Duel be glad you went
Ax a friend to Toledo’s Glastonbury Renaissance Faire
For one weekend each summer, Toledo's Waterfront Park becomes a place where knights roam the grounds, musicians fill the air with ancient melodies, merchants display handcrafted treasures and visitors are invited to leave the modern world behind.
The Glastonbury Renaissance Faire returns this Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, celebrating its 10th annual gathering with two days of entertainment, history, fantasy and family fun. Presented by Coastal Muses, the event has become one of the Central Oregon Coast's most distinctive summer traditions, drawing thousands of visitors eager to step into a world inspired by Renaissance Europe.
Visitors entering the grounds quickly find themselves immersed in a colorful village populated by kings and queens, armored warriors, wandering minstrels, merchants, pirates and mythical characters. Many guests arrive in elaborate costumes, while others simply come to enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment. Either way, participation is part of the experience, and visitors often discover that the line between audience member and performer becomes delightfully blurred.
Live entertainment remains the heart of the eperience. Throughout the weekend, multiple stages and performance areas will feature a diverse lineup of musicians, storytellers, comedians and specialty acts. Among the returning favorites are Adria the Juggler; Master William, Juggler to the Queen; and the always unpredictable Presto the Peculiar. Professor Elly's Punch & Judy Show brings a classic puppet tradition to life, while Shoshi's Stories shares tales inspired by folklore and legend.
Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend. Janet the Harpist; Lawrence Huntley on hammered dulcimer; and Celtic, fantasy and folk singer Riona Arneson will provide period-inspired sounds. Other featured performers include Saukko Dal Kezsito, Moonlighting as Minstrels, the Sherwood Renaissance Singers, the Pearwood Pipers and The Plastic Paddies.
Adding to the spectacle are larger performance groups such as Tribal Rising Dance and Shadhavar, Organized Chaos and the imposing Knights of DOOM, whose demonstrations bring excitement and pageantry to the festivities. Le Voyant also returns with a unique blend of entertainment and mystery that has become a favorite among fair guests.
For many visitors, one of the greatest attractions is the opportunity to experience history through hands-on activities rather than museum displays. Demonstrations and interactive exhibits offer glimpses into traditional crafts, skills and customs. Children can participate in Medieval-inspired games and activities, while adults often find themselves equally fascinated by demonstrations of historical techniques and artisan craftsmanship.
The marketplace is another major draw. Vendors from throughout the Pacific Northwest transform the grounds into a bustling trading village filled with handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, clothing, artwork, home decor and other unique items. Browsing the booths often feels like embarking on a treasure hunt, with unexpected discoveries around every corner.
Food vendors add yet another dimension to the experience, including Fynne Foods and treats, and beverage options include the mead, wine and beer garden area, put on by Oran Mor Artisan Meadery and Wild Wines.
The event traces its origins to a vision first brought to life in South Beach in 2000. Through years of growth, venue changes and the dedication of countless volunteers, performers and supporters, the celebration has endured. Today, Waterfront Park in Toledo serves as the fair's permanent home, where organizers continue the tradition while looking toward the future.
The setting itself contributes to the magic. Waterfront Park's open spaces allow performers, vendors and guests to spread out while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the event.
After a decade in its current form and more than two decades after the original vision first took shape, the Glastonbury Renaissance Faire continues to prove that there is still a place for imagination, creativity and community gathering in the modern world.
The 10th annual Glastonbury Renaissance Faire runs Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, from 10 am to 5:30 pm at Toledo's Waterfront Park, located at 127 NW A Street. Admission is $12 for adults aged 13 and older, $8 for seniors and children and free for children under 5. Guests who donate a nonperishable food item will receive $1 off admission. For more information, go to glastonburyfaire.com.