Edgewood Celtic Festival Draws International Talent

EDGEWOOD, N.M. — Families looking for budget-friendly weekend entertainment in the East Mountains will find a welcome reprieve at the upcoming New Mexico Renaissance Celtic Festival, where organizers have eliminated admission fees for anyone 17 and under.

The two-weekend immersive historical fantasy event kicks off this Saturday at Wildlife West Nature Park and runs March 28-29 and April 4-5. In a unique move for regional events, organizers proudly advertise that their Edgewood festivals are the only ones of their kind that do not charge admission for youth accompanied by a parent.

The kingdom’s gates open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, offering a packed schedule tailored to engage younger attendees. Each afternoon at 2:30 p.m., Mary Queen of Scots will preside over a free “Kids Knighting Ceremony” at the Queen’s Court Gazebo, allowing children to be officially recognized by royalty.

The festival grounds will also be populated with family-oriented interactive street theater, including the Flint Hills Fairies and Zepher the roaming dragon, designed to excite younger generations.

Because the festival’s second weekend coincides with Easter, Sunday, April 5, will feature an expanded slate of holiday activities. The festival will host three separate, free Golden Egg Hunts introduced by a bunny-themed royal herald in medieval garb.

To ensure safety and fairness, the egg hunts will be divided by age group:

• Littles (Ages 0-4): 12:45 p.m.
• Kids (Ages 5-9): 1:20 p.m.
• Tweens (Ages 10-13): 2:00 p.m.

Each hunt will feature a special golden prize egg hidden among the standard treasures.

Adult tickets are currently on sale. While youth enter for free, organizers remind attendees that outside food and drinks are not permitted on the grounds.

For more information, daily schedules, and adult ticketing, visit www.nmrenfest.net.