Events

31st Florida Renaissance Festival Returns to South Florida with 8 Weekends in 2023

Published

2 years ago

February 7, 2023

Coach

31st Florida Renaissance Festival Returns to South Florida with 8 Weekends in 2023. Select schools welcomed for their own personal day.

February 6th, 2023

Experience the Thrill of a Bygone Era When Legendary Knights, Pirates, Vikings, Evil Villains, and Heroes Ruled the Kingdom

Experience ALL NEW Additional 8^th Weekend in 2023 for a Mad Hatter Circus

The annual Florida Renaissance Festival returns with a one-of-a-kind family-friendly event that takes lords and ladies of the realm back to a time when tunics, tabards, slashed sleeves, and bodices were the fashion. Beginning February 4, 2023, and running for eight consecutive weekends until March 26, 2023, all roads lead to Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach to celebrate the 31^st edition of the Florida Renaissance Festival with an added bonus eighth weekend of festivities.

The festival is for all ages, and it’s one of the most anticipated major events of the year because it’s a memorable, magical, mystical experience for the entire family. This special event features multiple new attractions, as well as popular older ones to guarantee non-stop fun and excitement in this magical kingdom.

Jousting knights, royalty, wenches, magicians, and more awaits as festival goers will be treated to delectable foods, fabulous drinks, numerous unique craft shops, live music, and more. The kingdom is a wonderful place for fun, but it’s also a great environment where participants can take selfies of themselves in era garb. PLUS there is an all-new eighth weekend introduced for this year – the Mad Hatter’s Circus embarks on an “Alice in Wonderland-themed” adventure that brings fairytales to reality!

While costumes are not necessary for admittance, thousands of people enhance their experience each year by donning outfits from the Renaissance era or participating in one of the festival’s special themed weekends.

“For more than three decades we’ve provided South Floridians a Renaissance experience unlike any other,” said Bobby Rodriguez, founder, and producer of the Florida Renaissance Festival. “It’s a special storybook event unlike any other, and we invite patrons to dress up and rejoice as we celebrate culture and history, because it promises to be a fun-filled memorable time for the entire family.”

Florida Renaissance Festival 2023 Themed Weekends

The festival weekend dates are Feb. 4-5 (school day on Feb. 6), Feb. 11-12, Feb. 18-19, Feb. 25-26, March 4-5, March 11-12 (Sunday time change), March 18-19, and March 25-26. The current themes are as follows:

Weekend 1:

The Wizarding World’s Faire – A Magical Grand-Opening!

Feb. 4 & 5, 2023

The tales of old magic and the mystical arts are not only true but still very much alive. Experience the wonderful world of magic with us as we set our eyes upon wizards, warlocks, witches, and more! Celebrating the grand opening of our festival, we’ll get to see a world in which enchantment not only survives but thrives. Potions of alchemy, casting spells, and a merry of mages are only some of the powerful presentations of magic sure to be present at the festival. The only requirement we hold you to is having a fascination for the fantastical—although a magical cloak wouldn’t hurt.

Weekend 2:

Barbarians & Dragons- A Roaring Battle!

Feb. 11 & 12, 2023

To set our eyes upon lands far away from our own in the call of the conqueror is what makes a true Viking. This weekend is a war of passion and romance- blood spilled and kingdoms sundered in the name of love. The barbarian’s heart is a drumming of axe and shield, the dragon’s heart is a beating of wings on wind. A warrior is a testament to the strength of champions by fighting for the one they love, a world in which dragons fly overhead and warships volley along the coastline. Take up arms to protect your village or mount a monstrous dragon in the hopes of quelling another. This is where the heart of the barbarian is truly formed, in the heat of battle where swords clash, and axes collide. It is now that true loyalty will shine through, and the pact of warriors will stand strong.

Weekend 3:

Steampunk & Time Travelers – Age of Automation!

Feb. 18 & 19, 2023

Cogs, nuts, and bolts are the rulers of automation. Enter the Victorian age of industrialization as technology and innovation are rooted in gadgets and steam-powered inventions. Literature and science converge as one as vigilantes and warring factions fill the background of this fantastical world. Locomotives send puffs of steam from their smokestacks up into the air, artificial lightning flows through the inventions of madmen, and the lines between fiction and science begin to blur as the roaring of the city continues well into the night. Imagination is only the beginning of what is conceivable, for the possibilities are endless in this magnificent world of machines.

Weekend 4:

Maidens, Wenches, and Goddesses! – A Beautiful Empowerment!

