Postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, The Children’s Festival returned to Pioneer Park in Nevada City in 2022. The park is transformed into a lively Renaissance Faire for children with over twenty arts and crafts tables, strolling minstrels, face-painters, a bridge-guarding troll, a bevy of faeries, Pepper the Witch, Pyrate Skool, medieval fencing, spinning demonstrations, and Queen Elizabeth and her court.

The Children’s Festival has become one of the premiere summer events for children, with over 2000 children and adults attending. All who attend leave with fond memories and many of the children who attended in the 1970’s and 80’s are now returning with their own children.

Founded in 1971 by Pat Cobler and Ilse Barnhart, the Children’s Festival continued as an annual summer event for 19 years. It was revived in 2003 as a memorial tribute to Ilse Barnhart.

At the festival, children make their own costumes, swords, shields, crowns, macaroni necklaces and magic wands. They engage in wood block construction, soapstone carving, magic art, Renaissance rubbings, solar art and clay modeling. There are catapults and a medieval castle available for all to paint. There is an entertainment stage with performances throughout the day. Each session ends with the Queen’s Procession and Festival Parade, and all attendees are invited to participate. Costumes are encouraged!

The festival is sponsored by Gold Country Kiwanis and many local businesses – and is made possible by the more than 200 local volunteers who work tirelessly to bring this unique event to the children of Nevada County.

It takes an army of volunteers to bring this unique event to the children of Nevada County.  We need people to help out at the craft tables and other activities.  If you can help, please contact Judi Mosley at 925-285-5948 or email helpers@thechildrensfestival.com.