innuendo or playful banter more geared toward adults, especially later in the day, so parents often:

  • Check the show descriptions on the daily schedule.
  • Sit near the back so it’s easier to step out if needed.

Strollers are commonly used, but be prepared for rough or uneven ground in some areas.

Weather and crowd planning

Since it’s a spring outdoor event near Atlanta:

  • Warm, sunny days can be crowded, especially around midday.
  • After rain, the grounds can get muddy, so choose footwear accordingly.
  • Cool or overcast days can be more comfortable if you prefer smaller crowds and less heat.

Many experienced Atlantans:

  • Arrive early to enjoy cooler morning temperatures.
  • Plan a midday break in one of the shadier seating areas or taverns.

Accessibility and Practical Services

While specific offerings can vary by season, here are common services that matter to visitors from Atlanta:

  • Restrooms: Combination of permanent facilities and portable restrooms placed around the grounds.
  • Accessibility: Some areas are more navigable than others for wheelchairs and mobility devices; surfaces are often dirt or gravel.
  • First aid: A designated first aid station is usually available on-site for minor issues.
  • Lost and found: Typically located near the main entrance or guest services area.

If you or a family member needs accessibility accommodations, consider contacting the festival organizers directly ahead of time to confirm current services and recommendations.

Other Renaissance-Themed Options Near Atlanta

While the Georgia Renaissance Festival is the main seasonal fair, Atlanta-area residents who enjoy this style of entertainment sometimes look for additional options throughout the year.

You may want to explore:

  • Local cosplay and fantasy events hosted at major venues like the Georgia World Congress Center or hotels in downtown/midtown.
  • Themed nights and performances at theaters or event spaces in Atlanta that occasionally feature medieval or fantasy themes.
  • Costume and cosplay shops around metro Atlanta, which can help you build outfits for the Georgia Renaissance Festival or similar events.

Scheduling and availability for these smaller events can change frequently, so most Atlantans check current event calendars or contact venues directly when planning.

Helpful Local Contacts and Landmarks

While the Georgia Renaissance Festival itself is a private event, a few stable reference points can help you plan your day from Atlanta:

  • City of Fairburn (near festival grounds)
    56 Malone St SW
    Fairburn, GA 30213
    Main phone (City Hall): (770) 964-2244
    Useful if you’re unfamiliar with the area and want to understand nearby services, directions, or local parks to combine with your trip.

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport area
    Located between downtown Atlanta and Fairburn, this area has numerous hotels and restaurants.
    If you’re visiting from out of town and want to be between the city and the festival, the airport corridor often serves as a convenient base.

For exact festival dates, ticket options, and current policies, it’s best to verify information directly with the Georgia Renaissance Festival organizers before making final plans.

If you’re in or near Atlanta and searching for a Renaissance fair experience, the Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn is the primary destination—close enough for an easy day trip, big enough to feel like another world, and familiar enough that many locals return year after year.