Eastern North Carolina Renaissance Faire 2024 Delivers a Spellbinding Weekend of History, Fantasy, and Family Fun
Kinston, NC – April 2024 — The Eastern North Carolina Renaissance Faire (ENCRF) wrapped up its fourth successful year at the Lenoir County Fairgrounds, welcoming over 12,000 visitors to an unforgettable weekend filled with wonder, creativity, and community.
What started as a local celebration of Renaissance culture has quickly become one of North Carolina’s most anticipated seasonal events—bringing together artisans, performers, families, and history enthusiasts from across the region. The 2024 faire took place under sunny skies and offered a vibrant blend of traditional and fantastical elements that transported guests into a world of knights, nobles, merchants, and myth.
A Faire to Remember – 2024 Highlights
⚔️ Enchanting Entertainment:
The fairegrounds echoed with the sounds of belly dancers, sword fights, musicians, and roaming bards. Performances took place on multiple stages and throughout the lanes, giving visitors a chance to stumble upon magic at every turn. Many guests praised the authenticity and energy of the shows, with one calling the dancers “absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing.”
🎨 Vendors & Artisans Galore:
Over 100 vendors and craftsmen brought the village to life. Attendees browsed everything from handcrafted weapons and jewelry to signed fantasy novels, crystals, and interactive mining sluices for kids. The vendor village was not only a shopping destination—it was an immersive, themed marketplace that added depth and charm to the faire experience.
👑 Royal Encounters:
Families delighted in the opportunity to meet the Royal Court, including the Queen and her entourage. Young fairgoers were knighted in courtly ceremonies and given the royal treatment—creating lasting memories and photo ops. This touch of regal immersion helped set ENCRF apart as a uniquely family-friendly faire.
🌱 Community-Driven Magic:
Organized by a dedicated group of local creatives and volunteers, ENCRF is deeply rooted in its community. From volunteer cast members playing village roles to behind-the-scenes coordinators managing logistics, the fair thrives on the efforts of people passionate about art, culture, and creating shared joy.
A Personal Reflection – A Review from a Returning Fairegoer
As someone who has attended Renaissance faires across the East Coast, ENCRF 2024 stood out for its sincerity, heart, and immersive charm. The energy was warm and welcoming—inviting guests not just to watch history, but to live it. The vendor curation was thoughtful, with a mix of fantasy and historical booths, and the entertainment was constant, from jousts and drum circles to spontaneous dancing in the lanes.
It’s a rare thing to see an event grow this fast while still keeping its grassroots spirit alive. ENCRF has done just that. It’s not just a faire—it’s a festival of imagination, built by people who love what they do and love sharing it with others.
What’s Next: ENCRF 2025
Mark your calendars! The Eastern North Carolina Renaissance Faire returns April 12–13, 2025, promising even more enchantment, expanded programming, and surprises. Applications for vendors, performers, and volunteers are now open through their official website.
Whether you come for the cosplay, the crafts, the food, or the jousts—ENCRF welcomes all to “step back in time and play awhile.”
🔗 Learn more at: www.encrenfaire.com
📸 Photos and media inquiries: info@encrenfaire.com
