Hear ye! Hear ye! All knights and fair ladies are cordially invited to attend a grand event celebrating days of yore in the good city of Hattiesburg this weekend.
The 8th annual Renaissance Fest will be presiding at the Hattiesburg Zoo on Feb. 24-25. The royal festival is exciting as it marks the beginning of the Spring season for the Hattiesburg Zoo and the Hub City. The weekend will be filled with events, harkening back to the Renaissance era, with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Queen’s Court will be holding court at the Giraffe Pavilion. Guests are invited to enjoy Shakespearean Play Acts at 11 a.m., and 2 a.m., and Animal Encounters will take place at noon. Receive a royal treat as brave guests taking part in the fun challenges of the day may vie for the title of knighthood at the Knighting Ceremonies to be held at 1 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., each day.
This year’s Renaissance Festival promises to be greater than ever before. There will be a variety of interactive stations for the children to enjoy and learn more about life during the Medieval era. Guests will get a chance to see skilled craftsmen and artisans participate in a variety of ancient skills. Also, the Oak Grove Archery Team will be offering guidance and instruction at the archery station.
For guests on the quest of Knighthood, participants must master skills in the arts, crafts, and defense, but do not fear. These quests are not hard to complete and are extremely fun. Once those assignments have been completed and quest forms are signed by the leaders of each activity, participants shall make their way to the Knighting ceremonies which will take place at 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. each day.
While at the fest, don’t forget to visit all the incredible animals that call the Hattiesburg Zoo home. There will be lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes, and so many more exotic and beautiful animals to get a closer look at while you’re there.
An exciting feature returning to the Hattiesburg Zoo will be the wildly popular Pokemon Go! mobile app game for players of all ages. While you and your wandering pack of wayfarers are strolling through the festival, players of Pokemon Go! can accumulate their steps to hatch eggs, interact with the active lures at the zoo, and compete at the virtual gyms to vie in victorious adventures as players battle to proclaim the title of the Hattiesburg Zoo Kingdom.
Come enjoy the lyrical music of the Renaissance Era and experience plays and presentations as they were performed in the days of which Shakespeare and other notable scribes put pen to paper to bring these images and characters to life. It is an awe-inspiring fact that the words of these notable scribes have carried strong throughout the ages, and these incredible works of literature and playwriting can still be experienced as they were when they were first performed so many years ago, still evoking extreme emotional sentiment to this day.
The Renaissance Era was a time of incredible advancements in the arts, literature, science, medicine, and so many facets of life that have continued to have incredible impacts on present-day society. Knowledge was valued and advanced, and life was forever changed during this notable period. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this incredible time in our history.
Experience roaming animal encounters, and “larpers will be acting out swordplay throughout the day on the Splash Pad.” Guests of all ages will love visiting the Crafting Circle and learning how to make candles and butter during this Medieval Period. Become educated upon the science behind the apothecary of days of yore.
The Hattiesburg Zoo will be recreated into a world of Renaissance wonder with colorful decorations, flags, and adornments, and guests can take part in activities and sporting events of this remarkable era. You’ll be enchanted by the gorgeous, ornate gowns of queens and fair maids and maidens, majestic royal attire, dashing apparel of knights, and even the delicately crafted clothing worn by those in the local villages during this ancient time.
After a delightful day of becoming acquainted with the ways of the Renaissance Era, enjoy some of the delicious food offerings for purchase at the Medieval Cantina and Ladha’s Grill menu. They will include scrumptious foods, sweets, and drinks. For a true Medieval Experience, stop by the Turkey Leg Stand and a tasty turkey leg. No utensils are required. Or you might want to grab a 10-inch woodfire pizza from the Ye Olde Pizza Truck. If you’re feeling a little thirsty, make your way to The Back Tavern and purchase a souvenir goblet to sample Queen’s Reward, Mead Flights, Suzy Braggot, beer, and other cocktails.
For even more excitement and fun, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the proceedings by donning their best Renaissance Era attire or costumes. If you’re feeling very royal that day, you might wish to wear lavish, baroque gowns or suits that will elucidate a high standing in society in days of yore. Dress as a roguish character or noble knight to join in on the fun spirit of the event. Whether you’re attired as a wooded fairy or nymph, king or queen, or hardworking villager, scribe or actor of days of long ago, there is only one main rule to follow—make sure your main goal focuses on fun.
Make your way to the exciting and colorful Renaissance Festival this weekend on Feb. 24-25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Renaissance Festival is presented by the Hattiesburg Zoo, Cerroneth, and Aftermath.
Tickets may be purchased at the gate for $10 for adults and $8 for children. Annual passes do apply for this event, but attraction tickets, such as for the Carousel, Train, and High Adventures Ropes Course, are sold separately.
Grab your crown, period garb, or fairy wings, and come join in on all the fun and excitement of the 2024 Renaissance Festival, but please leave all real weapons at home. For more information on this event, click here.
