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What to Eat at the Arizona Renaissance Festival in Gold Canyon

What to Eat at the Arizona Renaissance Festival in Gold Canyon

Mar 12, 20245 min read

Have you had the time to step back in time yet at this year’s Arizona Renaissance Festival in Gold Canyon?

(Photo courtesy of the Arizona Renaissance Festival)

The good times are in full swing at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which is happening each weekend from now until Sunday, March 31. This is the 36th annual festival at 12601 E. US Highway 60 in Gold Canyon, Arizona — about a two-hour trek from Tucson but worth the drive.

Toss on some shoes you won’t mind getting dust on because the jesters are juggling, knights are competing in battles, and people are getting medieval on jumbo turkey legs.

Also, all of that walking around will surely make you hungrier faster than you can say “Methinks thou dost jest.” That’s what Renaissance folks say to express disbelief or amusement at something said or done.

(Photo courtesy of the Arizona Renaissance Festival)

In other words, tuck that bib in your shirt collar and feast your way through the Arizona Renaissance Festival with hearty foods, sweet desserts, and a variety of beverages like fine wine, beer, mead, and hard ciders.

Also, this year brings a new experience — The Hops Pub Crawl. There are two tours a day (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and you’ll get four beer pours from four different spots around the festival and a limited edition pewter pin to take home. Your Pub Crawl ticket also gets you into the Renaissance Festival.

Below is all of the food available at this year’s event. Huzzah!

What to Eat at the Renaissance Festival

King’s Kitchen and Pub

  • Feast of Fowl (Turkey Legs), Steak-on-a-Stake, Sausage-on-a-Stick, Skewered Chicken, Michelangelo’s Pizza (Cheese & Sliced Italian Sausage), Earl of Corn (Fresh Roasted Corn), Portabella Mushroom Sandwich, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, Baked Potatoes with Fixin’s, Filled Fresh Bread Bowls (Broccoli & Cheese Soup, Chili, Spinach Artichoke Dip and Italian Meatballs & Marinara w/Mozzarella Cheese), Frozen Lemonade & Siberian Chill, Sundaes (Brownie Sundae), Assorted Sodas, Iced Tea, Lemonade & Aquafina bottled water, Non Alcoholic Beer, Imported and Domestic Beers, Chaucer’s & Redstone Mead, a variety of Fine Wines and an extensive selection of cocktails.

The Cappuccino Inn

  • A variety of specialty coffees (Cappuccino, Espresso, etc.), Italian Sodas & a vast Selection of Teas.

The Cottage Bakery

  • Sweet and savory bakery delights.

The Chocolate Maker

  • A variety of fruits dipped in chocolate, peanut butter cups, English toffee, and so much more.

The Gelato Guys

  • Italian gelato and sorbetto served with scoopfuls of delightful Old World charm.

Tudor Rose Pub

  • Assorted sodas, iced tea, lemonade, imported and domestic beers, a variety of fine wines, Chaucer’s and Redstone mead, and Angry Orchard Hard Cider.

The Mediterranean Fare

  • Freshly made falafel, gyros, Greek salad, tabouli salad, couscous salad, hummus, dolmades, and marinated chicken gyros.

Lancer’s Pub

  • Assorted sodas, iced tea, lemonade, imported and domestic beers, a variety of fine wines, Chaucer’s and Redstone mead, and Angry Orchard Hard Cider.

Queen’s Kitchen and Pub

  • Fish or Chicken & Chips, Friar’s Fries, Onion Rings, Feast of Fowl (Roasted Turkey Legs), Steak-on-a-Stake, Taco Salad, Churros, BBQ Pork Shanks with a choice of Seasoned Mashed Potatoes or Smoked Gouda Mac-n-Cheese, Italian Meatball Sandwich, Chicken Teriyaki with Fried Rice, Assorted Sodas, Iced Tea, Lemonade & Aquafina bottled water, Non Alcoholic Beer, Imported & Domestic Beers, Chaucer’s & Redstone Meads, a variety of Fine Wines and The Cocktail Inn’s drink menu!

Ye Olde World Sausage Maker

  • Bangers & Mash, BBQ Beef Brisket, Beef Meat Pie, Corn Beef & Cabbage, Sausage Rolls, Shepherd’s Pie and more.

Crown Pub

  • Assorted sodas, iced tea, lemonade, imported and domestic beers, a variety of fine wines, Chaucer’s and Redstone mead, and Angry Orchard Hard Cider.

The Cottage Crepe Shoppe

  • Funnel cakes, waffles, and potato wedges with chili.

Dancing Pig Pub

  • Assorted sodas, iced tea, lemonade, imported and domestic beers, a variety of fine wines, Chaucer’s and Redstone mead, and Angry Orchard Hard Cider.

Joust Kitchen and Pub

  • Michelangelo’s Pizza (Cheese & Sliced Italian sausage), Filled Fresh Bread Bowls (Broccoli & Cheese Soup, Chili, Spinach Artichoke Dip and Italian Meatballs & Marinara w/Mozzarella Cheese), Taco Salad, Feast of Fowl (Roasted Turkey Legs), Steak-on-a-Stake, Sausage-on-a-Stick, Skewered Chicken, Gluten Free Pizza 10” Individual 1) pizza sauce, fresh mozzarella, Kalamata olives, Heirloom tomato, red onion & fresh basil leaf, or, 2) pizza sauce, fresh mozzarella, sliced Italian sausage, Heirloom tomato, red onion & fresh basil leaf (no substitutions), Root Beer Floats, Assorted Sodas, Iced Tea, Lemonade & Aquafina bottled water, Non Alcoholic Beer, Imported & Domestic Beers, a variety of Fine Wines, Chaucer’s & Redstone Mead, Angry Orchard Hard Cider and The Cocktail Inn’s drink menu!

Pirate’s Kitchen and Pub

  • Fish or Chicken & Chips, Friar’s Fries, Onion Rings, BBQ Pork Shanks available with a choice of Seasoned Mashed Potatoes or Smoked Gouda Mac-n-Cheese, Assorted Sodas, Iced Tea, Lemonade & Aquafina bottled water, Non Alcoholic Beer, Imported & Domestic Beers, Chaucer’s & Redstone Mead, Angry Orchard Hard Cider and The Cocktail Inn’s drink menu!

Rovin’ Throughout the Realm

  • Look for pathway carts offering champagne, cinnamon almonds and pecans, jerky, pickles, caramel apples, and nut rolls.

The Piazza Pub

  • A cozy courtyard pub with a menu of delicious mixed Charcuterie offerings and a selection of featured wines and beers to be found nowhere else in the festival village.

Transylvanian Treats

  • European Chimney Cakes found across from the Wyld Men Stage.

Arizona Renaissance Festival Map

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is happening on weekends now until Sunday, March 31 at 12601 E. US Highway 60 in Gold Canyon, Arizona. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit arizona.renfestinfo.com.

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Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
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• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
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• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
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• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

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