Huzzah!!! There are over 200 renaissance events across the United States every year, magical festivals for those who love the Middle Ages. Also, look at my Renaissance Lapbook and Unit Study.
I’m sharing the top events and a fun craft for your Medieval and Renaissance Times fans who just can’t get enough of the period.
The Renaissance Period began in Italy.
And the period was kicked off by events like The Crusades, Black Death, rediscovering Greek and Roman art, increased cultural interaction.
Channels like the Silk Road, and excess wealth introduced into Italy via trade helped it to spread.
Many are fascinated by it due to the incredible art and craftsmanship.
Then there are the castles, the regalness of kings and queens, chivalry of knights, and all the amazing inventions during this time.
The events I have listed for you today are some of the largest and most popular around the country.
They are perfect for history buffs, cosplay enthusiasts, or those seeking adventure and make an already interesting unit even better.
These outings are wonderfully on theme and include fun activities.
For example, there are jousting tournaments, period foods, lively music by minstrels and troubadours.
Also, handmade goods and many dressed in renaissance garb.
Artisans are on hand to demonstrate their skills, such as blacksmithing, woodworking, and leather working.
Books About the Renaissance Times for Kids
First, look at some of these living books I rounded up.
We have so many favorites but this list gives you a starting point.
17 Renaissance Period Books for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To
This was such a huge time period with so many events and people you can't cover them all but you'll love to add some of them.
A fascinating look at the life of Christopher Columbus, from his own letters and journals.
From the awe-inspiring pyramids of Egypt to the majestic castles of medieval Europe, this book will whisk you away to far-off lands and bygone eras, sparking your imagination and curiosity. Join the ranks of legendary explorers, brave knights, and ingenious inventors, all while uncovering the secrets of our shared human heritage.
Perfect for young readers eager to discover the world's past, this beautifully crafted paperback edition is not just a book—it's a ticket to a time machine, a passport to historical marvels, and a treasure trove of knowledge.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious student, or a parent seeking an engaging educational experience for your child, "A Child's History of the World" is a must-have addition to your library. Let the pages of this book transport you to extraordinary realms, leaving you inspired and hungry for more.
Against the fascinating tapestry of Frances history during the Hundred Years' War, Diane Stanley unfolds the story of the simple thirteen-year-old village girl who in Just a few years would lead France to independence from English rule, and thus become a symbol of France's national pride. It is a story of vision and bravery, fierce determination, and tragic martyrdom.
Diane Stanley's extraordinary gift to present historical information in an accessible and child-friendly format has never been more impressive, nor her skillful, beautifully realized illustrations (here imitating medieval illuminated manuscripts) more exquisite.
Johann Gutenberg is working on printing the first Bible with type. Twelve-year-old Hans Dunne works in Gutenberg's shop as an apprentice printer. Soon, Hans finds himself in the middle of a type-stealing mystery. Will Hans, and the other pressmen be able to keep Herr Fust from getting the type? Will they be able to finish the Bible so many people will be able to read and learn from it? For 9-to-14-year-olds.
Diane Stanley blends wonderful storytelling with gorgeous illustrations to convey the stunning scope of Leonardo da Vinci's genius in a book that has won many awards and earned two starred reviews. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.
Chronicles the life of a brilliant Italian mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, who was forced to renounce his inventions and discoveries because they challenged the authority of the Church.
Mr Howarth is a brilliant writer, full of grace and wit and solid common sense' - The New Yorker A reprint of a marvellous retelling of the Armada story. Until this book was published, the Battle of the Armada had been told primarily from the English viewpoint, the English victory puffed up into a national heroic tale which was far from the truth. There is another side to this story, however, and, basing his narrative on previously unexplored Spanish sources, David Howarth, brilliantly redressed the balance.
Originally written for younger readers as an introduction to the world of the Italian Renaissance, this classic work takes the reader on an exciting personal tour of some of the greatest artists of that time period.Much more than just a dry history of who painted what, Steedman’s book portrays each artist in personal terms, providing details of their lives, loves, highlights and low points.The period of ItalianRenaissance painting started around the late thirteenth century and flourished until the sixteenth, covering the periods scholars now call the Proto-Renaissance (1300–1400), the Early Renaissance (1400–1475), the High Renaissance (1475–1525), and Mannerism (1525–1600). Drawing much of her material from the classic Lives of the Painters, by Giorgio Vasari, Steedman gives readers young and old a concise and enthralling overview of Italian Renaissance painters and discusses their impact upon society and their enduring cultural legacy
As a new edition to The Royal Diaries series, this factual tale offers young readers an insight to the life and times of this famous royal prior to her days on the throne as the Queen of England.
How did a man from an unremarkable family create a legacy of plays that are performed almost every day in every part of the world? There will always be unsolved mysteries about William Shakespeare, but what we do know of his life, his times, and his theater makes a dramatic and exciting story.
