Visitors to the Akron Zoo will soon be stuck in a strange time warp.
The zoo is hosting its first ever Renaissance Faire on May 17 and 18.
The event − billed as family friendly − will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will not require a separate admission.
The zoo plans to host a vendor area along with live performances from dragons to reenactors and even sword fighting demonstrations and a blacksmith.
Akron Glass Works will offer glass-blowing demonstrations.
The Green Dragon Inn will set up a board game area and LANfest will have a video game area.
The Renaissance Faire will coincide with the zoo’s summer-long DinoTrek that features some 20 life-size animatronic dinosaurs scattered around the grounds.
Zoo spokesperson Elena Bell said guests can wear period costumes to the Renaissance Faire but cannot cover their faces or heads.
Real period weapons like swords, maces and axes will not be allowed at the event.
Bell said plastic period weapons will be permitted.
Admission to the zoo ranges from $11 to $21 since it has adopted a dynamic pricing plan in 2024 where admission prices at the gate can fluctuate based on the day of the week and the demand for tickets.
To purchase tickets in advance and secure a lower price, visit akronzoo.org.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Huzzah! Akron Zoo to host first-ever Renaissance Faire in May
Reporting by Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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