Fantasy Faire

Fantasy Faire banner with a kid knighting a man with a toy sword.

Produced in partnership with Mystic Realms, Ltd.

FANTASY FAIRE
June 22 & 23, 2024

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine
A family-friendly festival of medieval folklore & fun!

Strolling costumed characters, portraying historical and mythical figures, interact with each other and visitors throughout WheatonArts both days.  Everyone is welcome to come dressed in their favorite fantasy garbs to enjoy a variety of live performances, storytellers, dancing, drumming, and sword demonstrations. Watch as colorful champions battle to save the Kingdom of Wheaton!

Fantasy Faire is included with WheatonArts General Admission. Tickets are available online and at the front gate.

ADMISSION:
$12 Adults
$11 Seniors (62+)
$7 Students
Kids 5 & under are FREE
fantasy Faire Parade of Charaters
Costumed ninja and child posing for a picture during Fantasy Faire
Robin Hood and his band of men

Meet New Friends!

Meet the Pirates from Treasure Island as they run a rickety set of Pirate Games where everyone is a winner. Collect coins and turn them in for pirate prizes. (Fee)

At the Court of Miracles, children can meet Esmeralda and other characters from the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and enjoy dancing and drumming techniques by individual and troupe performers. 

Storybook characters will teach your children to sing along to many well-known children’s songs.

Join the “Kingdom of Wheaton Scavenger Hunt” and get signatures from our friendliest characters! Available at the Front Gate. Collect a Pirate Coin once you’ve completed the hunt!

Meet the King, Queen, & Barons of the Kingdom of Wheaton strolling the streets.

Get candy & treats from the not-so-wicked Grymm Witches if you dare.

Keep your eyes open for the giant walking tree!

Come dressed in your own fantasy garbs and make connections with other fun-having people of all ages! 

Learn New Skills!

Spring Pole Raising & Dance 12:30 p.m. (children participate in the dance)
Join the traditional dance at 12:30 p.m. each day. We ask parents to encourage younger children by holding the ribbons and dancing with them in this joyous celebration!

Adventurer Training
Children can learn the skills of a heroic adventurer by completing various challenges. Can they avoid the webs and recover treasure from the Spider’s Lair? Will they be able to cross the Frog Pond by walking the lily pads? Can they solve the Wizards Puzzle? All these skills and more make an expert adventurer!

AXE Throwing
Feel like a Viking! With help from enthusiast instructors from Grizzly & Co, Adventure for Hire, learn how to safely throw tomahawks, Viking bearded axes, and double-bit Michigan axes! For ages 11 and older. 

Phoenix Swords Performances 
Watch these renowned performers from Phoenix Swords give authentic demonstrations of western martial arts.  Visitors may take introductory sword lessons ($5.00) throughout the day.

Markland Medieval Mercenary Militia (Saturday only!)
Watch as members from Markland re-enact medieval life by constructing and using reproductions of the period’s accouterments.

Archery in Sherwood Grove (fee-based)
Robin Hood and his merry band are visiting the Kingdom of Wheaton. They’ll teach people about archery, and you can practice your archery skills for a small donation to the band. There’s also knife and ax throwing!

Whip Cracking with the Whipsy Rover
Sean, “the Whipsy Rover,” travels the Kingdom of Wheaton teaching the art of the whip. Nothing captures attention in your favorite fantasy fiction than the sound of a cracking whip – Catwoman, Zorro, Indiana Jones, and others. It’s easy to get started, so come by for a demonstration and a free lesson. Sean will have you cracking in minutes, and if you like, you can walk away with your very own whip!

Traditional Dance
This informative show explains the steps and intents behind some of the most popular dances from the Medieval and Renaissance Periods. Audience participation is encouraged!

Heroes of Camelot
Meet Knights of King Arthur’s Round Table and other Heroes from the Arthurian Legend. Ages 16 and older and in good physical health can learn the theatric touch style of weapon combat used in Mystic Realms LARPs.

Create Fused Glass Charms, Talismans, & Suncatchers (fee-based)
Create a charm or talisman for role-playing games or daily life. Adorn pre-fused glass bases with pre-cut pieces of colorful glass and frit to fit your design. We will fire your piece and add a metal loop, lobster claw clasp, or cord. Projects will be ready for pick up or shipped (shipping rates apply) about one week after the event. Located in the Education Studio and available for ages 5 & up (with parental assistance). This glass fusing activity has a discounted fee of $10 per charm/talisman and $20 per suncatcher.

