Confirmed Appearances in 2027 to Include…

Music:

Sämäs

With their blend of pop vocals, folk instrumentation, and cinematic underscoring, sämäs heralds in a new musical experience designed to uplift and transform souls of all ages. Their all-original music is inspired by fantasy, myth, the cosmos, and the wonders of nature, and it features tight vocal harmonies and driving rhythms created by big drums and percussive tap dancing. The show is lead and created by female vocal/percussion duo Sam Carroll and Asia Lupo, and the pro ensemble is filled out by veteran musicians Marc Mills, Arne Parrott, and Paddy King. The band brings a youthful, passionate energy to their performances to ensure anyone can experience the power of sämäs.

 

The Seelie Court

The Seelie Court is a musical troupe performing songs and tunes from across the gulf of Celtic tradition. We’re committed to honoring the tradition and context of the pieces we work with and presenting them with verisimilitude.

Our namesake comes from the world of faeries and old folklore. We welcome our audiences into the fold with us, inviting them to become a part of the court in spirit. We command the stage with good vibes, playful energy, and mischievous banter. From searing-hot tunesets to folk songs and ballads, our crowds will cheer, laugh, and throw themselves into dance throughout the show.

Prepare to delight in everything from true medieval classics to contemporary favorites, along with a growing discography of originals. Bagpipes, flutes, whistles, bouzouki, and drums: join The Seelie Court for unbridled revelry and merriment!

 

Wakefire

Do you enjoy the lilt of the Old World with a rockin’ new beat? That’s Wakefire’s bread and butter, but we don’t stop there – we’ll soon have you dancing to our own mix of Celtic Rock, Baroque Pop, Americana, folk rock, and what we have coined Bohemian Cabaret . . .  and we’ll add a dash of pop culture for the nerds in the audience because we like you folks.

We take an unorthodox approach to tradition. Built upon the combined experience of our members, we began to transform the old songs into something new. As we venture into our own, Wakefire has found a unique combination of tight rhythms, stacked harmonies and a driving energy to tell stories and create a unique musical experience not to be missed. Defying any traditional genre, we hope to share with you something you haven’t seen or heard before. We welcome you to our Cabaret!

 

Abbie Palmer

Abbie brings a fun, welcoming, and interactive live music experience to the stage with an unexpected instrument—the electric harp.

By blending a conversational stage presence with a genuine love for musical improvisation, she focuses on connecting directly with her audience to create an entertaining and musically diverse performance experience. In addition to her harp playing, Abbie is a trained vocalist who enjoys sharing her passion for singing as the lead vocalist for several collaborative band projects.

Her musical roots run deep in the festival community, having grown up performing at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, where her family were dedicated cast members for nearly 40 years. Having started her journey entertaining crowds there as a young child, Renaissance Faires hold a very special place in her heart and represent her longest-running performance tradition. Today, she feels fortunate to balance her musical time between touring with Celtic rock bands and performing as a solo artist.

Abbie’s live solo shows focus on bringing people together through a blend of traditional Celtic music, familiar pop and rock covers, and lighthearted audience banter. She loves welcoming crowd participation, guiding listeners through simple singalongs and friendly group percussion games, whether she is using backing tracks or playing a simple acoustic set.

 

T.C. Costello

TC Costello delivers a dynamic repertoire of accordion tunes showcasing traditional European music from across the continent, along with crowd-pleasing pop favorites. By the end of his performance, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled overseas! Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, German, Irish, or French accordion music, TC does it all masterfully. His professionalism and excellent communication throughout the entire booking process make him the best choice for your event. Let’s make your special occasion truly unforgettable!

 

The Motley Tones

The Motley Tones washed ashore at the Blackbeard Festival in Hampton, VA in 2010 and have been entertaining crowds ever since. Helped by friends and fans, they are now the region’s most popular pirate performing group, entertaining adults and children alike with their unique blend of classical and oft-times amusing sea shanties. They are known throughout the mid-Atlantic region both for their highly interactive street shows as well as their enthusiastic stage shows. This dynamic group sings madrigals for the king by day, pub songs for the hoi polloi by night, and love songs and sailor songs all the day long.

