Lords and ladies, don thy finest raiments and make haste to the olde West Virginia Renaissance Festival!
written by ALISHA JARRETT
photographed by MADELINE HAGER
WHEN DAWN KIENINGER AND HER PARTNER, Taso Stavrakis, moved to a West Virginia farm in Lewisburg to train horses, they hadn’t planned on creating the state’s first renaissance festival.
“We have a lot of experience from working at renaissance fairs around the country,” Kieninger explains. “While building an arena for our horses, we thought, ‘Why not create a festival here?’” And just like that, in 2018, the West Virginia Renaissance Festival was born.
This exciting and popular annual event takes place on 13 acres of land, which Kieninger describes as a “giant stage.” Attendees can enjoy blacksmith and glassblowing demonstrations, medieval music, shortened comedic versions of Shakespearean plays, handmade goods from 60 different artisans, axe- and knife-throwing games, archery challenges, and local food vendors with everything from fresh-roasted nuts to sizzling giant turkey legs. Special events include beer, wine, and mead tastings.
Mythical creatures can also be found, such as fairies wandering the grounds, mermaids swimming in a pond, and unicorns that give rides to participants. And of course, no renaissance festival would be complete without a rousing joust.
“We have several local actors that dress up as medieval characters and interact with the guests,” says Kieninger. “We want people to feel like they’re a part of the experience, not just attending it. Once you walk through our gate, it’s like you’re stepping back in time.”
The West Virginia Renaissance Festival takes place every Saturday and Sunday in June from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $8 for children 6–12, with free admission for ages 5 and under.
Dressing in costume is welcomed, but not required. Come and immerse yourself in medieval history—ye won’t regret it! 23439 Midland Trail East, Lewisburg, wvrenfest.com, @wvrenfest on FB
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SUMMER 2025 ISSUE
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