Named the #9 Renaissance Faire in the COUNTRY by USA Today, the NJ Renaissance Faire kicks off their 18th magical season with the announcement of their 2026 dates and highly-anticipated storyline.
Each season, the “Shire of Crossford” becomes a magical village with a storyline incorporating the most fantastical tales of all time. This season welcomes The Three Musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, who along with the brave d’Artagnon, bring the flair and fancy of 17th century France with them, along with the villainous Cardinal Richelieu. Be prepared for some show-stopping sword fighting on the royal chessboard, as these legendary foes face off before the Duke and Duchess.
When it comes to French-accented superstars, there’s none bigger in 2026 than the one and only Jacques ze Whipper, a mainstay of the NJ Faire for well over a decade. Jacques has over 4 million TikTok followers, and draws thousands of loyal fans to both the faire, and his risqué after-hour shows, which sell out quickly.
Entertainment also includes the popular all-female a capella singing troupe Chaste Treasure, infamous musical comedy legends Righteous Blackguards, plus local shanty folk band The Rowdy Rovers.
TJ Miller is a founding partner of the Faire, as well as a performing member of the Rowdy Rovers, “The shire is filled with so much lovely music from so many talented musicians and street performers,” explains Miller. “But there’s no doubt that our patrons also love the swashbuckling fight shows with local legends the Knights of Crossford, and national performing act, the Lords of Adventure.
The NJ Ren Faire prides itself on its top-flight entertainment, and this season is no exception with the amazing aerialist Shelli Buttons, and fan-favorite Shakespeare Approves! featuring the amazing Shakespeare performer who will dazzle you with his unique combination of Renaissance knowledge and improvisational talent.
“It’s the outdoor improvisational theater that really sets us apart from other faires and festivals,” explains Miller. “As soon as you enter the castle gates, you immediately become part of the show, with a cast of 60 townspeople in full character for 8 hours, along with over 100 artisan merchants selling a wide variety of beautiful handmade items.” There’s also an array of food vendors, Spellbound Beers, Valenzano Wines, and a twice per dayWhiskey Tasting with the South Jersey Celtic Society.
The gate opens each faire day at 10am and runs for eight fun-filled hours, including a four-horse joust that cannot be missed, a Viking encampment, a dedicated children’s area with unicorn rides, and adult games as well, such as archery and axe, knife, and star throwing, plus an opportunity to face-off against your friend ina one-on-one fencing match dressed up in knight armor!
There are FOUR Faire weekends (May 23-24, 30-31, June 6-7, 12-13) with a deaf and hard of hearing day on May 30th with 35 interpreters on site, and a Highland Games exhibition on the 13th. Schools and Homeschoolers are invited out for a special day for students on Friday, May 29th.
If you’ve never been to a Renaissance Faire, it’s a fun, safe, magically memorable family experience for all who attend. Check out photos and videos on the New Jersey Renaissance Faire Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubepages!
Tickets, Season’s Passes and VIP Packages Available Online Now at NJRenFaire.com
- Presale Single Day tickets: $33.36 for adults, $12.66 for children 5-12
- Also Flex Passes, Weekend Passes, Season Passes, Dog Tickets, and VIP Parking!