Their music ranges from acapella harmonies to traditional “call and response” tunes to duets, solo ballads and parodies of popular tunes. All loosely tied to the “Golden Age of Piracy.” In live performance, they incorporate pieces of period garb and stories into their performance as well as just plain fun stuff.

 

Afrit Temple

Afrit Temple is a Raleigh NC based studio project, as well as a live music and dance act, playing at local dance events and festivals, and collaborating with other musicians and artists. Afrit Temple draws it’s influences from Middle Eastern, medieval, world folk and early music. The project was started by Andrew Shakinovsky in 2006 with an emphasis on electronic music, but gradually started moving towards ethnic and acoustic sounds, while keeping some electronic elements.

 

Marianne Styles

Marianne has been performing professionally in the Mid-Atlantic region for over 20 years. Her music includes a dynamic mix of classic and current Rock, Folk/Irish, Pop and Country tunes, along with her originals.

 

Lady Kathana

Stage bard spinning lively tales of adventure, betrayal, and loves lost and found

 

 

Magic & Mayhem:

Alterra Productions

Philly & NYC based production company curating immersive performances through aerial silks!

 

Timbalanced

Hailing from the hometown of P.T. Barnum, I have always felt drawn to the circus arts. I learned to juggle as a kid, but it wasn’t until theater school when I had an opportunity to juggle on stage at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, that I found inspiration to delve deeper into the art. Since then, I have been building my skills one trick at a time while also building and repairing houses as a full time carpenter in the family business. Drawing from a lifelong love of creating, building, and performing I designed and built the Can-Do Circus Carnival cart, many of my props, and a closet full of stilt costumes. Timbalanced Entertainment is the culmination of a lifetime of varied interests and experience.

 

Les S Moore Will Steal Your Stuff

 

The Noah Royak Show

He doesn’t walk onstage—he erupts, cloaked in mystery and sequins, commanding the spotlight like it owes him rent. You don’t clap out of politeness—you scream because your brain short-circuited from sheer astonishment. This is Noah Royak. And this is your invitation to the wildest night your imagination never dared to dream. He’s a millennial and the marquee says it all “There must be an easier way to do this!” Watch in amazement as Noah harnesses technology to achieve untold laziness. From Las Vegas to Dubai, he’s Googled it all! Vegas wishes it could be this fabulous. Noah Royak isn’t just a performer—he’s a one-man arena tour, a high-octane fever dream where rock ‘n’ roll collides with vaudeville and walks away wearing rhinestones. With charisma cranked to eleven and enough showmanship to make P.T. Barnum blush, Noah delivers a comedy-variety spectacle that fuses circus danger, rockstar swagger, and just enough absurdity to make your grandmother clutch her pearls. It’s chaos, it’s comedy, it’s controlled madness—and it’s impossible to look away.

 

Dash Rippington’s Dangerously Stupid Show

Ripped from the pages of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!… multiple Guinness World Record holder Dash Rippington invites all Friends and Enemies to gather ’round as he causes himself discomfort and considerable amounts of pain. All for your entertainment! He is the “King of Animal Traps,” the originator of the SnotRocket Blockhead, and brings over 25 years of sideshow experience to his performances.

Using the acts of traditional comedic sideshow, Dash will lead his audiences through a joke filled, response participatory show that includes: triggering animal traps on his bodily appendages, hammering a nail into his nasal cavity and removing the nail via string and crossbow, and finally culminating with the ancient art form of swallowing swords.

This show is considered a ‘Danger show’ and as such is not designed for children, but with the understanding that children of all ages enjoy this type of entertainment. The show can range from family friendly to more adult humor depending on the event. Suggested rating for the Dangerously Stupid Show is PG.

