2012 Carolina Renaissance Festival Special Weekends

While a renaissance festival is of course, focused on about 15th or 16th century Europe, you won't be limited to that period at the 2012 Carolina Renaissance festival. Over the course of the festival, several special weekends are offered. More into sci-fi then Renaisance? There's a special weekend for you, with author meet and greets and costume contests. Beer lover? There's a BrewFest weekend. Kids can celebrate Halloween with free admission and trick-or-treating, and pirate fans can revel in their own special days (again with special costume contests).

October 6 and 7: Opening Weekend
Save $20 on Opening Weekend admission by receiving two adult tickets for $20 at the Festival Box Office with coupon.

October 13 and 14: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Literary Weekend
Enjoy book signings by popular local science fiction and fantasy authors! Dress as your favorite science fiction or fantasy character and participate in the Festival Sci-Fi / Fantasy Costume Contest! Prizes will be awarded! Enjoy poetry readings, storytellers, and more! Keep an eye out for Steampunk Time Travelers! Participate in the Royal School Supply Drive by donating school supplies at the Festival entrance, at participating Barnes & Noble locations, and the Visit Lake Norman visitor center, and receive a coupon for free child admission ages 5 to 12, with paid adult admission (children under 5 always free).

October 20 and 21: BrewFest Weekend
A team of home brewers demonstrate their time honored craft, and visitors will have the chance to sample a selection of fine micro-brewed ale, including the 2012 Gambrinus Cup Homebrew competition award winning brew. A series of RenFest Beer Games will also be available.

October 27 and 28: Halloween Daze & Spooky Knights
Children under 12 are admitted free this weekend, no coupon required. Hit the Renaissance Festival for a fun, free and safe place to trick or treat. Kids can find free treats all around the Festival village, and a Halloween Treasure Hunt with prizes. Children are encouraged to show off their Halloween costumes and enter the Halloween Costume Contest.

November 3 and 4: Celtic Trader Jams Weekend
Charlotte's renowned Celtic Trader music jams have found a home with an annual reunion at the Renaissance Festival! Enjoy special Celtic performances by local guest musicians. Kilt wearing handsome highlanders are encouraged to strut their stuff and win prizes in the Knobby Knees Contest at the Haven at 1 p.m. (near the Joust).

November 10 and 11: Pirates' Christmas
Special pirate entertainment is scheduled all weekend long. A pirate's costume contest will be held, with prizes for the best costume.

November 17 and 18: Final Huzzah
Donate a canned good to the box office to receive a free child admission. This will be your last weekend to participate in the 2012 Carolina Renaissance Festival.