   Welcome to merry old England in the year 1545, the home of the Illinois Renaissance Festival. The Festival is a working collection of artisans, crafters, food vendors and performers that reflects life in the 16th century.

   The Illinois Renaissance Festival was established in 2003. The Festival is a division of Prairie Players Theatre Academy, Inc, a nonprofit 501(c3) performing arts organization. Through the fundraising efforts of the Festival, we will be able to continue our programs, productions, workshops, touring company and daily operations. Long term annual fundraising will enable the Academy to purchase equipment and a much needed facility.

Festival Features
   The Festival will offer a variety of entertainment, such as comedy shows, magic acts, jugglers, Samurai demonstrations, and a living history area to mention a few. The village will provide an atmosphere of olde world experience with merchants selling their handmade wares, exotic foods to taste, impromptu performances, dancing and costumed entertainers performing all day long.

School Visits

The Festival is preceded by School Visits. The School Visits include entertainerment and historical presentations by re-enachment actors, performers, and musicians.

Teacher packets of information are provided prior to the school visit. These packets of contain lesson plans, activities, and resource to better prepare their students for the experience of attending the Illinois Renaissance Festival. This service is free.

Interested in Being Part of the Excitiment?
The Illinois Renaissance Festival actively seeks out local and national period themed entertainers and artisans to be included in our Festival. Interested parties should contact:

Festival Director
illinirenfest@comcast.net