5.10.25. This was the first Renaissance Faire that my husband and I ever attended and, to be…read morehonest, we weren't sure what to expect. Given that it was only about twenty minutes from home, we decided to give it a try. We reviewed their website, and purchased our tickets on line -- $18 for me (adult) and $12 for my husband (Senior, 65+). We arrived around 10:15 am to a long line of cars at the entrance, but didn't have any problems with parking. At the entrance, there was an ID check for participants who wanted to purchase beer, wine, or mead inside (wristband given), and a second faster line for the actual entrance. We were given a schedule that highlighted the day's shows and activities. (This was also posted online though only the 2024 list of restaurants was posted). As the day evolved, we walked around the tented grounds a number of times, watched a number of performers, browsed some of the tented shops, watched a cooking demonstration, got a beer and a mead at one of the concessioners, and grabbed a quick lunch. (Note that most are cash only; there's an ATM on site). There was also a unique assortment of pay-for activities, such as skill games (archery, axe throwing, knife throwing), hair braiding, and fortune tellers. What we enjoyed most, however, was admiring the many costumed performers and attendees. Many of the costumes were quite elaborate though many were probably not authentic to Tudor England. We stayed for about three hours, leaving when it started to get quite warm. Overall, we enjoyed the faire, but probably not enough to go on an annual basis. The main issue was that it got crowded, and it was difficult for me (a shorter person) to see some of the demonstrations that I was more interested in -- such as the sword fighting or the queen's joust. Also, the lines were quite long for food and drinks, and insufficient tables to enjoy them. And, despite having the schedule, we never seemed to be in the right place and time, but that's on us! Lake Anna Winery is a beautiful site, and the Faire was spread out well. There were at least two First Aid stations, and sufficient port-a-potties at multiple locations on the grounds.

I've been to the PA, MD, and NY Renaissance Faires and decided I needed to give this one a try…read more Spoiler alert: I shouldn't have, as it's a very distant fourth. Day started with an absolute jerk parking cars in a lot so hilly I was not sure I was going to get my car out if it rained. That set the tone for the day. Basically, the people who were willingly volunteering their time (i.e. the Queen and her court) were amazing. Some of the best costumes I've ever seen and a real effort at historical accuracy while still being entertaining. Anyone who was actually being paid for their time less so and parking lot jerk was not my only negative interaction. Food was mediocre at best and in the case of the warm chocolate covered cheesecake (gross) possibly not safe. Venue was PACKED, lacking in any sort of charm as almost all "structures" were tents and the joust area was a sad little paddock, and vendors were aggressive. After buying two tiny bags of tea for $30 I can only assume that was to recoup their costs...but for what I'm not sure. Apparently in previous years they allowed other local vendors of mead but stopped that this year because of concerns of overserving. Um what? This is the only Renn Faire I've ever been to where people were single fisting out of actual whole wine bottles as they walked around. Apparently it's fine as long as the bottles are from the host winery? Right. I bought tickets for Saturday and Sunday and didn't even bother to go back Sunday. It's a real shame as the volunteers clearly put in a lot of effort to make this a good experience and it's ruined by the poor quality of the venue and its workers.

There was "a lot to do," but for me, the "staples" of a fall festival were missing... no corn pit,…read moreno barrel train for the kids, no hay ride, and no big stacks of hay bails to climb on. Nothing to bounce on. Pony rides are $10 each which seems a bit much. I like that there were big slides, there was a cute obstacle course and mini maze, and some other random things like tug of war and tetherball. For the age ranges of my kids (2-8), it felt meh compared to some other places I've been more in the Hampton roads area. We don't do the large corn mazes l due too the kids ages, they just get bored, so my suggestion would be to have a separate cost for corn maze. For reference, wood ridge farm brewery has a sand-filled playground, corn maze and a petting zoo for a bit cheaper... they do have a train, hay ride, and bounce house, but it all costs extra. I guess you can't have it all.

This was such a fun place to visit with kids! We visited in mid-October and it checked all the fall…read morefestival boxes. It's a vibe for sure and well worth the price of admission. They had it all, from apple cider (cold and hot!), apple cider donuts, ice cream, and fresh squeezed lemonade to a pumpkin patch and oodles of kids activities (slides, hill rolling, corn pits, apple sling shot, corn cannons, an epic corn maze, farm animals, pony rides and more). Need a pumpkin? Pick one in their patch! If you're looking for an idyllic fall festival, look no further but be warned that your kids won't want to leave! It is also dog friendly and we never had a long wait for a bathroom or any of the activities. At night they have movies and fire pits with s'mores kits.

