Wilson Renaissance Faire – Wilson, NC, March 23-24, 2024 [Photo by Gray Whitley]

SOUTHERN CHARM CARRIAGE

Carriages ride Saturday & Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Travel in true Renaissance style with a horse-drawn carriage ride between the Wilson Arts Center and Casita Brewing Company.

Journey through downtown Wilson, past lively local shops and the magnificent Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park — a treasure of North Carolina folk art.

 

Wilson Renaissance Faire – Wilson, NC, March 23-24, 2024 [Photo by Gray Whitley]

PIRATICAL PARROTS

Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Behold the brilliant birds of Free Spirit Parrot Sanctuary, a compassionate haven for parrots in need of refuge.

Meet these vibrant feathered friends and hear their tales. Visit these brilliant birds and learn of their stories throughout the Faire.

People making chain mail around a table

Photo provided by Sword Circle

CHAIN MAIL MAKING

Saturday & Sunday, 10 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Step into the craft of medieval armorers! In this interactive experience, participants will learn how individual metal rings are linked together to form chain mail — the flexible armor worn by knights and warriors. Guided by members of Sword Circle, you’ll get to try the technique yourself and discover the patience and precision behind this historic art form.

Green dog made out of a balloon

Photo provided by Humphrey Hunny Bunny Farms

BALLOON ART

Sunday, 10 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Watch colorful creations take shape before your eyes! From swords and crowns to playful creatures, our balloon artist twists and shapes vibrant balloons into magical keepsakes fit for the Realm. Perfect for young knights, fair maidens, and the young at heart.

Wilson Renaissance Faire – Wilson, NC, March 23-24, 2024 [Photo by Gray Whitley]

SWORD CIRCLE

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. on Saturday
at Casita Brewing Company

Witness the clash of steel and the artistry of combat as skilled fighters demonstrate the discipline,
strategy, and spectacle of the blade. Cheer for your champions as they enter the ring throughout the day!

From Sword Circle: “Medieval combat is as much about mental and emotional discipline as it is about physical and
even spiritual training. Our goal is to inspire participants with a sense of every-day knighthood, inside and
outside of our classes. These life lessons are aimed to sharpen the mind, body, and spirit, by leading
with the knowledge for discipline, and historical/ physical education.”

 

Photo provided by Humphrey Hunny Bunny Farms

HUMPHREY HUNNY BUNNY FARMS

Sunday from 10 PM – 6 PM

Step into the merriment of Humphrey Honey Bunny Farm’s traveling village menagerie!

Enter the enclosure and enjoy a hands-on encounter with gentle goats, woolly sheep,
playful rabbits, and even noble potbelly pigs — a delight for all ages (younglings accompanied by their guardians).

Complete the Angle the Invisible Chicken Quest or seek Dumbledore’s Hidden Key to unlock a treasure
and enjoy bubbles, balloon artistry, and farmyard fun throughout the day!

Wilson Renaissance Faire – Wilson, NC, March 23-24, 2024 [Photo by Gray Whitley]

JAY JONES – BLACKSMITHING DEMONSTRATIONS

Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM – 6 PM

Gather ‘round the forge and witness the ancient art of blacksmithing with Jay Jones!

Watch as fire and steel meet beneath the hammer, transforming raw iron into handcrafted
works through skill, strength, and centuries-old technique.

Experience the heat, the rhythm, and the craft that once shaped kingdoms.

 

Photo provided by Midnight Runners

MIDNIGHT RUNNERS

Sunday, March 8 from 2-4 PM at Casita Brewing Company

The Midnight Runners bring lively bluegrass energy to the Renaissance Faire!
Blending traditional melodies with contemporary tunes, they deliver foot-stomping rhythms, rich harmonies,
and spirited strings that echo through the Realm. With banjo, fiddle, and driving beats, their sound is perfect for dancing,
clapping, and celebrating all day long. Come gather ‘round and let the music carry you back in time!

Photo provided by Turner Edwards

TURNER EDWARDS

Saturday, March 7 from 1-4 PM at Casita Brewing Company

Turner Edwards brings warm, acoustic sounds to the Renaissance Faire stage.

With soulful vocals and skillful guitar, he weaves together familiar favorites and
heartfelt originals in an intimate, laid-back style. It’s the perfect soundtrack for
wandering the Realm, resting your feet, and soaking in the magic of the day.

 

ADD ON EXPERIENCE – KYLER’S KITCHEN: SWEET & SAVORY MEDIEVAL HAND PIES AND TURNOVERS

Saturday, March 7, 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Wilson Arts Center / Kitchen
Age: 10 & up (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $45 Public / $40 Wilson Arts 2026 member

Registration deadline: Wednesday, March 4 at Noon

In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the secrets behind portable pastries fit for a medieval feast—no corset or chainmail required. Explore the differences between flaky turnovers and hearty hand pies, practice techniques for savory fillings and sweet glazes, and create both savory and dessert-style pastries to take home and enjoy.

On the menu:
– Ground Beef, Mushroom, Carrot, and Onion Hand Pies
– Cheese, Onion, and Potato Turnovers
– Blueberry Hand Pies with Lemon Glaze
– Strawberry Turnovers with Cream Cheese Glaze

Whether you’re coming straight from the Faire or just love cozy, old-world-inspired comfort food, this class is a delicious way to round out the day.

Whether you’re a professional or a complete beginner to portrait drawing, all skill levels are welcome!

All materials provided. Ages 10+ welcome, but minors must have adult accompaniment.

 

ADD ON EXPERIENCE – CAKE FIT FOR A QUEEN: A MINI CAKE DECORATING CLASS

Sunday, March 8, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Catopia at North Star (Cat Cafe located at 307 Green Street NE, Wilson, NC 27893 – a 10-minute walk from Wilson Arts Center)
Cost: $45 Public

Reserve your spot by texting (252) 315-4044

Step into a world of sweetness during the Wilson Renaissance Faire with this special Renaissance-themed Mini Cake Decorating Class hosted by Kyler’s Kitchen at Catopia.

In this two-hour hands-on experience, you will decorate your own mini cake fit for royalty.  Whether you’re a beginner or simply a lover of sweet treats, this class is designed to be fun, relaxed, and beginner-friendly.

Each participant will receive a personal mini cake along with all the buttercream, tools, and decorations needed to create a Renaissance-inspired masterpiece.  Think elegant swirls, fun flourishes, rich colors, and charming details worthy of a castle feast.  Kyler will guide you through basic decorating techniques like smoothing, piping, and simply design elements, before you’re set free to design and personalize your cake.

No baking required-just creativity, sweet treats, and a welcoming atmosphere.  At the end of the class, enjoy your cake on the spot or take it home in your povided box to share (or keep all to yourself!).

What’s included:

  • 1 mini cake per person
  • All frosting, decorations, and tools provided
  • Sprinkles and other delicious decorations
  • Guided instruction by Kyler’s Kitchen
  • A to-go box for your masterpiece