A Renaissance Festival on Castle Grounds
CastleFaire is back for YEAR 3! Join us for another year of ren faire fun on castle grounds with the Meadow Village lower level and Courtyard Grounds upper level full of unique vendors, performances, activities and of course, the grounds themselves with double decker castle walls and towers at every corner for you to explore!
Friday, January 16 11:00 to 5:00pm
Saturday, January 17 10:00 to 5:00pm
Sunday, January 18 10:00 t0 4:00pm
Tickets
General Admission (ages 5+) $20
Young Squires (ages 0-4) Free
Four ticket options:
Friday 11 - 5
Saturday 10 - 5*
Saturday 12 - 5*
Sunday 10 - 4
*Advanced ticketing IS SOLD OUT for Saturday. If you show up on Saturday, you can get tickets AFTER 12 noon, but be prepared for lines and waiting, and our capacity is based on parking (even with our off site lots - you may need to park downtown and walk to Fun Factory) and our ability to get everyone between the two levels of CastleFaire - Meadow Village and the Castle Courtyard. Friday and Sunday will likely be more comfortable if you are still looking for tickets ~ we want you to enjoy your time here!
In-person Tickets (Tickets at the Door)
Advanced ticketing is strongly recommended. In-person ticketing will be available at opening hour on Friday and Sunday and starting at noon on Saturday. In person ticketing will be accommodated primarily by guests getting tickets on their own phone while in line - please get tickets in advance. Sometimes internet stops working midday in Helen on these busiest days. If the internet goes out in the area, check-in for pre-registered guests will continue but we will not be able to sell you tickets.
Weather & Cancellation Policy
Tickets are non-refundable
Bring your cloaks, capes and coats!
PLEASE NOTE: CastleFaire is mostly an outdoor experience. It is a winter festival that is not weather dependent, it will be held rain or shine. Check the weather and plan ahead.
~ PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY ~
Tickets can be transferred until Monday, Jan 12, on a space available basis. Send the original ticket holder's registration name, confirmation code, and the name to be transferred to in an email to info@uhuburg.com.
Performers & Entertainment
Performers & Entertainment
Heralding & Costume Contest by Mordecai Galand
Hawks, Falcons and Yonah the Eagle Owl with Georgia Mountain Falconry ~ IG ~ Facebook
Medieval Music by Bestia Vatis
Reptiles with Georgia Reptile Society ~ IG ~ Facebook ~ Tiktok
Shakespearean Shorts by Green Mountain Theater ~ Facebook
Combat Demos and Workshops by Appalachian Sword Club
Shanty, folk, Celtic music and more by The Crossjacks ~ IG ~ Facebook
Four-sibling fiddle band Sibling Rivalry ~ IG ~ Facebook (on Saturday & Sunday)
Full Contact Combat by Palmetto Knights (on Saturday & Sunday)
Sidewalk acts by White Knight Studios
Belly Dancing by Visions of the Oasis
Puppeteering by Adam Clarke
Lute the Living Statue ~ IG
Pirate Comedy Show by Buckles and Bits (on Saturday & Sunday)
Captain Moss ~ IG ~ TikTok
Special Guests: ChamrsDeluxe, Arklis & Father Christmas by Santa Clint
Guest Photographers Freddy Burgess and E.L.Clay Photography
(photo release is part of the waiver)
Schedules
Friday Schedule
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Meadow Village
~Throughout the Lower Level~
11:00 Medieval Music by Bestia Vatis at Entrance
12:00 Shakespeare Shorts
12:30 Medieval Music by Bestia Vatis
2:00 Shakespeare Shorts
2:30 Medieval Music by Cory Whipple
4:00 Shakespeare Shorts
4:30 Dragonhead Giveaway by Imagination Forge
Castle Courtyard
~In the Amphitheater unless otherwise noted~
11 - 11:30 The Crossjacks at the Red Gates*
12:00 Appalachian Sword Club
1:00 Crossjacks
1:00 Puppet Pants Productions in Back Grounds**
12:30 Belly dancing in Great Hall***
2:00 Appalachian Sword Club
2:00 Puppet Pants in Back of Grounds**
2:30 Costume Contest
3:00 Puppet Pants in Back of Grounds**
3:30 Crossjacks
3:30 Belly dancing in Great Hall***
4:00 Puppet Pants in Back of Grounds**
4:30 Appalachian Sword Club
4:30 Closing Ceremonies starting in Back of Grounds**
5:00 Crossjacks at the Red Gates*
*The Red Gates are at the entrance to the Castle Courtyard near the shuttle drop off/pickup
