What's New

This Year’s Theme!

The year is 1381, and the stage is set for revolution… The peasants are always rebelling against royalty, but only this rebellion earned the title “The Peasants’ Revolt”. Discontent has been spreading throughout the land as King Richard II and his regent John of Gaunt oppress the peasants by tripling the poll tax and preventing them from working where they want. The peasants have had enough! Click here to read more...

New Featured Acts

WOLGEMUT: Ancient German Bagpipes and Bombastic Drums!—NEW

Both weekends!

Castle Stage

The one and only, international minstrels troupe performs Early Music for Modern Minds played upon Ancient German Bagpipes and Bombastic Drums. Guaranteed to put you “in a good mood”! Wolgemut is performing four bombastic shows daily plus don’t miss their performances during the opening gate ceremony and their special end of day closing performance entitled “FUNKENGROOVENFEST”. It’s exciting music guaranteed to get you moving!

Acrobellum—NEW

Both weekends!

Tower Stage

Acrobellum is a fun and entertaining troupe of Acrobats, Tumblers, Dancers, and Fire Performers that mix style, movement and music to create a one of a kind performance.

Filthy Fairytales—NEW

Both weekends!

Mudde Stage

A new Sarasota Medieval Fair production that delivers an explosive performance keeping you cringing on the edge of your seat. They will bring you an exciting new organic theatre comedy show that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages and intellects.

Bones Medieval Mysteries: Magic from the Furthest Corners of the World—NEW

Both weekends!

Castle Stage

Learn the Secrets of Life, Chinese Challenge, Magic Elixir, Tales of Adventure, and The Mystical Rope of Istambul. All of this will be revealed!

Now Performing Both Weekends

Tribal Fusion Bellydance

Now Performing Both Weekends!

Tower Stage

Featuring traditional cabaret style of belly dance and tribal fusion. Shows are complete with traditional music & costumes, and incorporates: veils, fans, candle dance, and a sharp Turkish scimitar!

New Interactive Performances

Peasant’s Bowling—NEW
Come watch as the nobles of the realm use peasants as bowling balls to roll to hit other peasants—it’s the nobles unofficial past-time!

Noble Hunt—NEW
Did we mention that this years theme is “Peasants Revolt?” It’s 1381 in Smithfield, England and peasants are on the rampage. Join the peasants as they play a new game where they hunt for nobles!

Knighting Ceremony—NEW
Have your little Lord or Lady made a Knight or Lady of the realm!

New Construction Projects for 2011

· New Food Court/Booths

· Two New Beverage Booths

· More Wooden Standing Tables & Additional Seating

· New 2011 Peasants Revolt props

· Many New Wooden Signs

· New Enchanted Forest Entrance Arch

New Jousting Styles

A unique style of jousting will be performed each festival day!

Northern Italian—NEW

Saturday, Nov. 12 & Friday, Nov. 18

Without benefit of shield, passing left shoulder unto left shoulder, crossing the lance over the horse’s neck to strike the other knight’s unprotected breastplate or helm in an attempt to unhorse him.

Plankengestech—NEW

Sunday, Nov. 13

With placards added, passing left shoulder unto left shoulder, crossing the lance over the horse’s neck to strike the other knight’s breastplate in an attempt to unhorse him.

Welschgesteckh—NEW

Saturday, Nov. 19

With grand guards & buffs, passing left shoulder unto left shoulder, crossing the lance over the horse’s neck to strike the other knight’s grand guard in an attempt to unhorse him.

Realgestech—NEW

Sunday, Nov. 20

With gridded grand guards & buffs, passing left shoulder unto left shoulder, crossing the lance over the horse’s neck to strike the other knight’s grand guard in an attempt to unhorse him.

SPECIAL APPEARANCE: JASMINE BECKET-GRIFFITH—NEW

Jasmine Becket-Griffith is a world-renowned fantasy artist. Her artwork can be found in private collections and public displays throughout the world.

You may recognize her paintings from her merchandising and licensing lines with Disney, Hot Topic, Target, Spencer's, the Hamilton Collection and the Bradford Exchange. Her artwork is also found in many books such as the Spectrum fine art collections, Gothic Art Now, The World of Faery, Big Eye Art, and more!

Jasmine's paintings blend realism with wide-eyed wonder - exploring gothic themes, with elements of classical literature, fairytales, nature and fantasy. Jasmine will be available to sign autographs and personalize artwork the second weekend of the festival only (Nov. 19-20, 2011).