Thunder Bay Renaissance Faire

~ Huzzah, Thunder Bay! A Family Day Out at the Renaissance Faire – Oct 11–12, 2025 ~

If your crew loves knights, music, and make-believe, mark Thanksgiving weekend for the Thunder Bay Renaissance Faire at the Murillo Fairgrounds. The gates swing open Saturday and Sunday, October 11–12, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., so you’ve got two full days to feast, frolic, and explore.

What’s happening inside the gates

Front and center in the main ring are the Knights of Valour, North America’s extreme full-contact jousting troupe. Pick a favourite knight, cheer them through the Mounted Medieval Games, and hold your breath during the full-armor joust, it’s the kind of edge-of-your-seat spectacle kids will talk about all fall.

Beyond the joust, the Faire sprawls like a bustling little village. Expect live equestrian demonstrations, stage performances by local musicians and actors, and a Merchant Marketplace packed with artisans, makers, and hands-on goodies (think woodcrafts, candles, jewelry, and more). Food stalls lean into the theme, so follow your nose for hearty bites and sweet treats between shows.

Costumes are heartily encouraged, capes and flower crowns included, but not required. If your family loves to dress up, this is your moment; if not, comfy fall layers will do just fine. Either way, come ready to wander, clap along, and say “Huzzah!” a few dozen times. (Thunder Bay Renaissance Faire)

Family-friendly details at a glance

• When: Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12, 2025, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. each day.
• Where: Murillo Fairgrounds (Oliver Paipoonge), easy parking and room to roam.
• Main attraction: Knights of Valour jousting & medieval games in the main ring.
• Also on: Equestrian demos, music & theatre, themed food & drink, artisan marketplace, and creative activities for kids. (Thunder Bay Renaissance Faire)

Buy tickets online (and skip the queue)

Day passes are $20, and organizers recommend snagging your tickets online in advance, it saves time at the gate and gets you straight to the fun. Online sales are live now; look for the official ticketing page hosted for the Oliver Agricultural Society. The Faire FAQ also notes that advance purchase helps you avoid the in-person lineups. (Thunder Bay Renaissance Faire)

Calling all helpers—volunteers wanted!

Events like this run on community spirit, and the Thunder Bay Renaissance Faire is actively recruiting volunteers for the weekend. If you’ve ever wanted to help with a family event—greeting guests, supporting the marketplace, or assisting around the main ring—this is a fun way to be part of the story (teen volunteers with parents in tow often love it, too). Watch the Faire’s social posts for details and a sign-up link.

Make the most of your day

• Arrive early for opening fanfare and to get your bearings; the schedule rolls throughout the day.
• Plan around the joust. The main-ring shows draw big cheers, grab a spot a little early for the best view.
• Bring a little spending money for artisan treasures and themed snacks, kids love choosing a small keepsake.
• Costumes = instant smiles. A simple cloak, a flower crown, or a paper knight’s shield can turn the whole day into a quest. (Thunder Bay Renaissance Faire)

Why families love it

The Renaissance Faire is a perfect blend of spectacle and discovery. Little ones are mesmerized by knights on horseback; older kids gravitate to the performers and demos; adults get to browse the market, sample local flavours, and enjoy live entertainment all afternoon. It’s a compact, easy-to-navigate festival with a big personality, ideal for multigenerational outings where everyone finds a favourite corner.

Ready to go?
Grab your online tickets, rally your band of merry travellers, and point the carriage toward Murillo for a weekend of pageantry, music, and memory-making. If you have a few hours to spare, lend a hand as a volunteer and help bring the magic to life for everyone. Huzzah! (Thunder Bay Renaissance Faire)