**Back of grounds on the far side of the main building
***The Great Hall is the indoor space open in the main building, middle of the grounds.
Saturday Schedule
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Meadow Village
~Throughout the Lower Level~
10:00 The Crossjacks at Meadow Market Entrance
11:00 Shakespeare Shorts
11:30 Viking Shield Wall Demo
12:00 The Crossjacks
1:30 Shakespeare Shorts
2:00 The Crossjacks
3:30 Viking Shield Wall Demo
4:00 Shakespeare Shorts
4:30 Dragonhead Giveaway by Imagination Forge
Castle Courtyard
~In the Amphitheater unless otherwise noted~
10/10:30 Sibling Rivalry
10/10:30 Appalachian Sword Club
11:00 Medieval Music by Bestia Vatis
11:30 Belly dancing in Great Hall***
11:30 Buckle & Bits Pirate Comedy Show
12:30 Sibling Rivalry
1:00 Costume Contest
1:00 Puppet Pants Productions in Back Grounds**
1:30 Castle Wall Fight by Palmetto Knights at North Gatehouse
1:30 Belly dancing in Great Hall***
2:00 Medieval Music by Bestia Vatis
2:00 Puppet Pants in Back of Grounds**
2:30 Appalachian Sword Club
3:00 Puppet Pants in Back of Grounds**
3:00 Sibling Rivalry
3:30 Buckle & Bits Pirate Comedy Show
4:00 Puppet Pants in Back of Grounds**
4:00 Castle Wall Fight by Palmetto Knights at North Gatehouse
4/4:30 Appalachian Sword Club
4:30 Belly dancing in Great Hall***
4:30 Closing Ceremonies starting in Back of Grounds**
5:00 Crossjacks at the Red Gates*
*The Red Gates are at the entrance to the Castle Courtyard near the shuttle drop off/pickup
**Back of grounds on the far side of the main building
***The Great Hall is the indoor space open in the main building, middle of the grounds.
Sunday Schedule
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Meadow Village
~Throughout the Lower Level~
10:00 Sibling Rivalry at Meadow Market Entrance
11:00 Shakespeare Shorts
11:30 Viking Shield Wall Demo
12:00 Sibling Rivalry
1:30 Shakespeare Shorts
2:00 Sibling Rivalry
3:30 Dragonhead Giveaway by Imagination Forge
Castle Courtyard
~In the Amphitheater unless otherwise noted~
10/10:30 The Crossjacks at Red Gates*
10/10:30 Appalachian Sword Club
11:00 Medieval Music by Bestia Vatis
11:00 Belly dancing in Great Hall***
11:30 Buckle & Bits Pirate Comedy Show
12:30 The Crossjacks
12:30 Belly dancing in Great Hall***
1:00 Costume Contest
1:00 Puppet Pants Productions in Back Grounds**
1:30 Castle Wall Fight by Palmetto Knights at North Gatehouse
2:00 Medieval Music by Bestia Vatis
2:00 Belly dancing in Great Hall***
2:00 Puppet Pants in Back of Grounds**
2:30 Appalachian Sword Club
3:00 Puppet Pants in Back of Grounds**
3:00 The Crossjacks
3:30 Buckle & Bits Pirate Comedy Show
3:30 Closing Ceremonies starting in Back of Grounds**
4:00 Crossjacks at the Red Gates*
*The Red Gates are at the entrance to the Castle Courtyard near the shuttle drop off/pickup