 

Fates & Foolery

This Dungeons & Dragons-inspired show brings the laughs and thrills of tabletop role playing to the live stage, complete with dice rolls, heroes, villains, combat, and a grand adventure!

Hosted by the Fateweaver, who will take your suggestions and attempt to weave them into an epic tale! But fate can be fickle, and the players may have their own ideas…

 

I Firenzi

I Firenzi is a vagabond troupe of creatives who produce plays in the style of 16th century Italian Commedia dell’ Arte!

Based in the Triangle area of central North Carolina, this group met in the Society for Creative Anachronism (www.SCA.org), performed at events from War of the Wings to Pennsic, and now perform in programs like The National Women’s Theater Festival and Festival of Legends!

I Firenzi is dedicated to teaching historically informed commedia, so if you have any interest in our classes or materials for your own class, please contact us! We can help teachers and students!

 

 

Fairies & Wanderers:

Queen Ashura and Her Summer Fairy Court

Her Royal Majesty – the Queen of Summer – and her Noble Entourage will grace us with their presence and celebrate the arrival of Spring. Rpyal Court and Knighting Ceremonies to be held each day!

 

Sea Star Sirens

North Carolina Mermaids were the first official Mermaid group created in NC in March of 2013. Sea Star Sirens is our newest collaboration for Festival of Legends. Two meet-n-greets each day of the event!

 

Thimbleberry The Woodsprite

Thimbleberry has collected magical and obscure fairytales to bring to the human realm with an interactive storytelling experience that will delight young and old alike! Between shows, you may find her wandering the lanes with a smile for everyone she meets

 

Bramble & Thorn

These are two mischievous goblin characters. They like to tease the humans, and show how “goofy” humans are by presenting all the weird objects that humans use in their lives. Thorn thinks he knows everything about humans, but usually gets it wrong, while Bramble just adores them and thinks they are the cutest and best thing ever. They have a tendency to “mis-perceive” and “misunderstand” what those silly humans say. They hope to one day join the humans and blend in seamlessly with them (which they do badly, of course, since they are goblins).

 

Puddingtoe III

A friendly goblin who loves to spread chaotic kindness. Your favourite goblin’s favourite goblin. Little bit pretty, lot a bit feral. An adventuring friend to any who wish to be a part of whimsy and magic

 

The Goblins Shnizzle & Mudge

Goblinz Rule! Goblin Embassy ambassadors Mudge and Shnizzle will be out in full force and ready to trade (Mudge is a very enterprising goblin after all)! Don’t be afraid to offer something shiny, or a dance or a song, or send a letter through our very efficient Snail Mail system. At the Goblin Embassy our motto is “Faeries are friends, not food!”

 

L.U.T.E the Living Statue

“Who better to tell fairy tales than a fairy?”

 

The Giggle Guardians

The Giggle Guardians are here and we’re going to help you find your Faerie Giggles: The sound you make when you are truly happy all the way to your souls!

 

Chappy

Our favorite organ grinder, with puppets!

 

Spark Dreamfire the Fire Fairy

A fire and nature fairy traveling the country encouraging belief in yourself, love, & wonder

 

Puss ‘n Boots

Everyone’s favorite fairytale feline brought to life!

 

Ayla The Dreams Fairy

Just look for the bubbles!

 

Bug the Fae

I’m Bug! I like bugs!
Put a bug in Bug’s Book of Bugs
Fae Performer x Buzaphone Virtuoso
All stat points in Luck
BUZZ BUZZ BAE BEE

 

Live Combat:

Imperium Armored Combat

Our club is dedicated to helping you discover your passion for the world of Buhurt. Whether you’re a seasoned fighter or a complete beginner, we offer a range of activities and events to help you get started. Our experienced team members are here to help you every step of the way, so you can achieve your goals and have fun while doing it! We host and attend regular competitions and tournaments throughout the year, giving you the chance to compete against other members of our community. Whether you’re looking for a team melees or a duels event, there’s something for everyone!

