From jousting knights to Celtic rock, experience two weekends of live entertainment
Equus Nobilis
Jousting
Equus Nobilis delivers high-energy, theatrical jousting led by veteran stuntman Dan Foss. Featuring elite riders and skilled war horses, the show combines precision horsemanship, daring stunts, and dynamic stage combat for a thrilling, crowd-engaging experience. From elegant pleasure jousts to full-contact clashes of war, each performance stands alone while building an exciting narrative throughout the day. Audiences can expect heart-pounding action, including mounted combat, ring jousting, dramatic falls, and weapon-based battles.
Joust Field
The Lords of Adventure
Adventure
Choose to be a hero or be a victim by accident! We are The Lords of Adventure. It is our mission to remind all of you that you have an adventurer inside. Be the hero of your own story.
Calypso’s Adventure Stage, Queen’s Marquee
Balloon Ben
Comedy
Balloon Ben brings colorful chaos and comedy to the lanes with his fast-paced balloon artistry and playful personality. From whimsical animals to over-the-top creations, his twisting skills delight guests of all ages.
Throughout the Village
Matthew Schwarz
Music
Drawing from traditional folk roots and classical training, his music ranges from lively, medieval-inspired melodies to rich, cinematic compositions. Whether performing original works or reimagined traditional pieces, Matt creates an immersive musical experience that feels both timeless and fresh.
Throughout the Village
Rover’s Way
Music
Rover’s Way brings the heart of the tavern to life with spirited harmonies, driving rhythms, and songs drawn from Celtic tradition and Renaissance folk. This dynamic duo blends vocals, guitar, bodhrán, and whistle to create an immersive musical experience that feels straight from a medieval alehouse.
Queen’s Marquee
Polaris Circus
Magic
Polaris Circus blends graceful aerial artistry with mesmerizing bubble magic to create a truly enchanting performance. With strength, elegance, and a touch of whimsy, this solo act captivates audiences as shimmering bubbles drift and aerial movement unfolds above. A perfect mix of beauty and wonder, Polaris Circus offers a peaceful, magical moment within the excitement of the festival—delighting guests of all ages.
Maypole Summit
The Charmings
Music
The Charmings delight young royals and their families with enchanting songs, sweet harmonies, and a touch of fairytale magic. Blending playful storytelling with music inspired by classic tales and whimsical adventures, their performances feel like stepping into a storybook. Perfect for princes, princesses, and dreamers of all ages, The Charmings invite children to sing along, use their imagination, and become part of the magic—creating a joyful, interactive experience full of wonder and happily-ever-afters.
Kids’ Kingdom
Bards of the Glen
Music
Bards of the Glen Collective group of traditional music players, based in NY’s Capital Region. The musicians are a small part of long and rich musical heritage called the Fiddlers Tour, an Irish Sessium which began in Albany in 1987. Genres include Irish, Scottish, Scandinavian, Welsh, Old English, Old-time American, and French-Canadian (Quebecois) tunes and songs. You may even hear some Eastern European ones.
Stompy’s Peasant Pub
Celtic Magic with Daniel GreenWolf & Bella
Magic
Daniel GreenWolf is an award-winning Celtic magician who blends illusion, storytelling, and quick-witted Irish humor into a high-energy, unforgettable show. Drawing from Celtic myth and tradition, his performances combine mind-bending magic, daring feats, and theatrical flair to fully immerse audiences in the experience.
Calypso’s Adventure Stage
Michael OJ Magician
Magic
Michael OJ brings wonder and laughter to the festival with a lively blend of magic, comedy, and audience interaction. With sleight-of-hand, mind-bending tricks, and a playful stage presence, his performances keep guests guessing and smiling from start to finish.
Wagon Stage
Bad Idea Variety Show
Juggling
Bad Idea Entertainment delivers fast-paced comedy, juggling, and magical mayhem with a mischievous twist. Led by performer Douglas Stafford, this act blends sharp wit, playful chaos, and impressive skill into a show that keeps audiences laughing and on their toes. With a mix of juggling, sleight-of-hand, and offbeat humor, every performance feels spontaneous, interactive, and just a little unpredictable—in the best way. Perfect for a lively festival crowd, Bad Idea Entertainment turns “bad ideas” into unforgettable fun.
Wagon Stage
Will Kempe’s Players
Comedy
Will Kempe’s Players bring the lively spirit of Elizabethan theatre to the festival with a blend of comedy, dance, and interactive performance. Inspired by the legendary Shakespearean clown Will Kempe—known for his improvisation, physical humor, and energetic jigs —this troupe captures the playful, mischievous heart of Renaissance entertainment.
Wagon Stage, Maypole, Joust Field
Christian Sochor & Kilraine Pinyard
Adventure
Robin Hood & Maid Marian bring legend to life as they roam the festival, sharing tales, laughter, and a bit of merry mischief. Portrayed by Christian Sochor and Kilraine Pinyard, this iconic duo invites guests to step into the world of Sherwood Forest. With quick wit and playful charm, they interact with visitors throughout the day—posing for photos, spinning stories, and recruiting new members to their merry band. Whether you find them along the forest paths or in the heart of the village, their presence adds a touch of adventure, romance, and storybook magic for guests of all ages.
