Your Guide to the Atlanta Renaissance Festival: What to Know Before You Go

The Atlanta Renaissance Festival is one of metro Atlanta’s most popular spring events, blending immersive theater, outdoor fair vibes, and a dash of medieval fantasy. Whether you live in the city, are visiting from out of town, or planning a day trip from another part of Georgia, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to make the most of it.

Where and When the Atlanta Renaissance Festival Happens

Location

The Atlanta Renaissance Festival is typically held at a dedicated festival village in south metro Atlanta:

• Atlanta Renaissance Festival Grounds
  6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road
  Fairburn, GA 30213

This is just off I-85, about 20–30 minutes south of downtown Atlanta by car, depending on traffic.

Season and schedule

While exact dates change each year, the festival is usually:

• Open weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
• Running from late April through early June
• Often open on Memorial Day Monday

Gates generally open mid-morning and close late afternoon or early evening. Always verify the year’s dates, hours, and special theme weekends before you go, especially if you’re planning around holidays or school schedules.

What to Expect: Atmosphere, Layout, and Vibe

The Atlanta Renaissance Festival is set up like a permanent medieval village with:

• Winding dirt and gravel paths
• Timber-framed storefronts and vendor booths
• Open-air stages scattered around the grounds
• Shady seating areas and food courts

The overall vibe is:

• Family-friendly but entertaining for adults too
• Loud and lively in show areas, but calmer in wooded spots
• A blend of historical and fantasy—lots of knights, pirates, fairies, and original costumes

You’ll hear actors speaking in character, live music drifting from stages, and the occasional shout from a jousting arena.

Getting There From Different Parts of Atlanta

By Car

Most Atlantans and visitors drive. From major areas:

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta

  • Take I-85 South toward the airport/Newnan.
  • Exit at Fairburn (look for directional signs for the festival).
  • Follow local signs to Virlyn B. Smith Road and festival parking.

• From Buckhead / North Atlanta

  • Take GA-400 South or I-75/85 Connector toward downtown, then I-85 South.
  • Continue as above.

• From Decatur / East Atlanta

  • Use I-20 or surface streets to reach downtown, then I-85 South.

• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

  • Drive 15–25 minutes south on I-85.
  • This can be an easy day activity if you’re staying near the airport.

Parking

There is typically on-site parking in large fields adjacent to the festival grounds. Expect:

• A parking fee per vehicle
• Short but sometimes dusty or muddy walks from your car
• Heavier traffic entering in late morning and exiting in the late afternoon

Arrive early (especially on pretty-weather Saturdays) to make parking and entry easier.

Public Transportation

The festival site is in Fairburn, outside the MARTA rail system. There is no direct MARTA or standard bus route that drops you at the gate.

If you don’t have a car:

• Use MARTA rail to the airport or College Park
• Then use a rideshare or taxi from there to the festival

This can be cost-effective if you’re traveling solo or staying in intown Atlanta without a car.

Tickets, Entry, and Budgeting Your Visit

Ticket types you’ll commonly see

While specific options may change slightly each year, you’ll usually find:

• Single-day admission for adults, teens, and children
• Children under a certain age (often 5 or under) admitted free with paid adult
• Season passes if you plan to attend multiple weekends
• Occasional discount days or special pricing for specific groups (for example, scouts or military days)

Tickets can often be purchased:

• Online in advance (recommended on busy weekends)
• At the gate, if capacity and policies allow

Buying online often speeds up entry and can sometimes be slightly cheaper or come with special offers.

What’s included vs. extra

Your general admission usually covers:

• Access to the grounds and themed “village”
• Most shows and stage performances
• Street performances and character interactions

Expect extra charges for:

• Parking
• Food and drink (turkey legs, drinks, snacks, desserts)
• Some games, rides, and attractions (like archery, axe throwing, certain rides)
• Certain crafts or activities
• Souvenirs, artisan goods, and costume pieces

If you’re attending as a family from Atlanta, it’s useful to set a spending plan. Kids often want to try multiple games or get a souvenir, so factor in that temptation.

Shows, Entertainment, and Activities

Main attractions

The Atlanta Renaissance Festival is built around live entertainment. Common highlights include:

• Jousting tournaments – armored riders on horseback in a large arena
• Comedy and improv shows – many are family-friendly, some a bit more adult in humor
• Musical performances – lutes, drums, pipes, folk bands, and singers
• Falconry or animal demonstrations – when offered, these can be big crowd-pleasers
• Acrobatic or stunt acts – rope walkers, jugglers, fire acts (subject to conditions)

Shows run on rotating schedules throughout the day at multiple stages.

Interactive experiences

You might also find:

• Games of skill (axe throwing, archery, dart games, “strongman” hammer games)
• Camel or pony rides (often for children)
• Photo ops with characters, props, or themed sets
• Storytelling and kids’ activities

Pick up a show schedule/map at the gate and decide which “must-see” shows you’ll prioritize, especially if you’re only there for part of the day.

Food and Drink at the Festival

Food is a big part of the Atlanta Renaissance Festival experience.

Typical offerings

Expect a mix of:

• Festival classics:

  • Turkey legs
  • Sausages, burgers, and wraps
  • Fries and fried snacks

• Sweet treats:

  • Funnel cakes and pastries
  • Ice cream or frozen treats
  • Candied nuts and fudge

• Beverages:

  • Soft drinks, lemonade, and iced tea
  • Water
  • Beer, mead, or wine in designated areas (for those of legal age, with ID)

Vegetarian or lighter options may be available but are generally more limited than at dedicated health-focused food halls. If you have strict dietary needs, plan ahead and review what’s allowed regarding outside food.