At Imperium Armored Combat, we’re more than just a club – we’re a community of like-minded fighters who share a passion for Buhurt.

 

The Sword Conservatory

Teaching the history, sport, and art of swordsmanship to all, with safety and fun.

 

The Knightly Order of the Fiat Lux (Triangle Chapter)

Wearing real armor and hitting each other with real swords for entertainment and charity donations, the Knights do full-speed, full-contact combat (plus soft boffer weapons for duels with the audience!)

 

 

Animals:

Goblin Queen Reptiles

We are a local reptile education business out of Raleigh and Swansboro NC. We have a variety of animals you will get the chance to pet and hold.

Reptile meet-n-greets each day at 10:15am, 11am, 2:45pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, & 5:15pm

 

Humphrey Honey Bunny Farm

 

CLAWS Inc.

CLAWS, Inc. is an organization that is dedicated to helping wild and exotic animals, through educating the public as well as rescuing and rehabilitating those animals in need. Our educational programs and wildlife rehabilitation are done on a local basis: however, our exotic animal rescue has spanned the entire country.

 

Dire Wolf – Warg Pups up for adoption! Peak Lab Rescue

Come play with friendly puppies up for adoption

 

Miles to Go Kitten Rehab

Witches and their cats bring you the magic of tiny bebes as well as handmade wears and oddities. A 501c3 Neonatal Orphan Kitten Rehabilitation and Rescue.

 

The Hounds of East Fairhaven

Founded in 2001, we perform at Renaissance Festivals across the Southeastern United States, promoting sighthound adoptions.

 

 

Interactive:

Chatham Axes

Axe Throwing is the newest and hottest form of active entertainment. Grab a real axe and our Axperts will show you how to safely throw during a game-show-like session that will have you hoot’n and howler’n for your team mates! This type of pulse-pounding, adrenaline filled-fun is great for both team building and amusement that nothing can top!

 

Dragon Story Time

Children’s stories by everyone’s favorite ice cream dragon!

 

Tiberius the Dragon & The Dragon Riders

Our beloved Festival of Legends-exclusive crew will be back, along with the gigantic golden dragon Tiberius!

 

Caverns and Campfires

Explore Mysteries, solve riddles, and train your combat skills by joining the Caverns and Campfires Adventurer’s League and go on an immersive journey of quests and puzzles throughout the Festival! For all ages!

 

The Mobile Gem Mine

A mobile gem mining activity for people of all ages! Also offering unique gemstone products for purchase.

 

The 2026 Children’s Glen featured: 

 

Bubbles! Drawing! Music! These are only a few of the free activities available in The Children’s Glen!  Not to mention the miniature fairy village, bouncy unicorns, and free-to-all play tea party!

Plus, carnival games with fairy tale inspired prizes (and no one loses!). $0.50 per play! Games include:

• Toss pirate booty to Hook the Hook
• Hunt Cockatrice with a play crossbow
• Win a mermaid in the classic Fish Bowl Toss
• Pick An Egg and find treasures (possibly a fairy or a dragon to take home)
• Choose a Key to Adventure and see where it takes you.

Feeling crafty? Make a Magical Spell in the Fairy Apothecary! Children can also fashion their own fairy, dragon, or mermaid lantern; beaded crystal sun catcher; or a sparkly commemorative charm (in honor of this year’s theme) in the Crafts Tent! Craft tickets are $5.00 this year; all crafts require 1 craft ticket except Lanterns (2 tickets required) 

The Children’s Glen will also provide a Baby Changing / Nursing Station: a 10×10 fully-enclosed tent with tables and chairs (also good for parents needing a quiet place for their infant during the busy event day).

There is no additional charge to enter and enjoy the Children’s Glen! Many of the activities are free to play for every child! Only Carnival Games with prizes and Craft Activities have addtitional costs, as listed above.

 

Click here for 2027 event passes, shirt pre-orders, and pins!