Fantasy Faire 2019 attendees and actors participate in maypole dance with other Faire attendees admiring on the sidelines.
Image of a Fantasy Faire performer outside dressed in a black tank top, white baggy pants, a black belt, black high boots, and silver and black bracers on each wrist. One hand is holding an axe with a green handle in a throwing position and the other hand is holding two more by the waist. More axes rest on wooden stands on both sides of the performer. There are wooden planks standing in the background like a wall with four circular slabs of wood with green and yellow circles painted onto them as targets. The circles are arranged in a square formation in the center of the wall. There is black netting around the wood and the ground is sandy.
Fantasy Faire 2019 dancers perform in front of a crowd of attendees in front of the American Museum of Glass.
Fantasy Faire 2019 attendees dressed in fantasy costumes stand next to a life-like tree creature outdoors.
3 Fantasy Faire Cosplayers
Fantasy Faire 2019 actors perform on the green stage in front of a watching audience outdoors.
Image of a Fantasy Faire performer dressed in a gown. The gown is a light beige and dusty blue cover. Much of the beige is under the blue sleeves, skirt, and boddice. The blue portion of the boddice is laced with matching light beige strings at the top of the skirt. The middle of the skirt is also beige. At the end of the sleeves is poofy white lace. The performer also has a blue bag with flowers handing from the strings and is wearing a green and gold hat with beige tulle flowing from the top of it. The performer is interacting with a children dressed in pink and wearing pink pig ears and a big nose. Both are standing outside at WheatonArts during Fantasy Faire.

Stage Performances

These are just a few of the many acts a day at the Kingdom of Wheaton has to offer. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from kid’s shows to educational content.

“Trouble in the Kingdom” ACTS I-V
Five stage shows take place on the Tournament Field, telling the continuing story of the Kingdom of Wheaton. A wizard named Malador the Mage has come to the Kingdom of Wheaton. He seeks employment as a Court Mage. Does the Kingdom need a court mage? The Queen seems to think so, but the Barons of the East and West are concerned. Is their trouble once again in the Kingdom of Wheaton? The show occurs every hour, beginning with the “King’s Welcome” at 11 a.m. and ending with the “Tournament of Prosperity” at 3 p.m. The 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. shows develop the story. There is plotting, planning, and sword fighting in every show! If you arrive late, ask one of the costumed characters to fill you in on the details.

Polly Pirate: Music, Magic & Mystery Show
Enjoy a comedy show alternating between exciting songs and unbelievable magic tricks! Fantastic Fun for kids of all ages.

Alchemy 101
Join Aurora Katts and Garrick Elwood on their quest to turn basic materials into gold! Come for the experiments, stay for the explosions!

Grymm Witches
The Grymm Witches are a hilarious mix of Shakespeare and silliness. Join these not-so-wicked witches as they tell their own “truthful” versions of traditional fairytales. And see them at their “Potion Brewing” show, where they will once again try to save the Kingdom of Wheaton.

Sing-A-Longs and Storytelling
Join your favorite storybook characters in the StoryBook grove. Shows throughout the day will have the characters singing children’s songs with audience participation. Parents and children can also listen to the characters read their favorite fairy tales with photo opportunities.

Myrtle the Cottage Witch
Join Myrtle the Cottage Witch, who has journeyed to the Kingdom of Wheaton from her home deep in the forest. With her voice and instruments, she will share songs and stories from throughout the land. Tales of fallen cities, evil queens, mighty warriors, and dangerous forests will entertain and delight listeners of all ages! 

Gold E. Locks on Trial
Gold E. Locks is on trial for breaking, entering, and destroying private property. She maintains that she meant no harm. Is she just a naughty little girl, or did something else cause the calamity of errors?

Tarot Card Kid’s Stories
Using a magical deck of cards, the audience builds an interactive folktale with the story-teller. A good show for young children learning to read.