Throughout the Village
Captain Clyde & His Puppet Friends
Puppet Show
Captain Clyde & His Puppet Friends bring laughter, chaos, and a shipload of silliness to the festival! This lively, family-friendly show blends puppetry, comedy, and crowd interaction as Captain Clyde and his colorful crew of puppet companions embark on ridiculous adventures.
Kids’ Kingdom
The Executioner
Comedy
The Executioner is ready to deliver justice… and a good laugh! Step into the stocks, confess your “crimes,” and face the crowd as your misdeeds are humorously revealed for all to hear. Perfect for a memorable photo and a bit of playful humiliation, this interactive experience is a festival favorite for guests brave enough to take the stand!
Near Stompy’s Peasant Pub
SCA Historical Reenactment Group
Fencing
SCA Historical Reenactment Group brings history to life with an authentic look at medieval combat, chivalry, and daily life. Featuring armored fighters and skilled practitioners, they demonstrate the techniques, weapons, and traditions of the Middle Ages with both accuracy and passion. From live combat displays to engaging conversations about history, the group offers a unique opportunity to learn, watch, and experience the world of knights and nobles up close—perfect for history lovers and curious minds alike.
Below Maypole Summit
Rogue Fencing
Fencing
Rogue Fencing brings the art of the blade to life with fast-paced, skillful demonstrations of historical fencing. Showcasing techniques inspired by real Renaissance combat, their performances highlight precision, strategy, and the elegance of swordplay. Whether engaging in lively duels or sharing the fundamentals of fencing, Rogue Fencing offers an exciting and educational glimpse into the world of historic martial arts—perfect for anyone drawn to the thrill of steel and the skill behind the sword.
Below Maypole Summit
Keith Engle
Music
Keith Engle fills the air with the lively spirit of Irish fiddle, bringing traditional tunes to life with energy, skill, and heart. His music ranges from foot-stomping jigs and reels to haunting, melodic airs, capturing the soul of old-world folk tradition. Whether performing in a lively village setting or creating a moment of quiet enchantment, Keith’s fiddle invites guests to pause, listen, and be swept away by the timeless sound of Ireland.
Throughout the Village
Jacks O'All Trades
Juggling
Jacks O'All Trades deliver fast-paced comedy and classic variety entertainment with a mischievous twist. Blending juggling, physical comedy, and audience interaction, their performances are full of surprises, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. With a style that feels straight from a bustling marketplace stage, the Gratto Fellows keep crowds engaged and entertained—making every show a lively, unpredictable experience for guests of all ages.
Calypso’s Adventure Stage
Dume & Glume Ethical Executioneers
Comedy
Dume & Glume roam the festival delivering a delightfully absurd take on medieval justice. As a self-proclaimed executioner and his questionable partner in law, this comedic duo pulls unsuspecting guests into improvised trials, ridiculous accusations, and wildly unnecessary “punishments.” Blending sharp wit, physical comedy, and constant audience interaction, Dume & Glume turn the lanes into their stage—creating a mischievous, laugh-filled experience you won’t want to miss.
The Queen’s Marquee
Crossbones McCoy
Adventure
Crossbones McCoy leads young adventurers on a swashbuckling journey through the festival with his interactive pirate treasure hunt! Kids can follow the clues, solve riddles, and join the crew in search of hidden treasure—earning a pirate name and prize along the way. When he’s not charting a course for adventure, Crossbones McCoy brings music and laughter to the stage with lively songs and a musical comedy show alongside Captain Clyde. Full of humor, energy, and pirate mischief, his performances are a hit with buccaneers of all ages.
Stompy’s Peasant Pub, Kids’ Kingdom
Jim Mackenzie, Comedian with Mad Skills
Juggling
Jim Mackenzie is a comedian with mad skills, blending laugh-out-loud humor with juggling, circus stunts, sideshow surprises, and vaudeville-inspired physical comedy. From sword swallowing to daring escape-style feats, his show keeps audiences laughing, gasping, and wondering what he’ll do next. With decades of festival, comedy club, and stage experience, Jim brings a wildly entertaining mix of skill, suspense, and silliness to the faire.
Calypso’s Adventure Stage, Wagon Stage
Witches Along the Hudson
Comedy
Witches Along the Hudson bring a playful, lighthearted energy to the festival with fun, slightly silly dance performances before the joust. With spirited movement, creative costumes, and a sense of humor, they get the crowd smiling, laughing, and ready for the show to begin.
Joust Field
The Happy Haggs
Comedy
The Happy Haggs bring playful energy and big personality to their pre-joust dance performances. With expressive movement, bold character choices, and a lighthearted tone, they create a fun and lively atmosphere that gets the crowd smiling and ready for the excitement ahead.
Joust Field
The HelderWitches
Comedy
The HelderWitches bring a high-spirited energy to the festival with fun and slightly mischievous dance performances before the joust. With playful movement, bold costumes, and a don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously attitude, they get the crowd laughing, clapping, and ready for the action to begin.
Joust Field
NY Capital District Renaissance Festival
Two weekends of knights, fair maidens, folly, and fun at Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont, NY.