The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day by award-winning author Scott O'Dell is historical fiction set in Europe during the 1500s. In this Christian fiction book Tom Barton and his uncle Jack are smugglers who are used to breaking the law. With quick wits and secret cargo holds, they have managed to make a comfortable living. And then William Tyndale asks them to carry English Bibles along with their usual cargo. As enemy after enemy rises to oppose Tyndale's Bible translation, Tom is confronted with a choice between what he wants and what he knows to be true.
The true story of Martin Luther and the Reformation. At the boarding school in Eisenach, Martin and his friends had to sing for their supper. Martin spent a lot of time thinking about how to get to heaven – he thought that he had to pray for hours on end, eat very little, work very hard and study a great many good books, in order to have his sins forgiven
Horrified at having witnessed her father's murder and fearing that the killers are agents of Queen Elizabeth I, eleven-year-old Alice Tuckfield hides in the Yorkshire cathedral by disguising herself as one of the choirboys.
Dreaming of becoming a great artist but frustrated by his early tasks, Antonio lands an exciting assignment helping his uncle Charbone prepare a series of frescoes on the life of Christ, a task that helps him to develop his skills as a painter.
Two unlikely friends—Federico, in sixteenth-century Rome, and Bee, in present-day New Jersey—are linked through an amiable cat, Leonardo Da Vinci’s mysterious wardrobe, and an eerily perfect sketch of Bee. Newbery Honor author Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s Da Vinci’s Cat is a thrilling, time-slip fantasy about rewriting history to save the present. This inventive novel will engross anyone who loved When You Reach Me and A Wrinkle in Time.
On August 19, 1418, a competition concerning Florence's magnificent new cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore was announced: "Whoever desires to make any model or design for the vaulting of the main Dome....shall do so before the end of the month of September." The proposed dome was regarded far and wide as all but impossible to build: not only would it be enormous, but its original and sacrosanct design shunned the flying buttresses that supported cathedrals all over Europe. The dome would literally need to be erected over thin air.
Next, look at these fun renaissance events.
7 Awesome Renaissance Events
- Medieval Times– These fun dinner and show venues are located across the United States in 10 different locations- Georgia, Florida, California, Maryland, Illinois, Texas, South Carolina, New Jersey, Arizona and Ontario. If you are near one I highly recommend booking
- Texas Renaissance Festival– (Todd Mission, Texas) The Texas Renaissance Festival is the largest Renaissance fair in the United States. It is held every year from late September to late November and features over 100 stages of entertainment, including jousting tournaments, live music, and comedy shows.
- Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire– (Harwinton, Connecticut) Boasts awe-inspiring performances, 5 stages, scrumptious delicacies, and a huge selection of artisan goods.
- Carolina Renaissance Festival (Huntersville, North Carolina) The Carolina Renaissance Festival is one of the largest Renaissance fairs in the Southeast. It is held every year from late March to late November and features over 100 artisans and performers.
- Maryland Renaissance Festival (Crownsville, Maryland)- One of the most popular Renaissance fairs in the Mid-Atlantic region. It is held every year from late August to late October and features over 140 artisans and performers.
- Florida Renaissance Festival (Deerfield, Florida) Besides the usual Ren Faire events you will find Ax Throwing, Archery, Test of Strength, Jacob’s Ladder, The Hang Bar, Fencing, Water Wars Balloons,Knight’s Flight Zipline, and so much more.
- Uhuburg Castle Tours & Accommodations– (Helen, Georgia) Tour a renaissance styled castle in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Uhuburg, the Eagle Owl Castle, is a one of a kind place in both mission and structure with twelve towers, one turret, three gatehouses, an eight story lookout tower, Great Hall, cloistered walls with rampart and lower walkways, ten guest chambers, two apartments, a master chamber, tropical atrium, grotto, and two acres of courtyard gardens.
For a full list of Renaissance Fairs check out this month by month guide.
Next, look at these other renaissance hands-on history activities.
More Renaissance Period Hands-on History
- The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft
- Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft
- More Unit Study Ideas & Lapbook
- Free Glass Blowing Lapbook on The History Of Glass Blowing
- Dragon Unit Study Ideas and Salt Dough Dragon Craft
- Come see How To Make A Kids Easy Medieval Stained Glass Window to create a big focal point for your renaissance study.
Finally, look at this fun renaissance goblet craft for kids.
Easy Goblet Craft
You will need:
- Glass or plastic wine glass
- Flat backed craft gems
- Air Dry Clay
- Gold Spray Paint
- Super glue
First, clean the entire surface of your glass with vinegar or glass cleaner and allow it to dry.
If you desire to add some texture to your goblet, use air dry clay to create raised areas and frames for your jewels.
As you create make sure your gems fit inside before it dries.
Once you decide where your clay is going to be sure that it adheres to the glass, dab a bit of super glue on the glass.
And then press the clay into place.
Allow the clay to dry out completely for a few days on the glass.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to wait that long, you can “draw” on your designs and texture with a glue gun and let it cool until it hardens (about 5 minutes).
Take your goblet outside and place it on cardboard or something similar to protect your surface.
Then spray with 2-3 coats of gold spray paint. Dry completely
Use superglue to attach the jewels as you like.
This goblet is not food safe.
It is a great display piece and can be used to hold pens and pencils or other similar objects.
