Welcome to merry old England in the year 1581, 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, scenes from Shakespeare, a living chess game, and a knights-on-horseback jousting tournament. The village will provide an atmosphere of olde world experience with merchants selling their handmade wares, exotic foods to taste, impromptu performances, dancing and hundreds of costumed entertainers performing all day long.

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 the Festival Director:

Illinirenfaire@yahoo.com