Budgeting tip 💡

Food and drink can add up quickly, especially for families or groups of Atlanta friends spending a full day. Many locals:

• Eat a substantial meal before arriving
• Then treat festival food as snacks or one special meal, not the entire day’s dining

Costumes, Dress Code, and What to Wear

Do you have to dress up?

No. Many attendees come in regular casual clothes—shorts, jeans, t‑shirts, and sneakers are completely normal.

However, costumes are a big part of the fun. You’ll see:

• Medieval and Renaissance outfits (knights, noblewomen, peasants)
• Fantasy characters (fairies, elves, wizards)
• Pirates, Vikings, and mash-ups

You can wear:

• Your own DIY or store-bought costume
• Accessories purchased on-site (flower crowns, hats, cloaks, masks)

Atlanta weather considerations

The festival season in Atlanta is typically late spring, so expect:

• Warm to hot afternoons
• Strong sun on clear days
• Occasional rain or sudden storms

Wear:

• Comfortable walking shoes (paths are often unpaved)
• Layers if you arrive early and stay into the afternoon
• Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

If rain is in the forecast, pack a light rain jacket or poncho rather than an umbrella (umbrellas can be awkward in crowds and during shows).

Shopping and Artisans

One of the major draws is the marketplace, with dozens of artisan and vendor stalls. You may see:

• Handcrafted jewelry and metalwork
• Leather goods (belts, bags, armor pieces, journals)
• Costume items – corsets, cloaks, kilts, tunics, hats
• Art prints, pottery, hand-blown glass, woodwork
• Toys, puzzles, and themed décor

If you’re from Atlanta and want something unique for:

• Costuming at Dragon Con or other local events
• Home décor with a rustic or fantasy flair
• Gifts for fans of medieval or fantasy genres

The festival marketplace can be a rich source of one-of-a-kind pieces.

Accessibility, Families, and Practical Considerations

For families with kids

The Atlanta Renaissance Festival is generally family-friendly, with plenty of:

• Kid-focused shows, puppetry, and music
• Simple games and gentle rides
• Characters who interact kindly with children

Parents should plan for:

• Strollers – they’re allowed, but paths are often uneven dirt or gravel
• Naps and breaks – shaded areas and benches are available, but may fill up midday
• Noise levels – closer to stages and the jousting arena, sound can be loud

If you have young children, consider a half-day visit instead of open-to-close, particularly on hot or very busy days.

Accessibility notes

Terrain and facilities may include:

• Unpaved, sometimes uneven paths
• Grass and dirt fields for parking
• Some ramps and seating areas

If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair or has mobility challenges, it may be helpful to:

• Call ahead or check official sources for current accessibility information
• Consider visiting on less crowded days and arriving earlier
• Bring any necessary mobility aids suited to outdoor terrain

Weather, Crowds, and the Best Time to Go

Weather patterns

In the Atlanta area during festival season:

• Mornings are usually cooler and less crowded
• Afternoons can be hot and sunny
• Rainstorms can roll through quickly

Check the day-of forecast and bring:

• Sunscreen and refillable water bottles (if allowed)
• A light poncho if rain is a possibility
• Extra socks for kids if there’s a chance of mud

Crowd tips

• Saturdays with perfect weather are typically the busiest.
• Sundays or days with a slight chance of rain may be more relaxed.
• Holiday weekends (like Memorial Day) can be heavily attended.

Locals often prefer to visit:

• Early in the festival season to avoid hotter weather
• Early in the day, arriving close to opening time
• On Sundays if they prefer slightly smaller crowds

Safety, Rules, and What Not to Bring

While rules can change, common festival guidelines often include:

• Security checks at entry
• Restrictions on outside food and drink (except for specific needs)
• Clear rules regarding weapons and props
  • Real or realistic weapons may be restricted or “peace-tied”
  • Certain items may be prohibited altogether

To avoid issues at the gate:

• Avoid bringing real weapons, large knives, or functional replicas
• Check guidelines if you’re planning to wear elaborate or prop-heavy costumes
• Pack light—bag checks can slow your entry if you bring large backpacks or coolers

Planning Your Day: Sample Timeline

Here’s a simple sample plan for an Atlanta-based family or group:

You can adjust this if:

• You only have a half day (skip some shopping and games)
• You’re going mainly for shows (plan around showtimes and arrive before your must-see performances)

Helpful Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

• Check event details for your year
  Dates, hours, ticket policies, and special weekends can change, so always confirm before you drive to Fairburn.

• Carpool if possible
  If you’re heading down from Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or other parts of Atlanta with friends, sharing a ride helps with parking costs and traffic.

• Allow extra time if there’s major Atlanta traffic
  Southbound I-85 can back up near the airport or during construction; plan some buffer time so you don’t miss early shows.

• Bring cash and a card
  Many vendors accept cards, but having some cash can help for games, tips, or smaller vendors.

• Have a meetup plan
  Cell service can get spotty with large crowds. Decide on a central landmark in the festival village where your group will meet if you get separated.

Key Takeaways for Enjoying the Atlanta Renaissance Festival

• The Atlanta Renaissance Festival is held each spring in Fairburn, an easy drive south of Atlanta.
• It’s a full-day, outdoor experience with shows, food, games, shopping, and costumed performers.
• Most Atlantans drive; parking is on-site, and public transit access is limited.
• Costumes are optional but welcome—dress for heat, sun, and lots of walking.
• Plan your day around a few must-see shows, a realistic food and souvenir budget, and the Atlanta weather forecast.

With a little planning, the Atlanta Renaissance Festival can be one of the most memorable seasonal outings in the metro area, whether you’re a local making it a yearly tradition or a visitor looking for a uniquely Atlanta day trip.