8th Annual Renaissance Fest at Hattiesburg Zoo

 
 
There will be roaming animal encounters and live action role play, with larpers acting out sword play throughout the day on the Splash Pad.  Youth and adults alike can visit the Crafting Circle to learn how butter and candles were made during the Renaissance Period as well as understanding the science behind apothecary.
 
Food options will be aplenty and the mead will be flowing. At the Medieval Cantina and Ladha’s Grill menu items will include Burgers, Chicken-on-a-Stick, Meat Pies, Fries, Funnel Cakes and Beverages.  For those wanting to eat in true Medieval fashion should stop by the Turkey Leg Stand (no utensils required) and Ye Olde Pizza Truck will offer 10” Woodfire Pizzas.  Those feeling parched will want to stop in at The Back Tavern where they can purchase a souvenir goblet and sample Queen’s Reward Mead Flights, Suzy Braggot, Beer and Cocktails.
 
“The Hattiesburg Zoo’s Renaissance Festival is back and bigger than ever! Grab a turkey leg, enjoy our interactive stations, and get knighted all while seeing our incredible animals,” said Jeremy Cumpton, Hattiesburg Zoo’s Director of Conservation, Education and Wildlife.  “Pokemon Go is also coming back to the Hattiesburg Zoo”!  “As our guests are wandering the Renaissance Festival they can get their steps in for hatching eggs, interact with our active lures, and compete at the gym to see which team will be victorious and lay claim the Hattiesburg Zoo kingdom,” continued Cumpton
 
Guests on the quest for Knighthood will need to master their skills in the areas of arts, crafts and defense.  To achieve their Mastery of the Arts they will watch a Shakespearean scene or a musical performance and have one of the actors or musicians sign their quest form following their performance.  To achieve their Mastery of Crafts they will go to the Crafting Circle and have the candle maker, butter maker or apothecary master sign their quest form after learning their trade.  To achieve their Mastery of Defense they will go to the Larping area and after watching or participating in swordplay, have one of the Larpers sign their quest form.  To become a Knight, participants must have completed all three areas. Knighting ceremonies take place at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
 
Tickets for Renaissance Fest are sold at the gate, and annual passes do apply.  Attraction tickets (Carousel and High Adventures Ropes Course) are sold separately.  Renaissance Fest is brought to you by the Hattiesburg Zoo, Cerroneth and Aftermath.  A special thanks to Oak Grove High School’s archery team members for manning the archery station.  Guests are encouraged to wear Renaissance-period costumes. No real weapons are allowed at the Hattiesburg Zoo.