Lords, ladies, and fair folk of all kinds: each fall, El Rancho de las Golondrinas sets the stage for a weekend unlike any other. The Santa Fe Renaissance Faire 2025 returns for a weekend in September, bringing two packed days of costumed performers, jousting tournaments, and medieval markets. Across 200 acres of adobe courtyards, dirt trails, and shaded arroyos, the site comes alive with energy, imagination, and a playful take on the Middle Ages — New Mexico style!
Event Information
- Dates: September 13 – 14, 2025
- Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: El Rancho de las Golondrinas, 334 Los Pinos Rd., Santa Fe
- Tickets: Adults $28; Seniors, Veterans (with ID) & Teens $17; Kids under 12 free
Please note that tickets must be purchased online; tickets will not be sold at the gate.
Faire Activities and Attractions
The Santa Fe Renaissance Faire fills every corner of the Kingdom of Golondrinas with action, spectacle, and surprise. Live performances run throughout the day, while village paths and open-air camps invite guests to try medieval games, watch traditional crafts in progress, or catch a pirate skirmish just around the bend. Below are some of the main attractions that bring the faire to life each year.
Jousts, Combat, and Street Theater
The faire features full-contact jousting, street comedy, and live theatrical acts throughout the day. The Order of Epona leads armored horseback matches at the Field of Champions, while Clan Tynker mixes juggling, magic, and humor on stage. Musicians, jesters, and performers roam the grounds, keeping the energy moving between shows.
Family Zones and Interactive Fun
For younger guests, the faire includes a whimsical Fairy Village, costumed characters from the royal court, and appearances by the Knights of Epona in live demonstrations. Throughout the grounds, families will find medieval crafts, hands-on displays, and quiet corners where kids can learn a little while they play. Bring your little princes and princesses — there’s a good chance they’ll leave with a story of their own.
Handcrafts and Costumed Vendors
More than 50 vendors make up the artisan marketplace, where attendees can browse pottery, leather goods, handmade weapons, and Renaissance faire costumes. Dressing up is encouraged, and you’ll see everything from royal gowns and knight’s armor to fairy wings and pirate boots. Even those who arrive in street clothes often leave with ideas for how they can dress next time.
Food, Drink, and Festival Fare
Medieval fare lines the walkways near the Golondrinas Tavern, with roasted turkey legs, meat pies, and ale-style drinks served in shaded courtyards. Local beer, cider, and wine tastings add a New Mexico touch, with vendors like Beer Creek Brewing, New Mexico Hard Cider, and Sheehan Winery on site.
Tips for Your Trip Back in Time
- Arrive Early: Parking is free but fills quickly.
- Dress for the Weather: Bring sun protection and walking shoes.
- Come in Costume: Period dress is encouraged, but not required.
- Cash Is Helpful: Many vendors accept cards, but some do not.
- Same Schedule Both Days: No need to attend both unless you want to.
A Faire That Gives Back
The faire functions as a fundraiser with ticket sales directly supporting educational programs at El Rancho de las Golondrinas and the Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences. It occurs in the context of a living history museum whose broader mission centers on teaching local agricultural and architectural heritage. Many of the people who staff the faire also support year‑round programming that connects students to those historic traditions.
Experience the Magic at Rancho de las Golondrinas
Every September, history gets a little louder. Knights clash in the dust, pirates heckle from camp, and fairies gossip near the water mill. The Santa Fe Renaissance Faire turns El Rancho de las Golondrinas into a medieval village that never quite sticks to the script. It’s noisy, playful, occasionally chaotic, and entirely its own.
Costumes are encouraged. Curiosity is required.
For tickets, directions, and the latest updates, visit golondrinas.org or call 505-471-2261.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
