As you make your way down the Hill from Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub, by way of Como’s Italian Ristorante, you may notice a small fenced-in homestead complete with a faery cottage and a lily pond. Here Lady Belz invites you to sit for a spell and enjoy the tranquility of the forest. She is likely to tell you stories, show you her magical cats, or simply give you some company as you take a break from the bustle to sit and listen to the sights and sounds of the forest and the faire. 

Come and watch your children learn the basics of swordplay in a hands-on experience that is fun for all ages. Herr Hasselhoff will teach your young ones not only how to defend and attack, but he will also teach them to respect the danger of wielding a weapon. DO NOT BE LATE! This show takes place at the Combat Arena located between the Maze and the Elven Hill Stage.

Dr. Judas Lynch and Ms. Magnolia Strange present their new Underwater Escape Stunt every weekend this season. Their feats of liberation have been seen at numerous circuses, ren-faires, steampunk events, fringe theatre festivals, side shows, corporate gatherings, and in prisons all along the coast of High Barbary. Judas and Magnolia have performed some of the world’s most well-known, and most dangerous, escape stunts. Now you can see their reckless behavior for yourself on Sherwood’s Pirate Territory Stage. With comedy, suspense, and abundant audience participation, this pair of flighty fugitives will bring you to the edge of your seat with fantastical narratives and death-defying stunts.  

Queen Eleanor and Queen Berengaria hold court in Sherwood’s children’s area, Once Upon a Time… where they receive those who wish acquaint them; and they are known to knight young adventurers who wish to follow a path of honour at the Kids’ Knighting Ceremony. Attended by a court of elegant and eloquent courtiers, as well as travelling royalty from Scotland and France, Sherwood’s queens are always sure to make themselves accessible to their good subjects many times a day. Though both are women of great power, you may approach them without fear! Seek out the Queens’ Bower near the giant Chess Board, and perhaps they shall name thee a quest, or challenge you to perform an act of chivalry.  

Sherwood Forest Faire’s continuing adventures of Robin Hood commence in the year of 1199. Robin Hood and his Merry Band meet every morning at the Greenwoode Theatre half an hour after the gate opens. There they plan the day’s adventure, and invariably run into a bit of trouble… Follow the adventures throughout the day of Robin Hood and Lady Marian, along with Lil John, Friar Tuck, and all their merry friends. They may be found on the stages and in the lanes throughout the Shire. Legends of Robin Hood performances are shaded on the daily schedule, and include a finale Castle Siege near day’s end. 

Makoa and Benedict of the Longbow Shop near the Joust Arena are not your average merchants. These two entrepreneurs are the very world champion archers who inspired Robin Hood to become the best shot in England. At Robin’s behest, and with the royal seal of approval from King Richard himself, Makoa and Benedict will perform a demonstration of impossible shots with English longbows right in the middle of the Lionheart Tavern. Behold as they execute behind the back shots, controlled ricochet shots, multiple target and multiple arrow shots. They also share a wealth of knowledge with a historical archery showcase that encapsulates the role archery plays in the life and times of Robin Hood, as well as the story of humankind, with an educational and inspirational message. 

This insane Gypsy shall perform dangerous and magical feats for you at The Three Celestials Stage. You may also find him roving the lanes of Sherwood Forest, performing close-up magic and spinning hilarious yarns. Madman Maverick will amaze and confuse you with his mad-cap variety of stunts and illusions. See him blow fire balls, put kids in guillotines, and generally make a gypsy fool of himself – and perhaps he’ll make one of you, too! 

One night, when the moon was full, the wonderful Maypole, which used to stand next to Maid Marian’s Chapel, mysteriously moved to a new location. The Maypole is a special place where Villagers, Faeries and Nobles alike meet up to dance to the delightful music of Sherwood Forest Faire musicians, and weave the traditional Maypole to welcome the rites of Spring. Come and join the dance, as you are tempted by the smells of Mediterranean delicacies at the Café next door.  

Jugging is a military strategy sport, not unlike football or rugby. But in place of the “pig skin” players compete for control of the “dog skull” with medieval weapons to defend and attack. The Medieval Jugging League of Sherwood demonstrate this exciting sport for you at their forest Jugging arena between the Maze and the Washing Well. Come see this rag-tag team of warrior-athletes get medieval on each other with swords, shields, and duels to the death! The Juggers are also known to be mercenaries, and you’re quite likely to spot some of them in the Castle Siege scene near day’s end, fighting loyally for… the highest bidder!

The Improv-Ed Shakespeare Company consists of two different troupes, ranging in ages from six to thirteen years. They shall join us for two Saturdays in April, the 11th and the 18th. These young players rehearse in a hovel many miles from the forest on the East side of ye olde towne of Austin. Determined to make Shakespeare accessible for even the youngest rabble, this travelling troupe presents the stories of The Bard using a mix of both “modern” and Shakespearean English. Never fear, ye lads and lassies! By our troth, we they shall help you “get” Shakespeare.  

King Richard’s own master of falconry, Sir Robert Cheseman, appears at the new Falconry Stage several times daily. Watch these amazing birds in flight and learn about their history, special skills, and what you can do to help them remain the Kings of the Sky for many centuries to come. The Falconry stage now sits behind the shoe shop on the right, just a short walk down the main path from the Faire’s Front Gate. You can now see the birds up close where they live in Sir Robert Cheseman’s Royal Mews. Meet over a dozen birds of prey, eye-to-eye, when you tour the home of these incredible animals. 

Solar Rain fire dancers spin fiery forms for musical shows at the Three Celestials Stage and other venues each day of the faire. Then… on Saturdays only, Solar Rain perform Sherwood’s final show of the day, after the closing cannon just for those who choose to stay in the Campground. Alluring and enigmatic sorcerers of fire spin flaming instruments of artwork in motion as they interpret the sounds of Sherwood’s enchanting musicians! Many thanks to the Dragons of the Round, who generously host Solar Rain inside their camp, just outside the Camping Entrance behind Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub.

Thomas Wood, Pyrojuggler, returns to the Washing Well stage on the fourth weekend of the faire, and 3 others. This highly-skilled manipulator uses juggling balls, crystal balls, full glasses of water, clubs, knives, and about anything you could think of. He also performs fire eating, fire blowing, transferring, fire spinning, and a finale that leaves a toadstool-shaped cloud above your head! He is also known far and wide as an expert at contact juggling - a dance of balance, grace, and line of motion, making crystal balls appear to float across the Pyrojuggler’s body like a surrealistic dream. Children shall smile, grown men will giggle like school girls, women will swoon; and all shall be surprised and delighted! Find this flame–flinging daredevil at the Washing Well Stage on the faire’s 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th weekends.