Every February and March, a quiet 430-acre Broward County park in Deerfield Beach transforms into something you really have to see to believe. Armor-clad knights charge down a jousting lane, minstrels wander between ancient oaks, and somewhere near the lake, a fire-eater is almost certainly about to do something alarming. Welcome to the Florida Renaissance Festival — South Florida's most beloved seasonal tradition, and in 2027, its 35th anniversary season.
Dates, Hours & Location
The 35th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays only, February 6 through March 28, 2027, opening each day at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until sunset — roughly 6:00 p.m. during that time of year. The address is Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach. The park sits just south of Hillsboro Boulevard on Powerline Road, a short drive north of Fort Lauderdale. Note that despite the Deerfield Beach name, the park is several miles inland — don't show up expecting sand.
The Eight Themed Weekends
One of the smartest things about this festival is that each of the eight weekends carries its own identity, giving regular attendees a reason to come back and first-timers a reason to choose wisely. The 2027 lineup of themes, in order, is:
- Week 1 (Feb. 6–7): Gamemaster's Unite — The Campaign Begins
- Week 2 (Feb. 13–14): Cupid's Lullaby
- Week 3 (Feb. 20–21): A Viking's Valor
- Week 4 (Feb. 27–28): Sirens and Shipwrecks
- Week 5 (Mar. 6–7): His Majesty's Marketplace
- Week 6 (Mar. 13–14): Clover the Rainbow
- Week 7 (Mar. 20–21): Rise of the Cog-Keepers (steampunk weekend)
- Week 8 (Mar. 27–28): Fantastical Fables
The steampunk-flavored Rise of the Cog-Keepers weekend and the seafaring Sirens and Shipwrecks weekend tend to draw particularly enthusiastic cosplay crowds. If your group loves dressing up, those are prime targets. Week 6, Clover the Rainbow, lands right around St. Patrick's Day — expect Celtic music, kilts, and a festive pub atmosphere to take center stage.
Tickets & Pricing
Single-day admission for adults runs around $39, with children ages 6–11 priced at approximately $14, and children five and under admitted free. That admission price is all-in — it already includes sales tax and the Broward County park entry fee, so there's no surprise toll at the gate. Season passes are available for visitors who plan to attend multiple weekends, and group rates (typically around $31 per adult ticket) apply for purchases of 20 or more tickets in a single transaction. Seniors 65+ and active military can receive a small discount at the box office with a valid ID.
One important note for 2027: the box office is cashless, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and supported mobile payment options. Prices are the same whether you buy online in advance or at the gate — but buying online means you can walk past the ticket line and get straight to the fun. Confirm current pricing at ren-fest.com before you go, as fees and rates can change season to season.
Parking
Parking is available directly at Quiet Waters Park. Quiet Waters charges a small per-person park entrance fee (currently $1.50 per person, with children under 5 free), but that cost is folded into your festival admission ticket when you purchase through the festival — no separate payment needed at the park entrance booth. VIP parking upgrades are also available for those who want a prime spot close to the gates; check ren-fest.com for current VIP parking pricing. Rideshare drop-off lands at the front of the parking lot, making Uber or Lyft a genuinely comfortable option if you'd rather skip the lot entirely.
Visitors flying in can land at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, roughly 20–30 minutes south of the park. Tri-Rail also runs a Deerfield Beach station about 4–5 miles east of the park — a budget-friendly way to dodge I-95 weekend traffic if you're coming from the Miami or Boca Raton area.
What to Expect Inside
The festival village — officially called Kimmendale — fills Quiet Waters Park with more than 100 artisan vendors and more than 100 performers across twelve stages. You'll find everything from blown glass and hand-tooled leather goods to handcrafted weaponry and period clothing. Entertainment ranges from the jousting arena (knights charge three times daily) to axe throwing, archery, sword fighting demonstrations, rock wall climbing, and a labyrinth. Recurring crowd favorites include the Washing Well Wenches, Moonie and Broon, and the carillon bell artist Cast in Bronze. Soft drinks and water run around $4 per item from vendors; while the box office is cashless, many individual food and game vendors still prefer cash, and ATMs are available on the grounds — so it's wise to come with some bills in your pocket. Rides and games inside the festival are cash only.
First-Timer Tips
- Arrive early. Gates open at 10 a.m. and the jousting, shade, and parking are all at their best before noon. Crowds swell significantly after 1 p.m., especially on Sundays.
- Dress for Florida February weather. Mornings can be genuinely pleasant and cool; afternoons heat up fast. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable for the uneven terrain. A cooling towel tucked in your bag is a local's secret weapon.
- Costumes are welcomed but never required. Thousands of visitors come in full period garb — from puffed-sleeve tunics to Viking helmets — but just as many arrive in shorts and sneakers and have a spectacular time either way.
- Note the no-School Day policy. The festival has confirmed there will be no weekday School Day event for 2027, so all public sessions are weekend-only.
- Accessibility needs? A Guest Services Information Booth is located just outside the front entrance. You can also call the festival office at 954-776-1642 at least five days before your visit to arrange specific accommodations.
- Check the themed weekend schedule before booking. Specialty acts and costumed performers shift with each theme — visiting the right weekend for your interests makes a real difference.
With over 120,000 guests turning out annually and a 35-year track record, the Florida Renaissance Festival has more than earned its reputation as South Florida's most atmospheric seasonal event. Pick your weekend, lace up your boots (or your greaves), and let Kimmendale work its spell.
