Now in its 51st year, The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire runs every weekend from April 6 - May 19 at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale. To learn more, visit Renfair.com.

Game of Thrones might be all the rage on TV, but what if you could go one better by actually inhabiting a dramatic world full of knights, kingdoms and constant entertainment?

Well, this spring you can at the 51st annual Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire. Started by schoolteacher Phyllis Patterson for local children in the backyard of her Laurel Canyon home, this year's Faire will see over 1,200 costumed performers and artisans gracing its 15 stages.

Located ten minutes east of Pasadena at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, the Faire will recreate Elizabethan England each weekend from April 6--May 19. Modeled after the English Seaport of Deptford, the 16th century comes alive as 40 performance groups entertain Queen Elizabeth. Expect everything from acrobats and jugglers to musicians and wenches, plus characters like mayor elect Barnabus Blyss, the evil Sheriff Bailey Blunt and Her Majesty herself roaming the grounds and interacting with guests.  There's even world-class jousting (new this year and sure to be a highlight), comedic science demonstrations by the acclaimed Doktor Kaboom and a family circus.

But entertainment isn't limited to stages at this truly interactive Faire. Guests will love the Marketplace, where 125 artisans will demonstrate their skill at blowing glass, forging iron and crafting jewelry, all of which will be for sale. Meaning whether you're in the market for an authentic corset or some exotic leathers or perhaps a manly drinking goblet, you'll find it all here. You can even learn a craft yourself by attending one of the many workshops, like Celtic drawing or basket weaving.

Or join RenQuest, a multiplayer, live action fantasy game that brings players out from behind their computer screens. Prepare to choose your own adventure in this ever evolving storyline as performers test your knowledge and imagination.

Of course all this action calls for a little merriment, preferably in the form of delicious food and drink. Luckily, The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire has your knight's appetite covered. Food is prepared by 23 vendors, meaning you can indulge in some fish and chips or sausages. Not in the mood for meat? Vegetarian warriors will enjoy vegetarian and vegan entrees. There's even a fleet food trucks, known as the Food Truck Army, on hand to ensure the troops are fed. Post up for grilled cheese, turkey legs or exquisite crepes, then polish it off with a freshly baked cupcake. Parched? Join the pub crawl, departing twice a day, to sample some of the kingdom's finest ales, or keep it sophisticated with afternoon tea in the Queen's court.

The 51st annual Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire runs every weekend through May 19. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children and are available online and at Walgreens. For more information, visit Renfair.com.

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