OMG! One of best pumpkin patches ever! They have everything they have giant gift shop plus lots of…read morefood and snacks and drinks for all ages and tons of activities for all ages and lots so super cute farm animals you can pet and feed them and it is absolutely so beautiful breathtaking view! Large pumpkin patch you get any size pumpkins or they have an area with tent you can extra pumpkins in boxes all sizes shapes and colors and you buy ticket online or buy your tickets when you get there and the service is super awesome the people are so friendly happy and caring helpful and so kind and super helpful and they have super fun shop food and fun goodies it is really adorable everything is very organized clean and always sanitary and everything hers restocked always. Plus everything they are sale is home made fresh from the farm and the ground I appreciate the farmers so much for working 24/7 and 7 days a week making sure we have fresh food products! The farmers deserve have an day decided to them and or month and unbelievable people and they deserve extra credit for everything and their needs to farm fairs to celebrate them and plus they have family and all generations learning the tricks of treads of the farm life and thank you so much for bringing us joy and happiness and with all ur incredible work support for the community! YOU ARE HEROES OF THE WORLD! I am coming back here all year and every year as a tradition. Happy fall everyone! From Lauren

I had heard good things about their pumpkin patch last year and wanted to check it out this fall…read more The pumpkin patches I've visited in the past didn't have an entrance fee and $10 felt like a bit much to pay per person (especially for a 2 year old!) But now that we've been I think that the amount and variety of activities justifies the price. It's also nice that everything inside is included in the admission fee. My three kids had a blast exploring all of the grounds with various cute playground structures, swings, and slides. Several gardens, a tug of war station, a zip line, a small petting/feeding area, bunnies to watch, giant jenga and connect four - all generously spaced out with plenty of shaded areas and seating for parents and grandparents to relax. The corn maze is large but not TOO large. We took a photo of the maze map and were able to make our way out in 15 minutes (we took our stroller in without a problem). The tractor ride up to the pumpkin patch was a lot of fun for the kids and the views are very pretty. They did a great job of sanitizing in between rides as well. You can pick your pumpkins from the fields or from the store - both options are $0.50/lb). One thing I wouldn't recommend is their food. While very reasonably priced ($3.50 for hamburgers, $2 for hot dogs, and $2 for fries) the line was excessively long, the food took forever to arrive, and also wasn't very good. (Have you ever had over-fried funnel cake? So sad.) Next time we'll pack our own lunch. *just a note: this year due to COVID19 there are no pig races and no train rides

Horrible As a guest of someone it was Horrible…read more Didn't even get my mani pedicure The wait was long even with an appointment And they don't listen to you regarding what uou want No thank you

My wife and I have Scots in our background and we try to make a festival somewhere every couple of…read moreyears. It's been 5+ years since we had been to the Virginia Scottish Games and a friend from Clan Grant wanted to go. http://www.vascottishgames.org/ The basic set up is always the same. A bunch of vendors, beer, some food, highland games including a caber toss, stone toss, hammer throws, and the sheaf toss. Pipes and drums: check A good entertainment tent too. Usually you can find the Glengarry Bhoys playing. They are a great Celtic band. Lots of fun. Worth your time and coin.

This is the second time that we have come to this event. It is a great time. Family friendly and…read moreplenty to drink. Held at the Pocahontas State Park amphitheater. There are about 20 different craft beer breweries present. As well as a bud light truck. There is only 1 place to eat this year. Last time there were 3 different places. I guess food trucks didn't want to come. There has been a jump house both times we came. Bring a chair if you want to have a seat. If not there is seating real close to the band. It can get loud down there.

Haymarket Day 2024 was a huge success! First of all, the weather could not have been more…read morebeautiful. The entire event was extremely well organized, starting with the shuttle bus that took visitors to and from Tyler Elementary throughout the day. The parade began promptly at 10 AM and was well organized. Great assortment of vendors along the parade route and a fun Kidzone was set up in the park. It was an overall wonderful, fun-filled day for all.

Haymarket Day 2011 was held today - Saturday, September 17, 2011! (It's still going on as I type…read morethis). As in years past - the main route through Old Town Haymarket was closed to vehicular traffic for the all day event (Route 55/Washington Street). An awesome parade was held (pretty awesome for a small town!). Started the day with a nice cup of steaming hot delicious coffee from Cupcake Heaven, then found a spot along Washington Street to watch the parade and take photos. Lots of entertaining participants in the parade: The Battlefield HS Marching Band, cheerleaders, several local dance troops, several martial arts groups, the Fairfax County Police motorcycle officers (in precision formations), Cub/Boy Scouts, musical groups, local politicians, church groups, civic groups, local businesses, the Geico Gecko, the Chik-fil-A cows, Santa Claus, and a lot more! The parade was considerably longer with more participants than ever. There is also a large vendor area in front of Town Hall and down Washington Street with lots of vendors of all sorts, arts and crafts, games, food and beverages, stages with music, and a lot more! The weather was perfect, cool and overcast, no rain, the place was packed with local residents. It is a great event and it's so wonderful to see so many folks come out with their kids, many brought their dogs, and everyone seemed to be well behaved. I really like the small town atmosphere of Haymarket and the sense of community we have here!

Awesome festival for adults and families! A great way to spend a weekend when it's held, for a fun…read moretime. There are band lineups all weekend, and vendors with food and beer. Plently of activies for kids as well, such as their inflatable jumping pad. Misty Mountain is also an excellent place to camp, with cabins, camper spots, and plots for tents. The entrance fee is donations for a food pantry. The best part is all the friendly people! Highly recommend if you are in the area when it's held!