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

If you’re searching for “Renaissance Festival Atlanta,” you’re almost certainly looking for the Georgia Renaissance Festival, the region’s big, immersive medieval-style fair just south of the city. Whether you live in Atlanta or are planning a visit, this guide walks you through what it is, where it is, how it works, and how to make the most of your day from an Atlanta local’s perspective.

What Is the “Renaissance Festival Atlanta”?

Atlanta doesn’t have a separate, city-run event called the Renaissance Festival. Instead, locals usually mean the Georgia Renaissance Festival, a seasonal outdoor fair that recreates a 16th‑century English village with:

• Costumed performers
• Live jousting tournaments
• Stage shows and comedy acts
• Artisan shops and craft booths
• Hearty festival food and drinks

Many Atlantans treat it as a yearly tradition, often visiting once or multiple times a season.

Where the Georgia Renaissance Festival Is (From an Atlanta POV)

Location:
Georgia Renaissance Festival Grounds
Address: 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213

The festival grounds are in Fairburn, just southwest of Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Getting There From Atlanta

By car:

• From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta:
  • Take I‑85 South toward the airport.
  • Continue past the airport exits.
  • Use the exit signed for Fairburn (look for festival signs during the season).
  • Follow posted directions to the festival parking lot.

Typical drive times (without unusual traffic):

• Downtown Atlanta → Festival: about 25–35 minutes
• Buckhead → Festival: about 35–45 minutes
• Decatur → Festival: about 35–45 minutes

By rideshare/taxi:

Rideshare services generally operate in the area. If you don’t have a car while visiting Atlanta, this is often the simplest option, especially from Downtown, Midtown, or the airport area. Be sure to:

• Plan your pickup point after the event (cell service can be spotty in some large outdoor events).
• Check estimated fare ahead of time, especially during peak return times in the late afternoon or early evening.

Public transit:

There is no direct MARTA rail or easy bus connection to the festival grounds. If you want to use MARTA, a common approach is:

1. Take MARTA rail to College Park or Airport station.
2. From there, use a rideshare or taxi for the remainder of the trip.

When the Renaissance Festival Runs

The Georgia Renaissance Festival is a seasonal event, not year‑round.

• Typical season: Late April through early June
• Typical days: Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and sometimes Memorial Day
• Typical hours: Daytime, often late morning to early evening

Because specific dates and hours can change from year to year, most Atlanta attendees:

• Check the current season’s calendar before they go
• Verify any special themed weekends or holiday hours they care about

If you’re planning from out of town, it helps to build some flexibility into your schedule in case of heavy rain or unusually hot weather.

What You’ll Find at the Festival

The Georgia Renaissance Festival is designed to feel like a walkable, open‑air theme village. Once you pass through the gates, you’ll typically see:

Entertainment & Shows

• Jousting tournaments in a large arena
• Comedy and improv shows with Renaissance‑style humor
• Music performances: folk, traditional, and sometimes more modern styles with a medieval twist
• Acrobats, magicians, and stunt performers

Shows are usually scheduled throughout the day, and repeat, so you can plan around them.

Tip: Grab a printed show schedule at the entrance or snap a picture of the day’s schedule board so you don’t miss the acts you care about.

Shopping & Crafts

Artisans usually sell:

• Hand‑crafted jewelry, leatherwork, and clothing
• Costume pieces (corsets, tunics, cloaks, hats)
• Pottery, candles, artwork, and home decor
• Toys and souvenirs for kids and adults

Prices vary widely. Many Atlantans use the festival as a once‑a‑year opportunity to pick up unique gifts or costume items.

Food & Drink

You’ll encounter classic festival fare, which may include:

• Turkey legs and other grilled meats
• Funnel cakes, pastries, and desserts
• Vegetarian options (often limited but present)
• Sodas, lemonade, and sometimes themed drinks
• Beer, cider, or wine in designated areas (ID required, rules can vary)

Food costs are generally in line with what you’d see at other large events around metro Atlanta.

Basic Costs and Budgeting

Exact prices change over time, but you can expect costs in a similar range to other large Atlanta attractions.

