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Alabama Renaissance Faire
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Alabama Renaissance Faire?

View of ALRF from Royal Pavilion

The Official Alabama Renaissance Faire is one of the longest-running all-volunteer events in the nation, having served the community through both education and entertainment for more than three decades.  The time period for the Faire is 1100 to 1650, which covers both the Medieval and Renaissance eras of Europe.

When is the Alabama Renaissance Faire?

It is always held on the fourth Saturday and Sunday in October. The dates for the 2023 faire are October 28th & 29th. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, and Sunday hours are Noon to 6 p.m. The new King or Queen is always crowned at 3 p.m. on Sundays, followed by a procession.

Coronation of 2015 King and Queen

Where is the Alabama Renaissance Faire located?

Just like the harvest fairs which were held during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, we hold our festival in a one-city block public park, Wilson Park, in the center of downtown Florence, AL .

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We are a two-hour drive SW of Nashville, TN, or a two-hour drive NW of Birmingham, AL. 

How Much Does It Cost?

Admission and Parking are free. Please be aware that some nearby business parking lots are tow zones for non-customers. Please do not block residential driveways.

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Please bring cash to generously tip our performers, as many of them are dependent upon gratuities.

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Plan to splurge on buying unique items offered by our merchants, and plan to stay all day and buy lunch from our food vendors! 

Belly Dancers perform at ALRF

What Happens in Inclement Weather?

Rain or Shine, the ALRF is fun!

The Alabama Renaissance Faire is a rain-or shine event, as long as weather conditions do not pose a danger to patrons, performers, or vendors. 

May I Bring Weapons to the Faire as Props or Accessories?

These type of weapons are permitted at our Faire.  We ask that you make sure to “peace-tie” any swords or knives that you bring with you.  By “peace-tie" we mean that your bladed weapon must be tied to the sheath/scabbard in such a way that prevents you from being able to draw it. For other prop weapons, please use common sense and do not wave them around, as the park is usually crowded.

Sword fighting at the ALRF

Is the Faire Handicapped Accessible?

Handicapped accessible park

The grounds are in a city park, so there are many concrete paths, however some of our vendors are in grassy areas or on slight inclines.

Are Restrooms Available?

Privies, aka Porta-Potties, are located on the corners of the park. We suggest bringing a small bottle of hand sanitizer as there are currently no handwashing stations.

 

Public restrooms are also available across the street in the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, but the library does close before the faire. 

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Porta Potties

May I Bring My Pet?

Dogs at faire

Due to the size of the park and the crowds, your pets may be happier at home. 

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Pets are permitted, but dogs must be leashed. If you are not responsible for your pet, you may be asked to leave the park.

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Please remember that Lords and Ladies walk these grounds and do not wish to soil their garb, so please clean up after your furbabies!

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Be aware that not all faire-goers will be enthused to meet animals, so be considerate of their feelings.

May We Wear Costumes?

By all means! Festival guests are absolutely encouraged to come in costume! It adds immeasurably to the fun and appearance of our Faire.

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Click here for tips about creating garb from the modern closet.

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The Alabama Renaissance Faire is held in a public park and is family-oriented, so please dress modestly. 

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Costumes encouraged

Where do We Park?

Parking Deck_edited.jpg

Metered Parking is free after 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Metered Parking is free all day and night on Saturday and Sunday.

The parking deck is open on weekends, and parking is free in it.

We ask that you respect (and believe) towaway zones and that you do not block mailboxes or driveways on the side streets. Be especially mindful not to park in the U.S. Post Office Lot

because you will be towed.

Please pick up any litter around your car as we want to be good neighbors to people

who live near Wilson Park.

The Parking deck is three blocks west of Wilson Park. The Park is located within the trees to the left of the Federal Post Office (upper left corner of the photo). 

Do you Offer Alcoholic Beverages?

We are a family friendly event held in a public park in the middle of downtown Florence, AL.

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Our vendors do not serve alcohol; however, there are many bars and restaurants within easy walking distance that serve a variety of beers, wine, and mixed drinks for your pleasure.

Toast with glasses_edited.jpg

Trinket Trading Policy

Trinket trading symbol.jpg

The Alabama Renaissance Faire does not condone

nor endorse  trinket trading.

The organizers of the Alabama Renaissance Faire

shall not be held liable for any harm, disputes, losses,

or damages arising from such transactions.

Attendees participate in trinket trading

at their own risk and discretion.

Trinket trading symbol.jpg

Beware of Scammers!

If you wish to apply as a vendor or performer at the Alabama Renaissance Faire, you must go through the official process described on our website. 

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We will never post comments under our social media events asking for additional vendors or performers. Invitations to apply will be made on our website and as posts, not comments, or our social media. 

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We do not collect attendee or visitor lists, so we will never provide nor sell them through email or social media. 

 

We do not contract with third parties to provide room block accommodations,

tickets, vendor spots, performance schedules, etc. If you are asked for credit card info or money, proceed with caution!

Photo Policy

The Alabama Renaissance Feast and Faire (ALRF) reserves the right to photograph classes, community events, programs, and participants at any of the events sponsored by ALRF and may use the photographs for promotional purposes and in publications and media communications in any format as ALRF decides without any obligation to compensate those photographed.

Attendance at ALRF programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and/or electronic publicity for ALRF.  To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.  If you do not want us to use a photo of you or your child, please tell the ARF staff member coordinating the event before the program or event.

If you see a photo of yourself or a family member that you wish not to be used by ALRF, please notify ALRF staff.  ALRF will take reasonable steps to remove and dispose of the photograph.  ALRF may be unable to remove the picture from printed media or other existing media where the photograph may have been used. Still, it will refrain from using the picture in its future media.

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