NorCal Renaissance Faire returns for 6 weekends

On weekends between now and Oct. 25, what is normally a popular Highway 152 rest stop is transformed into the Elizabethan village of Willingtown, circa the late 1500s.

Located just past Casa de Fruta in Hollister, the Northern California Renaissance Faire covers 21 acres and has something for every would-be Renaissance man, woman or child — jousting tournaments, costume shops, carnival-style games involving throwing sharp objects, interactive mystery challenges, period pageantry and other entertainment.

The food court boasts quintessential ren faire fare like turkey legs, plus tasty, albeit anachronistic refreshments like mocha floats.

With hundreds of actors and 150 vendors populating the village, many attendees spend time strolling through the winding village paths, taking in the elaborate costumes — some of which change depending on the theme each weekend — and wares for sale like handcrafted tankards, leather pouches, costumes and more.

This year’s theme weekends will be Pirate Invasion (Sep. 26-27), Cottagecore (Oct. 3-4 and Oct. 10-11), Oktoberfest (Oct. 17-18) and Halloween Fantasy (Oct. 24-25). However, the organizers are quick to note, “It’s great to see our fellow Heroes & Villains, Masquerade and Carnevale fans on any weekend of the Faire!”

If you go: There are a few rules: No pets. Shoes required. Costumes encouraged, but costume weapons must be sheathed and peace-tied — no exposed steel or strung bows. Tickets must be purchased online. The Faire is wheelchair accessible, but the paths are dirt and unpaved.

Details: For Sept. 19-20 only, get a $12 admission discount when you order online. Going forward, admission is $42 for adults (but check website for discounts); kids 12 and under are admitted free every weekend. The Faire is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends through Oct. 25, Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister. norcalrenfaire.com