Faire fun in the forest

Hear ye, hear ye! Knights in shining armor, jesters, minstrels and more await you and your entire family for three days of archaic adventure in the tall pines. Step back in time and experience the magic of medieval and Renaissance Europe – featuring workshops, a bustling marketplace and food court, craft beer and wine, activities and entertainment – as OSO Productions presents the second annual Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Sunday, May 16-18, at Wingfield Park, 300 Center St., Ruidoso.

Don your finest medieval apparel and stroll the grounds of a magical kingdom, where over 100 artists and vendors will be hawking their exquisitely handmade wares. From intricately designed jewelry to finely crafted leather goods, you'll find a vast array of unique creations to explore and purchase, including candles, crystals, clothing, books, wands, potions, and relics.

Food is also a big part of the atmosphere as steel wagons serve up the best fare in the land, including everything from Renaissance fare to modern local flavors. Scheduled to appear are Whitt’s Branding Iron, Ma’am Bears Sweet Tooth, Tularosa Taco Company, Weird’O Beardo Jerkey, Fry Bread Queen, the Roasted Corn Factory and more. Or indulge in craft beer, local wine or mead in the tavern area by such favorites as Bonito Valley Brewing Company, Lost Hiker Brewing, Mystic Ambrosia Mead, Noisy Water Winery, Downshift Brewing Company, Sheehan Winery and Dark Stranger Meadery.

To make things even more interesting, each day of the festival is dedicated to a particular theme. Friday, May 16 launches the festival with a thrilling Pirate Invasion, featuring swashbuckling fun and activities that will delight buccaneers of all ages. Saturday, May 17 continues the fun with Medieval and Celtic Day, complete with Maypole, stirring music, Highland Games, and the crowning of a King and Queen of the festival. On Sunday, May 18, conclude your experience with Fantasy & Family Day, including fairy hunts, interactive storytelling and other family-minded activities to spark the imagination.

But wait, that’s not all! Entertainment for the weekend includes everything from Full Contact Armored Combat, artisan demonstrations, interactive events, and dance by Jewells of the Desert, to the music of A Drunker Shade of Green, Doso Dirtbags, Moksi and more. Headlining the entertainment on May 17 will be internationally renowned Irish rock band the Young Dubliners, as part of their national Feicin’ Freezin’ Tour.

The Young Dubliners, often affectionately known as “The Dubs,” are a thrilling Irish-American rock band that first took the stage in sunny Santa Monica, California, back in 1988. Their music defines a unique blend of Celtic rock, seamlessly intertwining original rock compositions with spirited Irish folk songs, captivating audiences with their raucous energy and infectious melodies. With more than three decades of music-making, the Young Dubliners have carved out a monumental place in music history, delivering groundbreaking performances and paving the way for Celtic rock in contemporary culture.

The second annual Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire days and hours are 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Friday, May 16; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, May 17; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, May 18.  Advance tickets are $25 + fees for single day, and $45 + fees for the entire weekend. Day of tickets are $30 + fees for single day, and $50 + fees for the weekend. Age 12 and under are free. To purchase tickets or for more information about the festival, visit LincolnForestRenFaire.com