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For 13 glorious seasons, the NJ Renaissance Faire has grown from a “Start-up Faire” to being sold out in 2022, with a full parking lot.
Hence, the decision was made to move the largest, most successful faire of its kind in New Jersey down the road to a new location, for it to continue to grow and flourish.
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The new “Shire” is being built on the grounds of Allen Airstrip, just off route 206 and 38, on the border of Lumberton and Vincentown, surrounded by farm fields, thick woods, and the Rancocas Creek.
Performance stages are being built as you read this by a dedicated site crew, including a 32 x 32-foot human chess board and joust field. NJ Ren Faire general manager, TJ Miller explains, “I’ve been traveling the country for the past 25 years, performing and visiting similar size Faires that assemble in a matter of weeks. We have four months to create our new vision, and we’re well on our way!”
To ensure success in its inaugural season at the new site, Miller has booked fan favorites like “Jacques ze Whipper” (currently at 2.6 million TikTok followers), as well as the all-female singing troupe “Chaste Treasure” who formed at the NJ Faire over a decade ago, and infamous musical comedy legends, “Righteous Blackguards.”
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Says Miller, “It’s not the big acts that patrons necessarily remember at our Faire, but the delightful interaction with talented cast members and eclectic merchants.”
Cast members work for three months in preparation for the season, led by long-time teachers of the trade- John Williams and Phil Leipf.
“To us, a Renaissance Faire at its essence, is pure, outdoor, improvisational theater,” says Williams. “And for most people,” adds Leipf, a trained stage combat choreographer, “seeing sword fighting and jousting on horses, up close, is truly a magical, and memorable experience.”
In the world of Renaissance Faires, growth and success correlate with having an extended run of weekends, which prompted the move.
“The New Jersey Ren Faire has been an awesome annual event at Liberty Lake, and because of its success, needs to move to a location where it can run for more weekends and begin to build its own infrastructure,” explains Andy Pritikin, NJRF producer, as well as owner of Liberty Lake. “With our day camp and picnic business, we couldn’t run the amount of weekends that the public demands. Moving to this new site will also enable the Faire to create a site of its own.”
The magic kicks off each day at 10 am and runs for eight fun-filled hours of Music, Comedy, Sword Fighting, Knights, Princesses, Aerialists, and more.
The eclectic merchant village is full of beautifully hand-made artisan crafts, where you can find jewelry, themed clothing, artwork, handmade soaps, candles, and other unique trinkets in-between performances.
A children’s area, “Nipper’s Nook” is being recreated at the new site, while adults can enjoy Axe Throwing, Archery, a Maze, and a Meade Garden hosted by the South Jersey Celtic Society with local craft beers and Valenzano wines. When you start getting hungry from all the festivities, there are plenty of different food options available, as well as live entertainment at the Duke’s Feast Tent.
There are three Faire weekends this season (May 20-21, 27-28, June 3-4) followed by a Celtic-Fest June 10-11 with an exciting Highland Games competition. Schools and Homeschoolers are invited out for a special day on Friday, June 2.
If you’ve never been to a Renaissance Faire, it’s a fun, safe, memorable family experience to all who attend. Check out photos and videos on the New Jersey Renaissance Faire’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages.
Tickets, Season’s Passes, and VIP Packages Available Online Now at NJRenFaire.com.
Single Day tickets: $25 for adults, $10 for children 5-12
Also Flex Passes, Weekend Passes, VIP Passes, and Dog Tickets