It's Renaissance Time Again

Back for a second year under its new management, the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival gets under way this Saturday for a six-weekend run in Westmoreland County. The medieval village of Morelandshire will feature the centerpiece jousting tournaments, along with local actors in period costumes, mimes, jugglers and comedy shows. Younger visitors can enjoy a taste of the renaissance in the Children's Realm, where Queen Anne tells stories and King Henry bestows knighthood, with craft activities and an exotic animal display.

Each of the six festival weekends features a special theme:

Opening Weekend (August 23-24) - Music and Dance Renaissance with peasant and court dances.

Children's Weekend (August 30-31, September 1) - Costume contests, plus children's knighting ceremonies and special games of skill. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

Chivalry, Love & Romance (September 6-7) - Meet Romeo and Juliet and Prince Charming, or take part in a wooing contest. Married couples can renew their vows in the chapel.

Italian Renaissance (September 13-14) - Meet Renaissance men Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo or watch a grape stomping competition. Plus other special Italian themed shows and food.

Celtic Fling (September 20-21) - Plenty of Celtic entertainment, including Celtic musicians, Scottish pipe bands, Irish dancing and madrigal singers. Plus, a Men in Kilts contest.

Mardi Gras (September 27-28) - Closing weekend at the Renaissance Festival is a Mardi Gras party, with costumes, masks and a Nobility Fashion Show.

More September Festivals