Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival is a rousing trip back in time
The jousting Knights of Noble Cause, the wacky Washing Well Wenches, swordfighting Duellists, the rapping German Brothers — they’re all back at the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, which opens Saturday and runs weekends through Sept. 22 in West Newton.
Ren Fest is a journey back to the 16th century with hundreds of costumed merrymakers living, performing and working their crafts in a village setting.
New this year are the Squire of the Wire, a kilted tight- wire walker who combines comedy and stunts with fire and knives, and the music, comedy and dance troupe The Vodca Family.
They join other returning attractions, including Cast In Bronze ( four tons of bells), The CRAIC Show doing world medieval music, The Donegal Doggs, Lady Amyelia the Hypnotist, Music the Gathering, Joanna Abel’s Belly Dance Group, Temujin the Storyteller and more.
Along with festival foods, guests can partake of roast turkey legs, steak on a stake, fresh baked goods and more.
Here are the themed weekends: “An Adventure to the Past!” ( SaturdaySunday): A celebration of music and dance as they put out the royal welcome mat for King Henry and Queen Anne’s arrival at the castle.
Celtic Fling! ( Aug. 24- 25): The traditional sounds of Celtic musicians, Scottish pipe bands and madrigal singers. The Men in Kilts Contest is at 2: 30 p. m. at the Greek
Stage and the “Think You Can Jig” Dance Contest is 4: 30 p. m. at the Rose Stage.
Children’s Weekend ( Aug. 31, Sept 12): Prince, Princess & Pirate Party weekend is geared toward children ages 12 and under, and they are free with a paid adult admission. Special activities including the Prince, Princess and Pirate Costume Contest at 2: 30 p. m. at the Greek Stage. Also, there is the Royal Quest, knighting ceremonies and photos with the King and Queen. It is also Union Member Appreciation Weekend: All members of a union receive a buy- one- get- one- free adult ticket with valid identification.
Wine Revelry ( Sept. 7- 8): Grape Stomp Competitions for prizes at 2: 30 p. m. at the Greek Stage, as well as free sampling of wines from Pennsylvania wineries.
Pirate Invasion! ( Sept. 14- 15): A weekend of rousing tales and tunes of high seas adventures and swashbuckling sword fights. A Mr. Caribbean Pirate Contest will take place at the Washing Well Wenches Stage at 4 p. m. A Pirate Treasure Hunt will also take place, starting at the front gate at 12: 30 p. m. It’s also Military Appreciation Weekend: BOGO adult ticket with military I. D. plus their children, ages 12 and under, enter the realm free.
Oktoberfest: A Final Huzzah! ( Sept. 2122): King Henry and Queen Anne present an Oktoberfest Celebration and a Farewell to the Festival Season with traditional German favorites such as bratwurst and pretzels. The Stein Lugging Contest will take place at the Joust Field at 3: 30 p. m. There will be German music, dancing and more.