Feb. 25 & 26, 2023

Join us in celebrating the women who inspire us all to be fierce warriors, brave adventurers, and mighty explorers. This weekend of empowerment is dedicated to our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and all the women who stand at the forefront of what it means to be a hero. Through trials and tribulations, these ladies of the lionheart stand strong and true and showcase to us all the immense strength, fortitude, and tenacity that live within each and every one of these wonderful women.

Weekend 5:

Days of Cosplay – Heroes, villains, and everything in between!

March. 4 & 5, 2023

A valiant hero charged with the protection of the kingdom or a nefarious villain with an agenda of their own—only you can decide whom to support. In this weekend of factions, we invite everybody to throw on their own costume or outfit and join us as we experience a world in which our favorite fantasy comes to life. Whether you cosplay your favorite character in full garb or throw a cowboy hat and some boots on, we welcome all heroes and villains to the stage. Choose a side and show off your fit—it’s always more fun when you dress the part!

Weekend 6:

Pirate Invasion – Swashbucklers & Scallywags!

March. 11 & 12, 2023

Wealth, fame, power. Attain this and everything else the world has to offer on the seven seas will be yours! Leave yer old compass behind, you won’t have to look far for an abundance of thrilling entertainment perfect for pirates of all ages. Prepare the crew for a swashbuckling adventure and climb aboard with all your hopes and dreams for a weekend adventure in search of treasure. Quench your thirst on a wide variety of beer and mead, join a choir of sea shanties, and you’ll find everything you’re looking for. Ready your eye patches and captain hats for this pirate-filled adventure!

Weekend 7:

Highland Fling – A Celtic Celebration

March. 18 & 19, 2023

We welcome you to a weekend of Celtic celebration, as we commemorate all those nations who take pride in their heritage and long-lasting culture. This is a time to explore the wonders and mysteries of Britanny, Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man, along with revering the age-old traditions and folklore of these great civilizations. It wouldn’t be St. Patty’s Day without a whole lot of green, so wear something shamrock-colored, grab a pint and enjoy the day with us! By the way, while kilts aren’t required to enter, we welcome anybody to wear one (bonus points if it’s green).

**NEW Weekend 8:

A Mad Hatter’s Circus – A Fairytale Finale!

March. 25 & 26, 2023

Join us on our final weekend of the festival, where you’ll be transported to a world far different than our own, one filled with mystical beasts, fairytale creatures, and much more! This “Alice in Wonderland”-inspired experience will bring you to the tales of fantasy, where you’ll walk through mirrors out into a world that can only rival that of your own imagination. Perhaps it was a reflection, or maybe it really was a giant teacup that leapt from its platter. In this land, anything is possible, because when a fairytale meets reality, the only limit is what the mirror might reflect.

Also returning for the 2023 season are a variety of fan-favorite acts and performances:

Bard & Minstrels
Bells to Go (Carillon)
Blue Muse
Brothers Blackwell
Broon
Buckle & Swash
Celtic Mayhem
Debracey Productions (joust)
Faire Wynds
Harper & the Minstrel
History of Chivalry
Historical Demonstrations: Cannons
Kamikaze Fireflies
Kelly Irish Dancers
Les S. Moore (pickpocket)
Masala Music & Dance
MooNiE
Music the Gathering
NEW – Nightwings (a new exotic bird and falconry show in the joust area)
Pirates of Tortuga Bay
Rota Temporis
Reelin’ Rogues
Splatter Time Players (mud show)
Tales of Robin Hood
The Adventure Quest
The Commedia Madrigal Singers
The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told
Trebuchet
Washing Well Wenches

There will also be The Court, Encampments, Promenade, Street Characters, Wandering Musicians, and dozens of characters from Gabriel Q.

The Florida Renaissance Festival is produced by nationally acclaimed Bobby Rodriguez Production and strives to create an entertaining and cultural experience for adults and children alike. The current sponsors of the 2023 Florida Renaissance Festival include Sapporo, Unibroue, Anchor Brewing, 1911 Cider, Llanos Leather, Pelican’s View, JMlovelaw.

Prices range from $32 for adults and $14 for children (ages 6 to 11 years of age). Children 5 and younger are free. Special seasonal passes are available for $199 (adults) and $79.50 (children). Group ticket rates are also offered, but must be purchased in person at the box-office only. VIP Parking is also available for purchase. You can avoid making the box office line, by buying ahead of time, online! Online purchases include convenience fees.

