The Central Coast Renaissance Festival returns to San Luis Obispo’s Laguna Lake Park on July 16th and 17th (ends at 6pm on Sunday) with over 500 costumed entertainers and four stages of live entertainment.

There are over 25 acts performing, including plays, comedy skits, juggling, singing, music, dance shows, storytelling, Shakespeare, acrobatics, a parrot act, and free flying falconry.

Sunday ‘Pirate Day,’ with a pirate ship where kids can come aboard and learn swashbuckling with balloon swords. There’s a free pirate’s treasure hunt on Sunday and a costume contest both days.

There is unique shopping in the artisan’s marketplace and a bounty of delicious food is available along with ale, fine local wine and beer.