Image of the schedule for Fantasy Faire at WheatonArts in 2024. The schedule is a chart that is eight rows across and eleven rows down. The first row from left to right reads "Time" in white text on a gray rectangular background, "Red Stage" in white text on a red rectangular background, "Blue Stage" in white text on a blue rectangular background, "Green Stage" in white text on a green rectangular background, "Yellow Stage" in white text on a yellow rectangular background, "Story Grove" in white text on a dark purple rectangular background, "Court of Miracles" in white text on a pink rectangular background, and "Group Shows" in white text on an orange rectangular background. The second row begins with black text on a gray rectangular background that reads "10:30" and gives the name of each event that takes place at that time. Each name is lined up under the name of the location that it will take place at. The names are in black text on a white rectangular background. From left to right, the chart says that "Grymm Witch's Fairy Tale" will take place at the "Red Stage", "Big Bad Wolf on Trial" will take place on the "Blue Stage", "Myrtle the Witch Sings" will take place on the "Green Stage", "Tarot Card Kid Stories" will take place on the "Yellow Stage", "Fairy Tale Readings" will take place at the "Story Grove", "Traditional Dancing" will take place at the "Court of Miracles", and "Whispy Rover" will take place at "Group Shows". The row below this one begins with the time "11:00" in black text on a rectangular gray background. A long rectangle with bold black text on a white background reads "Act I. Procession, King's Welcome, and Announcement of the Tournament on the Tournament Field". Underneath this row, is a row that begins with "11:30" in black text in a gray background. The titles of the events that take place at this time, from left to right, include "Polly Pirate: Music & Magic Mystery Show" at the "Red Stage", "Gold E. Locks on Trial" at the "Blue Stage", "Alchemy 101" at the "Green Stage", "Telling Greek Myths" at the "Yellow Stage", "Kid's Sing-A-Long" at the "Story Grove", "Traditional Dancing" at the "Court of Miracles", "Phoenix Swords, Markland (Saturday), SCA (Sunday)" at "Group Shows". Each name is in black text on a white background. Next is a row that begins with black text on a gray background that reads "12:00". There is a long rectangle next to this one with bold black text on a white background that reads "Act II. East and West Hope to Save the Kingdom on the Tournament Field". Underneath this row, is a row that begins with black text on a gray background that reads "12:30" with another long rectangle with bold red text that reads "Spring Pole Raising & Ribbon Dance in the Center Commons". Below this row, is another row that begins with black text on a gray background that reads "1:00" followed by a long rectangle with bold black text on a white background that reads "Act III. Procession and Presentation of the Champions on the Tournament Field". The next row begins with black text on a gray background that reads "1:30". The titles that take place in time are "Polly Pirate: Music & Magic Mystery Show" at the "Red Stage", "Big Bad Wolf on Trial" at the "Blue Stage", "Alchemy 101" at the "Green Stage", "Telling Greek Myths" at the "Yellow Stage", "Kid's Sing-A-Long" at the "Story Grove", "Traditional Dancing" at the "Court of Miracles", and "Whipsy Rover, Markland (Saturday), SCA (Sunday)" at "Group Shows". Below this is a row that begins with black text on a gray background that reads "2:00". This box is next to a long white rectangular section with bold black text that reads "Act IV. North and South Barons See Reason on the Tournament Field". The second row from the bottom begins with black text on a gray background that reads "2:30". The shows that take place at this time are "Grymm Witch's Potion Brewing" at the "Red Stage", "Gold E. Locks on Trial" at the "Blue Stage", "Myrtle the Witch Sings" at the "Green Stage", "Tarot Card Kid Stories" at the "Yellow Stage", "Fairy Tale Readings" at the "Story Grove", "Traditional Dancing" at the "Court of Miracles", and "Phoenix Swords" at "Group Shows". Each title of the show is written in black text on a white background. The final row begins with black text on a gray background that reads "3:00". Next to this time is bold black text on a white background that reads "Act V. Procession, Queen's Benediction, and Tournament of Prosperity on the Tournament Field".
image is comprised on two images: a larger image and a smaller one layered on top of it in the top left corner. Each image shows a hot sand artist sitting at a glass blowing bench. Both artists are holding a torch in one hand and a metal rod in the other. Each torch is lit with a blue flame that turns orange as it hits the hot glass that is at the end of the rod.
Overhead closeup of clay-covered hands shaping a clay vessel on the potter's wheel
Image of WheatonArts Paper Artist Cherelle sitting at a wooden table inside of the WheatonArts Paper Studio. The table has a variety of colorful sheets of paper on top of it along with markers, four small dishes of paint, and a book. Cherelle is using a small paint roller on the piece in front of her. The roller is coated in green paint. There are two people standing in front of the table watch Cherelle's demonstration.

Craft Demonstrations

These are just a few of the many acts a day at the Kingdom of Wheaton has to offer. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from kid’s shows to educational content.

The Local Blacksmith
Meet Blacksmith Daniel Lapidow from Hebrew Hammer to learn about forge and metalwork!

Royal Glassblowing Studio
Witness the transformation of molten hot glass into fantastical objects through collaborative demonstrations by glass artists Sukayna El Hani and Ariel Mazzola from Hot Sand in Asbury Park.

Miniture Glass Dragons
Discover the magic of dragons and their eggs forged from fire and glass in the Flamework Studio! Watch glass artist Jason Gordon on Saturday and Annie Vasiliadis on Sunday. 

Pottery Palace Mushrooms & Drinking Horns
Interact with ceramic artist Phyllis Seidner in the Pottery Studio as she sculpts beautiful mushrooms from wet clay. On Saturday, ceramic artist Clint Hunter will sculpt beer steins and drinking horns. 

