Rome Shakespeare Festival Returns with a New RenFayre & 5K

If there is one thing I absolutely love about our town, it’s how our downtown area comes alive when the arts and our local community collide. There is something truly magical about strolling near Broad Street on a warm evening and stumbling upon live theatre right on the Town Green.

That is exactly the kind of accessible magic the Rome Shakespeare Festival has been bringing to our community for years. Their mission is simple but powerful: to enrich, engage, and educate our community through exceptional theatrical performances that are free and open to everyone. Whether you’ve planned your weekend around it or you just happen to be an “accidental audience member” out for an evening walk, you are welcome here.

This year is extra special. From September 23rd through the 27th, the festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary! To mark the occasion, they are bringing back their very first production from 2016: A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

But that’s not all. This year, the festival is expanding in a big way, and I am so excited to share what they have planned!

A Brand New Renaissance Fayre

For the first time ever, the festival is adding a RenFayre on September 26th and 27th. Renaissance Festivals are huge economic drivers all over the country, and bringing one right here to the rivers of Rome is such a brilliant way to showcase our arts culture.

What can you expect? Think roaming artists, the incredible KnightSong Madrigal Singers from Atlanta, and live demonstrations from Jeremy Smith, our amazing local chainsaw sculptor. And of course, you can’t have a Renaissance Fayre without the food! Our friends at Moe’s Original BBQ will be out there serving up massive turkey legs, roasted corn, meat on a stick, and other delicious treats (plus, they’ll have their bar open on the patio!).

The Inaugural Shakespeare River Run 5K

Also new this year is the Shakespeare River Run 5K on September 27th. Inspired by board treasurer and avid runner Suzanne Fischer, this run is the perfect crossover between community fitness and the arts.

This isn’t your average 5K. As you run the path, keep your eyes peeled—you might catch sight of Oberon, Titania, the mechanicals rehearsing their play, or fairies playing in the grass! Costumes (or elements of renaissance attire) are highly encouraged, though keep in mind it will likely be a hot Georgia September morning!

This race isn’t just for fun; it has a crucial mission. The Rome Shakespeare Festival is working hard to raise enough money to hire a full-time Executive Director. A dedicated staff member would allow them to expand their programming to include more plays, camps, educational opportunities, and workshops year-round.

How to Attend (And Tips for First-Timers!)

The beauty of this festival is that it truly takes a village. From local talent of all ages shining on stage to the incredible volunteers who make it happen, this is Rome at its best.

If you are planning to attend, here are a few pro tips:

Seating: Blanket seating is right up front! If you prefer a chair, you can bring a beach or camp chair, but they must be set up in designated areas so everyone can see.
The VIP Experience: Want to elevate your evening? You can reserve a table in advance on their website. The tables come fully draped in linen with a gorgeous centerpiece and a place card waiting for you. It’s the perfect setup for a dinner on the green!

Support the Arts in Rome

Because the festival performances are free to the public, community support is everything. A huge shoutout goes to the local sponsors making this possible, including the Festival Main Stage Sponsor, Center Parc Credit Union, and the 5K Run Platinum Sponsor, Juice Plus+.

If you want to support their mission, there are so many ways to get involved! You can attend the fundraisers, become a sponsor, rent a VIP table, buy some merchandise, or sign up to volunteer your unique skills. Even a small donation through their website goes a long way in keeping this event free for families who might not otherwise have access to the theatre.

Ready to plan your weekend? Get all the details, reserve your tables, and register for the 5K at the links below: