On weekends from Sept.13 through Oct. 19, the Northern California Renaissance Faire is at Casa de Fruta at 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway in Hollister. Throngs of festival-goers enjoy artisan shops, live shows, contests and games, fair foods, a joust and an atmosphere of merriment. More information and tickets are available at norcalrenfaire.com.
"Roderick" and "Ariel" check their ticket status on the way into the Faire. Many attendees wear costumes and embody imaginative personas. Costume themes vary by week.