By Evan Crowther
Every year, people come from all over Georgia and surrounding states to Fairburn for a day of medieval fantasy fun. The fairgrounds sit quiet for most of the year, but during the Renaissance Festival, the space comes alive, transforming into the magical kingdom of Nottingham.
Attendees dress up in elaborate costumes and stroll the grounds to explore craft vendors, entertainment and games. With 14 different stages to visit, you can watch acts ranging from daring acrobats and fire jugglers to musical bards. Perhaps the most thrilling entertainment at the festival is the joust, where knights take up lances and try to knock each other off their horses. Each weekend has a different theme, informing costumes and decor, like Hallowtide Lanterns and Yule Warmth.
The Georgia Renaissance Festival (known colloquially as “GARF”) takes place over several months in late spring. However, for the past two years, Nottingham has opened its doors from late October to early December for a Fall Fling! This year, Fall Fling is every Saturday from October 31 to December 5, plus Black Friday.
Beyond entertainment, festival guests have a variety of food vendors to choose from. Some of the fan favorites are the iconic smoked turkey legs, steak on a stake and beignets. There are also taverns and tea rooms where you can sit and take in the sights as you feast.
But what high fantasy revels would be complete without raising a glass? Drink vendors offer a selection of beer, wine, cider and mead. Monk’s Meadery, based in Atlanta, supplies the festival with its signature fizzy honey wine, a refreshing adult beverage fit for a king! You can even ask the tavernkeepers for a Bee Sting, a cup of mead with a shot of hard cider.
Looking for a more adult-oriented nighttime party? On four Fridays plus Thanksgiving Eve, the Fall Fling opens from dusk til midnight for GARF After Dark, a torchlit, 21+ celebration with live music, premium cocktails and hookah lounges. Tickets for Fall Fling have sold out in past years, so don’t wait if you plan to attend!