Everyone is talking about the Northern California Renaissance Faire 2014 Celtic rock concert series. It is by far one of the most celebrated attractions the faire has to offer, so don't miss out.

Reporter, Jim Harrington from the San Jose Mercury touted the rock series in a recent article saying, "There's an added incentive for music fans to attend the Renaissance Faire, which continues on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 12. The Faire hosts its Celtic Rock Concert Series on Saturdays. The remaining shows on the docket are The Wicked Tinkers on Sept. 27, The BlackEyed Dempseys on Oct. 4 and Whiskey and Women on Oct. 11." 

You can read the rest of his article here: http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_26586995 

Pirates will invade September 27th and 28th in the "Pirates Invasion" theme weekend at the Northern California Renaissance Faire. If you're ready for an adventure,strap on your boots and grab your swords to fight the swashbuckling pirates.

Wicked Tinkers take the stage on Saturday night starting at 6:00pm. As a one-time promotion this weekend, the Faire is offering a special rate, two tickets for $35, for all those who show their Student I.D. at the box office.

For more information and tickets, visit www.norcalrenfaire.com or call 408.847.FAIR.

Pleasanton Harvest Festival Brings Over 24,000 Arts and Crafts to the Alameda Fairgrounds

The Pleasanton Harvest Festival® Original Art and Craft Show is descending upon the Alameda Fairgrounds this weekend, September 19-21, boasting a wide array of unique arts and crafts, exciting entertainment, kids activities, live music, and delicious food.

The Harvest Festival features thousands of handmade arts and crafts, including jewelry, ceramics, blown glass, clothing, art and photography, specialty foods and more. Attendees can browse hundreds of booths, getting purchases personalized and meeting the artists who individually handcrafted each item.

Guests can take a break from the shopping extravaganza to enjoy fabulous live entertainment at the outdoor stage. This year, the Hot Rods Band, will take the Harvest Festival stage for the first time playing classic oldies hits of the 50's and 60's. The Hot Rods Band covers the greatest era of rock and roll and will transport the audience to a time of sock hops, beach parties and cruisin' cars. 

The Pleasanton Harvest Festival® is proud to support the Alameda County Community Food Bank by offering $2 off admission to anyone who brings a monetary donation or non-perishable food items to the show. The Alameda County Community Food Bank serves 1 in 6 residents living throughout Alameda County, including the Tri-Valley.

The Oakley Raiders have been selected once again as the official show charity, and the Harvest Festival will offer the non-profit youth sports organization half of the proceeds from every shopping bag sold. The Oakley Raiders will also host the interactive KidZone, which is an area for children to participate in hands-on arts and crafts. Plus, New York Life will be onsite offering free child ID kits.

The Harvest Festivals were recognized as one of the top 200 craft shows in the United States by Sunshine Artist Magazine and the Pleasanton show was ranked in the top 100 Fine Craft Fairs by the Art Fair Source Book. The series of festivals, which take place in nine cities across California and Nevada, are the largest indoor arts and crafts show on the West Coast.

What:                      The Pleasanton Harvest Festival®

When:                     September 19-21, 2014

Where:                    Alameda County Fairgrounds 

Hours:                     Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 6pm

                                 Sunday: 10 am – 5pm

Tickets:                   Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): 

                                $4, Kids 12 & Under: Free 

                                (Tickets valid for re-entry with handstamp)

Info:                        Visit www.harvestfestival.com or 

                                 call 800-346-1212

Press:                     Contact the Larose Group at 650-548-6700 

                                 or email info@prmagic.com 

ABOUT THE HARVEST FESTIVAL ORIGINAL ART AND CRAFT SHOW®:

The Harvest Festivals began 42 years ago in San Francisco as a destination for artists and craftspeople to gather and have a forum to sell their handmade products. Today, the show has grown to encompass ten shows in the state of California and Nevada and still continues its tradition by only featuring handmade arts and crafts made in the United States.  Each exhibitor is subject to a rigid jury process to be selected as a featured artisan, ensuring a rich diversity and high quality of all products sold. Attendees are able to directly interact with the artists, watch crafting demonstrations, and can get many gifts personalized. The Harvest Festivals, owned and managed by Western Exhibitors, are the largest indoor arts and crafts show of its kind on the West Coast.  

                                                                                                                  # # # 

Northern California Renaissance Faire Returns to Casa de Fruta for Five Fun Filled Weekends

Travel back to a time where the arts flourished, people thirsted for knowledge and the awakening of the mind reigned supreme.

The Northern California Renaissance Faire, happening every weekend from September 13th through October 12th at Casa de Fruta, invites all to experience its traditional Village of Willingtown.  Attendees will be transported to the era of Queen Elizabeth I as they watch exotic performances and take part in music and dance from traditional Morris and English Country, to Celtic and Gypsy Tribal.

The Faire is filled with many delightful pleasures and artisan treasures for young and old alike. Visit the Marketplace to see all the master artisans who offer the latest designs and finest hand work in blown glass, keen blades, leather-work, woodwork, jewelry and much more. 

Activities, period-themed rides and performances are offered to entertain any and all age groups. Feast your eyes upon pleasures such as face painting, hair-braiding, comedy shows and fortune tellers.  You might even be challenged to test your accuracy with a bow and arrow or axe throwing game.

Keep an eye out for courageous knights strapped into their heavy suits of armor as they fight for the Queen’s favor during battles of skill and might. Full contact jousting tournaments are performed twice a day in the World Tournament of Champions arena.

Let your creativity run wild by immersing yourself in Renaissance society. Dress the part by renting a costume inside the gates of The Belrose and throw out as many Huzzahs and Aye’s as you can. The Belrose offers authentic Renaissance garments to complement all taste styles and spanning the social status. You can become anyone you want from prim and proper princesses to swashbuckling pirates to colorful gypsies or royalty.

Jovial peasants, men in tights, and gleeful maidens roam the streets while you sip an ale or cider. Not thirsty? Have no fear for you can sink your teeth in a gigantic turkey leg or other delectable foods in this enchanted wonderland.

Advance tickets will be available in August, and anyone who purchases online tickets before September 13^th will receive $5 off admission. Children 12 and under will be admitted FREE entrance for all five weekends, and during opening weekend, general ticket pricing is “Two-For-One.”

WHAT:  Northern California Renaissance Faire, A Play Faire Production

WHEN:    Every Saturday and Sunday September 13^th- October 12^th; Celtic Rock Concert Series every Saturday night - FREE with admission

TIME:    10 am- 6 pm (Celtic Rock Series starts at 6pm on Sat.)

WHERE: Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister, CA

COST:      $25 at the gate; children 12 and under will be admitted FREE the entire run of the Faire. A weekend pass, which covers the admission for one weekend, is $35; A ‘Fairever’ pass, which allows unlimited access all 10 days, is $150. Save $5 off adult tickets for groups of fifteen or more with the promotional code “group”.

INFO:        For more information and tickets, visit www.norcalrenfaire.com or call 408.847.FAIR.

About the Northern California Renaissance Faire:

The Northern California Renaissance Faire is run by Play Faire Productions, a group of self-appointed actors and artisans who took ownership as a collective in 2004.  Many Faire participants have been exciting crowds with their performances for over 35 years, never failing to entertain the masses with their pranks and mischievous behavior.  They are proud to be the only Faire of its kind that is managed by their own performers, presenting an incomparable way to experience the magic of the time period.  Whether you attend for an all encompassing history lesson, or wish to play in the original adult playground, there is no doubt that everyone will have the chance to stretch their imagination…and Find Your Fantasy!