Uncial Calligraphy
Engage with artist Cherele Oriolo in the Paper Studio as she demonstrates an Uncial calligraphy piece with one to two simple Celtic knots. Uncial is an ancient calligraphy font, most commonly in the 4th to 8th centuries A.D. 

FREE Family Art Activities

Take a seat at the Family Art Activity Station for complimentary craft time! Recommended for ages 5 & above with parental assistance. Estimated times of 15 to 30 minutes per activity.

Fantasy Mini Figures Painting
Paint your own mini-figure for your favorite fantasy game. Combine visual art and literary art by developing your character using our provided character sheets. Which class and level is your character? Which skills do they have? What is your character’s name? 

Paper Plate Dragon Mask
Transform a simple paper plate into a fierce & fantastical dragon mask, perfect for roaming the realms of Wheaton! Make your dragon unique by adding colorful adornments like sequins, construction paper scales, glitter glue, and more! 

Crowns for Royalty
Become royalty by making your own crown to your kingdom in style! Choose from an imperial crown or a camp crown template and add plastic gems to make your crown sparkle. 

Fantasy Faire 2019 attendees participate in kids' craft activities with a Fantasy Faire actor dressed in a whimsical yellow dress and colorful butterfly wings at a tented booth outdoors. Other attendees walk passed in the background.
Fantasy Faire 2019 attendees participate in kids' craft activities with adult supervision outdoors.
Image of three performers outside at Fantasy Faire at WheatonArts. Each performer is dressed in their own unique fantasy garb and is playing an instrument. Two of the performers have string instruments and one has a flute-like instrument. In the background are Fantasy Faire visitors participating in the rising of the Spring Pole. The pole is tall, thing, and a light brown color. The visitors are wrapping colorful ribbon around it.

Wandering Musicians

Jack-Of-All-Tunes
Talented musician Edward Bakshis plays traditional Medieval and Renaissance-themed tunes on various instruments.

The Meandering Minstrel
Sean Reidy performs traditional music ranging back to the Middle Ages on a variety of bagpipes and whistles.

Enchanting Harpist
Michele Mountain has been a harpist for over 30 years; her music and vocals will enrapture and enchant, taking you to realms of myth and fantasy.

Cast Members

King William: Michael Muzzarelli
Queen Grace: Chrissie Capece Muzzarelli
Witch Hazel: Bobbi J. Kukal 
Rumplestiltskin: James Thompson
Fool: Cheyanne Stroud
Wizard: Thomas Healy
Baroness of the North: Melissa Kane
Baron of the South: Anthony Kukal
Baroness of the East: Heidi Dugan
Baron of the West: Brian Danner
Bruno the Mercenary Captain: Tanner Cossaboon
Brunhilda the Lady-in-Waiting: Rachael Smith
Tournament Master: Natasha Thompson
Champions: Mystic Realms Sword Team
Ruffians & Peasants: Phoenix Swords

Fantasy Faire Parade group photo

Feast in the Food Court

Chef Steve’s Popcorn
Creek Edge Catering & BBQ
Frosbite
Karen and the Nut
Luna Soul and Bowls (Saturday Only)
Top Shelf Mobile Cuisine (Sunday Only)

Click here for the 2024 Fantasy Faire Merchant Application

Meet the Merchants!

3D2U
Aritimi Design Studio
August Shade Laser Crafts
Beads on Cypress
Big Bob’s Little Knife Shop
Black Wing Creations
Carlisle School of Glass Art
Catalina Angelina’s Boutique
Courtly Tours
Crown and String
Dopey Dragon Dry Goods
Dye of Your Dreams
Eloise Keller
Endtimes Art
Fey Fire Pyrography
For the Whim Productions
Gigi & Cat
Girasol Natural Soap
Grizzly & Co., Adventure for Hire
Hebrew Hammer Blacksmith
Henna by Drax
Immovable Objects
Jen Ottepka Photography
Kattnhubbyskreations
Lady Tuck
LunaCraft Creations
Majestic Hair Flower
Melody’s Eye Candy
Murphy’s Farm Market
ON THE ROAD MINISTRY
Philomena’s Rising
Plague Industry Props
Pretty Copper Twist
Quiet Chaos
Serenity by the Seas NJ
Shadowcat Jewelry
Sinful Smells
Spooks Paranormal
Stargazers Customs
Studio del Vetro
Sunrise Jewelry
The Arcane Design Shop
The BowLady
The Primitive Witch
Tori’s Critters
Uniques Handcrafted Jewelry
Upcycled & Vintage by Bonnie
Whisto LLC
White Cloud Therapies
Wonderland Waystation

The program schedule is subject to change. Please check back for updates.

Armchair Wizards on an outdoor stage, performing for a crowd.