PA Ren Faire returns to Central Pa. this weekend; here’s the full schedule

• By Mickayla Miller/LNP | LancasterOnline

Don your petticoats and get ready to transport to another time period as the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire returns this weekend.

The faire, held at 2775 Lebanon Road, north of Manheim, will be held every Saturday and Sunday from Aug. 16 to Oct. 26. There are different themes and activities every weekend, as well as an overarching story that involves the faire’s cast members.

At the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, it’s 1590, and Queen Elizabeth is looking for her successor. The most likely options appear to be her cousin Lady Arbella Stuart, and James Stuart, who is already King James VI of Scotland.

This year will feature new performers, like Bard City and Colin Campbell, and new food options, including Dubai strawberries and spicy Asian pork belly. There will also be new pourhouses, a new food booth and new beverages, says Candace Smith, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

In addition, there is a new aviary for the Royal Falconer, and her Birds of Prey, to visit.

Tickets range in price depending on time of day and date. Tickets from Aug. 16-Sept. 14 cost $37.95 for adults (12+), $21.45 for children (5-11) and free for children ages 0-4. For tickets from Sept. 20-Oct. 26, costs are $41.45 for adults (12+), $23.45 for children (5-11) and free for children ages 0-4.

Sunset admission, which includes entering after 4 p.m., for Aug. 16-Sept. 14 cost $23.45 for adults (12+), $11.45 for children (5-11) and free for children ages 0-4. Sunset admission pricing for Sept. 20-Oct. 26 costs $27.45 for adults (12+), $13.45 for children (4-11) and free for children ages 0-4.

Ahead of visiting the faire, here’s a look at its themed weekends.

Themed weekends at the PA Renaissance Faire

— Aug. 16-17: Fairies & Fantasy weekend, with costume contests, a family fairy frolic and a grand opening giveaway.

— Aug. 23-24: Pyrate Invasion weekend, with a treasure hunt, a blood drive, an 18+ captain’s challenge and the opportunity to learn to be a pirate.

— Aug. 30-31: Heroes & Villains weekend, with costume contests, sword fighting and chivalry lessons and a renewal of vows ceremony.

— Sept. 6-7: Viking weekend, with costume contests and a Skald contest, which is a contest to tell the best story or joke in less than one minute.

— Sept. 13-14: Wizarding weekend, with a costume exhibition, a magic hunt and a wizard tournament.

— Sept. 20-21: Shamrocks & Shenanigans weekend, with a wee Highland Games for kids, a dog costume exhibition and a kilt competition.

— Sept. 27-28: Oktoberfest weekend, with German children’s games, a “legs in Lederhosen” contest and bar Olympics, where contestants can try to outlast the others in “tavern skills” like mug carrying, stein holding and more.

— Oct. 4-5: Time Travelers weekend, with a costume contest, a scavenger hunt and an academy to learn to be a time traveler.

— Oct. 11-12: Halloween Days & Spooky Knights I: Welcome to Thy Nightmare weekend, with costume contests, a treasure hunt and trick-or-treating.

— Oct. 18-19: Halloween Days & Spooky Knights II: The Tell Tale Shire weekend, with costume contests, a treasure hunt and trick-or-treating.

— Oct. 25-26: Halloween Days & Spooky Knights III: The Cabinet of Dr. Scratchy weekend, with costume contests, a treasure hunt and trick-or-treating.