The trumpets sound, the flags fly, and the call to revelry begins anew in South Florida! The 34th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival rides into Quiet Waters Park once again, inviting all to feast, frolic, and experience the magic of the Renaissance era. Through March 29, adventurers of all ages can step beyond the gates and into a world of knights, nobles, and nonstop fun across many themed weekends.
Step into the year 1587, where excitement surges through the village of Kimmendale as the Royal Court of King Robert Rivera returns for its grand annual festival. This year’s celebration carries special meaning: all gather to witness the handfasting of Prince Aaron of Veridian and Princess Katla Svartulff of Stalgaard. But even as the joyful ceremony approaches, shadows creep in…
Produced by Bobby Rodriguez Productions, the nationally acclaimed event invites families to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the 16th century. “Whether feasting on turkey legs, cheering for jousting knights, shopping artisan crafts, or mingling with mystical characters – visitors can expect a whimsical escape where history and fantasy collide—and every weekend tells a new story,” said Festival Producer, Bobby Rodriguez.
What’s Old is New in 2026…
The Crimson Pirates: Skeleton Crew – This quartet of swashbuckling songsters will regale you with Celtic traditionals, haunting ballads, and hilarious comic tunes, with a repertoire that spans ancient English folksongs to the Muppets! Join this animated crew of singer-musicians as they harmonize and play over a dozen instruments, weaving their songs, stories and jokes into an exciting tapestry of maritime music and comedy!
Ari the Bard – He is a tiefling storyteller with a collection of curious magical and mysterious items in his “shop,” Ari’s Absurd Arcanum. Most items on the shelves were collected back in Ari’s adventuring days for the unusual or hilariously tragic stories associated with them, and aren’t actually for sale!
Celtic Magic – Daniel GreenWolf is an award-winning magician, writer, creator, & slightly mad Irishman. Combining Celtic storytelling, a quick Irish wit, daredevil feats, and mind-boggling illusion, this show gets the entire audience involved.
Shakespeare Approves! – Join your friendly, neighborhood Shakespeare as he brings his multi-award-winning, one-person, audience-interactive, improv comedy Shakespeare show to you for its 20th anniversary season. He’s taking you on adventures full of merriment, sword fights, mistaken identities, star-crossed lovers, flying implements of doom, musical numbers of questionable suitability, being pursued by a bear, and … death by fluffy kittens!
The Washing Well Wenches – Swing by the wash pit and visit the Washing Well Wenches, where the women rule and the men drool. They’re known for more than their stunning good looks. These girls are also “I peed my pants!” funny.
SAMKOMA – This dynamic musical performance group is inspired by powerful Norse sounds, warrior drums, guitar, chanting, and other instruments – channeling spirituality and emotion through their original compositions. Incorporating influences from Taiko drums to Norse culture, SAMKOMA celebrates the unity of diversity in collaborations with various performers and cultures.
The Hanlon-Lees Action Theater – For almost half a century they have provided joy and excitement with their 14th century style show. Colorfully costumed steeds and noble knights in shining armor brandishing authentic weapons keep the spectacle ablaze on horseback and on foot with the action and romance of the period.
Edged Feather Experiences – Crystal “Cryss” Stacey, a master class falconer and wildlife educator, has been working with and training birds of prey for over a decade. During that time, she has performed over 1000+ educational programs in 9 states across the country. The birds are all trained to fly completely untethered and are prepared to exhibit their unique natural behaviors and vastly different personalities!
The Pub Crawl of Legend – Hosted by the Gaunt Family, Kimmendale’s proprietors of all things delicious and drinkable, this tour through the festival features their most popular pubs and drinking establishments. With stories, jokes and toasts along the way, as well as a new and tasty adult beverage at each destination, the Gaunt family definitely takes you on a Pub Crawl you won’t want to refuse.
The Promenade – Nestled in the heart of the shire of Kimmendale, visitors to the festival can meet all manner of the townsfolk from their Village Clerk who can assign them a brand new 16th-Century profession to their Publick Wyrks and be ready to fix whatever you have broken. Upon the Village Stage audiences can join in the “Foole’s School” taught by the infamous Pester the Jester, enjoy William Shakespeare’s Pyramus and Thisbe, or learn the “subtl-teas” of being a Lady with the one-and-only Lady Ettie.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Christopher Leidenfrost, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and the Artistic Director of Florida Renaissance Festival
At what age did you begin performing and how did it happen?
I have been performing since around the age of 7 or 8 in community theater. Miss Fritzy was an eccentric older lady who was my first director and she guided me to see how much I loved performing.
What was your first professional gig acting (a gig you got paid any amount of money for)?
I did a few shows with Miss Fritzy, but my first paid professional gig was with the NY Renaissance Fair in 2004. I went to the audition, and I had prepared a monologue and the actor in front of me did the same monologue I was going to do, so I said Oh shit and didn’t get the job. However, I had a jack sparrow costume and went to the ren fair, and it got a huge reaction so I went back the second weekend to audition, and then I get cast.
When did you know performing would be your career?
In all honesty there are still days I question it. The life of a touring performer is not easy.
Other than the Florida Renaissance Festival, what has been your favorite gig?
I am entering my 14th year being a member of my band called the Crimson Pirates, and it’s my favorite thing to do. I have toured all over the map with the band.
How did you go from acting to being the Artistic Director?
Since 2008 I started producing and directing smaller pieces with my good friend Linda. Also, I have always done set design, and I also ran a production company with my ex-husband producing shows in NYC and Long Island and an off-Broadway show. When the previous entertainment director retired, I went to the show producer (who I barely knew) and threw my hat in the ring. I did the NY Ren Fair for over a decade, so I had a lot of experience.
You are part of our community, how is it being on the road all the time?
Luckily doing what I do, being in the Renaissance circuit, it is one of the most open and welcoming communities so it’s great being on the road and being openly LGBTQ+. There are a lot of LGBTQ+ people that are part of this community. We are open and welcoming.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Driven, artistic and scattered.
What do you do for fun?
Honestly, a lot of what I do for my own show is fun for me. I also enjoy cooking with my partner and painting. In addition, I love going to the movies and going to see musical theater.
Finally, what should our readers expect from The Florida Renaissance festival this year?
I wouldn’t be dedicating so much of my life to this show if I didn’t truly love it. You can expect to walk through our gates and have a full day of entertainment on over 10 different stages, with non-stop entertainment. We have an interactive cast of villagers, incredible food vendors, and an array of vendors and crafters. We have acrobats, jugglers, jousting on horseback and tons of other entertainers going on all around you. You readers should expect a full day of entertainment at a very reasonable cost.
For more information on Christopher, go to Instagram.com/cdlfrost85 or Instagram.com/crimsonpirates
Admission to the festival is $39 for adults, and $15 for children (kids under 5 years old are free). Purchase a 2026 Season Pass Perk online and save 10% off (of $25 or more total) of your purchase at our wonderful Souvenir Shop! Season pass perks include a special commemorative pin in celebration of the 34th annual festival, $12 VIP parking, express lanes at three of our major pubs, a special exclusive gift that can be picked up at the box office – plus much more!
2026 Florida Renaissance Festival Sponsors are: Comcast, Visit Lauderdale, Pepsi, Sapporo, Jack Daniel and 1911 Cider. For tickets and more information visit: www.ren-fest.com; Please reach them at the traditional method at 954-776-1642.
