FAQ

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TICKETS, DATES, AND HOURS

What is Colonial Faire?

Colonial Faire at Riley’s Farm is a family-friendly, interactive cultural event aimed at entertaining and educating the public about life in the American colonies in the late 18th century.  A bustling New England village comes to life in Oak Glen each Saturday in July as Colonial Chesterfield hosts interactive dramatic presentations, swordplay demonstrations and duels of honor, music and theatre, old-fashioned games, hands-on activities and classic sports like tomahawk throwing and archery (ages 8+), colonial crafts like candle dipping and weaving, and unique shopping with local artisans and colonial sutlers.  Culinary delights abound in the Hawk’s Head Publick House, which serves hearty country comfort cuisine, fine wines, ales, and hard ciders.  Our famous on-site bakery will craft plenty of five-pound apple pies and seasonal pastries, too, so join us for a day filled with fun, feasting, history, and outdoor adventure in scenic Oak Glen!

When is Colonial Faire?

Set in Chesterfield, New Hampshire in the year 1774, Faire takes place on the following dates from 12pm to 6pm:

July 4,5,6

How much is the daily admission?  What does the admission price include?

It Pays to Buy Ahead!

Advance Purchase (Before June 15th): Adult $15, Child $12
Online Price June 15-July 3:  Adult $18, Child $15
Gate Admission:  Adult $20, Child $17 (age 3-12)

Group Rates (30 people +):  Call 909-790-TIME for details.

Children age 2 and younger receive complimentary admission to the faire!

  • Admission includes all entertainment: the swordplay demonstrations and duels of honor, music, interactive living history exhibits and shows, craft demonstrations, farm animal interactions, and colonial games.
  • Each admission also includes one candle dipping voucher to dip your own candle and take it home with you.

Are there hotels near the faire?

Yes!  And we have LOTS of Riley’s Farm special rates.   Be sure to follow our links when booking.

Will fruit picking be available during the faire?

Patrons who wish to pick fresh strawberries during the event should check in at the upper farm area before entering the patch to check daily crop status and purchase a berry picking container.

Is the event “cash only”?

We are happy to accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, or cash to purchase your admission tickets.  We do not run debit  transactions or take Discover.  While vendors are free to make their own credit card policies, most accept credit cards as well as cash.

Can I leave the Faire and come back in?

Yes, your wristband will guarantee re-admission to the fairegrounds if you need to leave and return later in the day.

PARKING INFORMATION

Is there a parking fee?

Parking is free!  We do not charge a fee for parking in any of the three available dirt lots on Riley’s Farm.

Is there RV parking available?  May we remain overnight?

Complimentary space for RV parking is available from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on the day of the event.  Overnight parking is available only to reenactors who are participating in the event’s period encampment.  Email info@rileysfarm.com for details.

FOOD AND DRINK

May we bring outside food and drink?

No outside food and drink is permitted at this event.

COSTUMES AND WEAPONS

Do I have to come in costume?

Although many guests arrive in colonial attire, it is not required by any means.  We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and good walking shoes.  Come dressed to play!

If I wear a costume do I get in for free?

No.

Are shoes required?

Yes.  Due to safety and insurance requirements all guests are required to wear shoes at all times.  Note that some cast members may appear in bare feet for dramatic presentations on a limited basis.

May I bring my (costume) weapon?

Yes.  All weapons are to be “peace-tied” and shall remain sheathed.  Exposed steel is not permitted.  The constable will be on patrol to ensure public safety.

May I bring my bow and arrows?

Yes.  You may bring your bow if it is unstrung, or strung with yarn (or some other line that cannot hold tension).  Arrows should be untipped.  The constable will be on patrol to ensure public safety.

May I bring my instrument?

To avoid excessive busking, outside instruments are not permitted.

MISC. AND POLICIES

What other amenities are available?

  • Baby Changing Tables (Hawk’s Head Public House)
  • First Aid
  • Handicapped privies (Hawk’s Head Public House)
  • Lost & Found
  • Restrooms / Privies

Is the Faire wheelchair accessible?

Yes, with the understanding that this event is held outdoors.  We do not rent wheelchairs or scooters.

May I bring a pet?

Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Is smoking allowed?

Due to high fire danger, smoking is only permitted in the Colonial Chesterfield parking lot.  Note that some cast members may employ the use of a colonial clay pipe and tobacco as part of their presentation on a limited basis.

Do you have a Lost & Found?

Yes, located in the Guard Shack in Colonial Chesterfield.

What if it rains?

Rain or shine, the show must go on!  No refunds or rainchecks are offered in the (unlikely) event of inclement weather.

What is your photography policy?  

YOU MAY BE VIDEO TAPED OR RECORDED
Colonial Faire has been chosen as the preferred location for many various film, tape and transmitted productions. Anyone who attends the Faire may be filmed, taped, or be transmitted via the internet, or other means. By choosing to enter the Faire grounds one gives up the right to privacy regarding trademarks, images, and likenesses.The holder of a ticket to the Faire grants permission to the Riley’s Farm, Colonial Faire and it’s agents to utilize the holder’s image or likeness incidental to any live or recorded video display or other transmission or reproduction in whole or in part of the event in which this admits the holder.

We welcome you when the farm is open to the public!   With the exception of commercial film, video and still photography, we do not charge a fee or require a release for farm friends taking portraits, so please respect the following requirements:

  • Schedule your photo shoot during our Colonial Gift Store hours, and respect the space of educational tours or private events in progress.
  • Check in at the bakery or store to make a purchase and verify that your chosen location is available for public use.
  • Mention Riley’s Farm and Colonial Faire when posting your images on social media.  Enjoy the beauty of Oak Glen!
  • If you are interested in using the farm for commercial film and television production, we quote location fees on a case by case basis.  We require a copy of the script and proof of insurance.  Our fee is based on the number of vehicles, size of the crew, time of year, and the length of the shoot.  Interested parties should send inquiries to info@rileysfarm.com.