Hear ye, hear ye! It’s renaissance season, and in Ontario, you can celebrate by taking part in an actual medieval fair not far from Toronto. The Royal Medieval Faire takes Waterloo back into the Middle Ages for a day, turning a local park into the magical Kingdom of Mearth.
The fun of any medieval event is getting immersed in the story, and this fair is all about storytelling. Each iteration of the festival comes with a new, very thorough plot to keep visitors entertained and engaged. In 2025, recurring characters King Bertram and Queen Charlotte were celebrating a wedding anniversary for their daughter, Princess Pamela, and Sir Sean of Guildford. The fair featured a royal court filled with performers and vendors, matchmaking endeavours on behalf of the kingdom’s healer and plenty of laughs.
Over 150 actors, performers and volunteers come together every year to create a truly immersive medieval experience (the organization recently put out a call for “squires” to assist throughout the day).
Visitors can expect a full day of fun far beyond the story, though. On the Queen’s Stage, there will be regular performances — past years featured Scottish dancers, a harpist and performances from a bard (though not The Bard). At the Tournament Ring, cheer on competitors as squires joust, sword fight and more in hopes of becoming a knight. At the Princess Stage, kids will have fun, too, including a clown workshop and magic show (magic of all kinds played a big role in the Middle Ages!).
There will also be workshops for visitors; past events include fairy wreath making and drawing workshops. Roaming entertainers, such as stilt walkers and minstrels, will keep you entertained between events.
Admission costs $5 for children 13 and under, $10 for general admission and $20 for a family admission pass that includes up to four people and up to two general admissions. The Royal Medieval Faire runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19, located at Waterloo Park West. Hit the ATM before visiting — this is a cash-only event!