Common spending categories:

• Admission tickets: Different prices for adults, kids, and sometimes discounts for seniors or military.
• Parking: Often available on‑site; sometimes included, sometimes extra.
• Food and drinks: Plan for festival pricing.
• Games and rides: Usually paid separately.
• Shopping: Completely optional but very tempting.

If you’re bringing a family from Atlanta or the surrounding suburbs, setting a per‑person budget for games and souvenirs can help avoid surprises by the end of the day.

Atlanta‑Savvy Tips for Visiting the Renaissance Festival

1. Time Your Drive

Atlanta traffic can be intense, especially:

• Saturday mornings heading out of the city
• Late afternoon/early evening when everyone leaves at once

To reduce stress:

• Aim to arrive close to opening time, before the main rush.
• Consider leaving the festival slightly early if you want to avoid the heaviest outbound traffic.

2. Dress for Georgia Weather

Spring in metro Atlanta can swing between cool and hot, dry and stormy.

• Wear lightweight layers so you’re comfortable in sun or shade.
• Choose comfortable closed‑toe shoes; the paths can be uneven or dusty.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Shade can be limited in some areas.
• Pack a light poncho or rain jacket if storms are in the forecast.

3. Costumes: Optional but Fun

You’ll see plenty of people in full costume, but you do not need to dress up to enjoy yourself.

If you want to participate:

• Look for simple outfits using clothes you already own (earth tones, long skirts, boots).
• Many Atlantans buy or rent accessories at the festival itself: flower crowns, hats, belts, and simple props.
• Check rules on weapons or props; guidelines usually restrict metal blades, realistic weapons, and certain kinds of accessories.

4. Plan for Kids

Families from all over metro Atlanta bring children to the festival. You can usually find:

• Kid‑friendly shows
• Games, simple rides, and play areas
• Food that appeals to younger tastes

To make it smoother:

• Bring a stroller or wagon for younger kids; the grounds can require a lot of walking.
• Set a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated, especially on crowded days.
• Keep a small backpack with water, wipes, and sun protection.

Accessibility and Comfort Considerations

The Georgia Renaissance Festival is held on large, mostly outdoor grounds.

Things to be aware of:

• Terrain: Expect dirt paths, some gravel, and uneven surfaces. Wheelchair and stroller use is possible but may require patience in crowded or rougher areas.
• Seating: There is seating at stages and food areas, but it can fill up.
• Restrooms: Portable toilets and restroom areas are usually spread throughout the site.

If you or someone in your group has mobility or accessibility needs, it’s wise to:

• Arrive early for closer parking if available.
• Allow extra time to move between stages.
• Check any posted accessibility information for current policies.

What Locals Typically Do: Sample Day Plan

Here’s how many Atlanta residents structure their visit:

Morning

• Drive down I‑85 South and aim to arrive near opening time.
• Enter, glance at the show schedule, and pick 2–3 must‑see performances.
• Start with shopping and low‑key exploring before crowds peak.

Midday

• Grab an early lunch to beat the main lines.
• Catch a midday joust or a major show at one of the larger stages.
• Take a break in a shaded area or seated show during the hottest part of the day.

Afternoon

• Enjoy smaller shows and games.
• Pick up any final souvenirs or costume pieces.
• Head out a bit before closing to reduce time in the parking lot and on I‑85.

Quick Reference: Key Details for Atlanta Visitors

How This Fits into an Atlanta Trip or Weekend

If you’re planning an Atlanta stay, the Georgia Renaissance Festival pairs well with:

• A Downtown day (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park)
• A Midtown or Piedmont Park day earlier or later in your trip
• A stop near the airport area if you’re flying in or out around the same weekend

Because the festival runs mostly on weekends, many visitors build their schedule around a Saturday or Sunday at the grounds, then spend weekdays exploring in‑town neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead, or Decatur.

If You’re Local to Atlanta

For metro Atlanta residents, the Renaissance Festival often becomes a regular seasonal tradition. Many locals:

• Go once a season with family or friends
• Try different themed weekends, such as costume‑heavy or fantasy‑focused days
• Use it as an excuse to gather friends from different parts of the city in one place

If you’re new to Atlanta, it’s a straightforward way to experience a bit of the region’s festival culture without traveling far—just head down I‑85 South, and you’re transported from city life to a 16th‑century village for the day.