For tickets and more information visit: www.ren-fest.com; Find us on Facebook and

Tik Tok, or follow @FlaRenFest on Twitter and Instagram. If you prefer the ancient method, call 954-776-1642.

Renaissance Festival. ©South Florida Insider.
Renaissance Festival. ©South Florida Insider.
Renaissance Festival. ©South Florida Insider.
Renaissance Festival. ©South Florida Insider.
Renaissance Festival. ©South Florida Insider.
Renaissance Festival. ©South Florida Insider.
Renaissance Festival. ©South Florida Insider.
Renaissance Festival. ©South Florida Insider.

Up Next

Burger Bash – REVIEW

Don't Miss

NHL All-Star Beach Festival – RECAP

Coach

Coach is South Florida Insider's Owner, President, Webmaster, as well as a Reporter and Photographer covering events all over the world. Born in West Palm Beach, Coach continues to call the sunny Florida area home. He received his Associate degree from the University of South Florida, then transferred to the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Communications. During his journalistic career, which has been featured in local newspapers and magazines as well as national publications, Coach has also continued his love of being an educator. It’s through both endeavors that he’s actively got students interested in following in the field of journalism. Coach loves sharing the world of entertainment with others and giving people the opportunity to step out of the everyday life.

Events

Rainbow Kitten Surprise Electrifies South Florida with A Soul-Stirring Performance

Published

2 days ago

June 18, 2025

Gleb Barabanov

Rainbow Kitten Surprise Deliver A Night of Raw Emotion and Turn the Venue Into a Cathartic Dance Floor – Photos and Review of the Rainbow Kitten Surprise Concert at the FTL War Memorial Auditorium in Ft Lauderdale, FL

(more…)

Events

FFGAINS: A Brand For Every Body

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2025

Coach

FFGAINS Is Rewriting the Rules of Fashion, Fitness and Financial Empowerment in Miami and Beyond. (more…)

Events

Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2025

McKaela Lulic

From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.

June 2nd, 2025

If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.

From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.

Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear

Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.

Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.

: Papi Swim

: Pia Bolt

: Slay Swimwear

Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions

Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.

Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.

Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.

: Caroline Derpienski

: Love For Upcycling

: David Tupaz

Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.

The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.

During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.

Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.

Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.

While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.

What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.

If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.

Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.

Events

Miami Swim Week’s Kick-Off

Published

3 weeks ago

June 2, 2025

ELLE Swimwear Opened Miami Swim Week with Poolside Glam and Sunset Soundtracks.

May 28th, 2025

Leave it to ELLE Swimwear and Miami Swim Week® The Shows to throw the kind of party that sets the tone for the entire season: chic, sun-soaked and just the right amount of extra. On Tuesday night, the who’s who of fashionistas, influencers and perfectly tanned creatives gathered to celebrate the official kickoff of Miami Swim Week 2025, and let’s just say, the bar has been set high.

Tucked away on the ultra-exclusive Venetian Islands, the private waterfront villa felt more like a fashion fantasy than a party venue. Imagine stepping into a space where every palm is lit just right, the pool reflects the skyline like a high-gloss editorial, and the whole place hums with that “something fabulous is about to happen” feeling. It wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the mood.

And speaking of moods, let’s talk sushi. Sushi by Yasu was the evening’s culinary crown jewel. Each roll was a tiny masterpiece: fresh and delicate. Light enough to keep guests grazing, but satisfying enough to feel like a moment, the bites kept flowing all night, paired perfectly with champagne and curated cocktails.

The soundtrack of the night? DJ Brooke Brazelton spun a set that floated perfectly between rooftop lounge and full-body groove. Think vibey house, remixed classics, and the kind of bassline that makes strangers become dance partners. It wasn’t just background music—it moved the night along like a perfectly timed runway show. The crowd swayed, sipped and sparkled, and by midnight, the villa felt like the heartbeat of Swim Week itself.

As for the crowd, it was Miami at its best. A stunning blend of models, stylists, editors and locals who looked like they walked straight off a set. There were breezy linens, sheer mesh, bold swimwear, and sunglasses that stayed on long after the sun went down. The fashion was fearless, the conversation flowed, and every corner of the villa buzzed with excitement and ambition.

Somewhere between the third glass of prosecco and the fifth compliment on someone’s outfit, it became clear, Miami Swim Week 2025 wasn’t just starting. It had arrived. And if this kick-off party was just the beginning, we’re all in for a summer of serious style.