**Back of grounds on the far side of the main building
***The Great Hall is the indoor space open in the main building, middle of the grounds.
Vendors
Market Vendors
Peruse the markets to get your fill of handmade wares at the Artisan Markets
Meadow Village
Longbows by Appalachian Archery
Jewelry by Bockemuehl Jewelers
Art and Leather by Daniel French
Glass dragon eyes by The Dragon Eye Artist
Witchy Hats by Ember Cottage
Candles by Foothill Inspirations
Leather Bracers and Satchels by Goblin Worx
Incense by Holy Smoke
Cooking Spoons by Homemakers
Dragon Heads by Imagination Forge
Hair Braiding by Mak of all Braids
Ren Photobooth by Margaret French
Drinking Horns by Phat Dragon
Weapons by Sellsswords
Catapults and trebuchets by Siege the Day
Enchanted Crafts by Silver Satyr Designs
Copper taxidermized bug jewelry by Soulshine Spirit
Axe Throwing by TilRagnarak
Blacksmith by Trash Puppy Forge
Metal Crowns by Treasure of Crows
Twilight Cottage
Blacksmith by Valraven Forge & Craftworks
Wooden dice trays by Volinar's Workshop
Questing by Wandrring Bazaar
Potions Booth by White Knight Studios
Glass art by Wild Pony
Wire jewelry by Wire you Waiting
Castle Courtyard
Crochet Art by Birch and Thyme
Jewelry by Bockemuehl Jewelers
Candles & dice by College of Candles
Smithed jewelry by Darkstar Machinations
Glass art by From the Glass
Leather by Gryphon Wing Armory
Chainmail by J&E Crafts
Copper jewelry by Mothers Blessing
Readings by Nomadic Artistic Mystic
Weapons by Sellsswords
Leather by Solhest Leather Goods
Stone & gems by Third Eye Gems
Bone jewelry by TK Eyecatcher
Metal Crowns by Treasure of Crows
Bread, coffee and coccoa by Two Breakfast Babes
Blacksmith by Valraven Forge & Craftworks
Medieval instruments by Wild Sparrow Strings
Wooden utensils by Woodchips Adventure Utensil
Food
Meadow Village:
Biker Bites ~ Instagram ~ Facebook
A veteran owned, family owned food truck with great food. We have Bison, Elk, Rattlesnake, Kangaroo, Gator & more! Meatless and a gluten free option available too.
Alpine Pizza Wagon~ Facebook
We are Family owned and operated food trailer based out of Helen, GA
Menu is in the works!
Dark Roast Emporium ~ Instagram
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and s'mores
DragonEye
Bottled waters/beverages
Castle Courtyard:
J-Mikes Flavor Station ~ Instagram
Medieval food tent in castle courtyard
Jamwich ~ Instagram ~ Facebook
The mission of the Jamwich Food Truck is pretty simple: to create one-of-a-kind flavor combinations from the freshest, purest, most delicious ingredients and place them between two slices of artisan bread.
Two Breakfast Babes ~ Facebook
Tent by the Red Gates selling homemade bread, coffee and coccoa
Uhuburg
Bottled waters/beverages & small concessions sold in the Great Hall
Interested Vendors for 2026
Wares, Activities, Food & Performers
APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED ON NOV 1
Thank you for your interest in vending at CastleFaire! Though the window to apply has closed for CF '26, keep an eye out for 2027. This year, applications were accepted from August 1 through November 1, and next year is likely to be similar.
Where to Stay
Bear Creek Lodge and Cabins
Lovely pet friendly cabins on the river within walking distance to town.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge
Centered around sparkling Lake Unicoi in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Unicoi State Park & Lodge puts you only two miles from Alpine Helen, GA.
Special CastleFaire promo:
Use code CASTLE for 25% off and shuttle service to and from Uhuburg provided by Unicoi!
CastleFaire Gallery Links & Attire Inspiration
Download ~ Enjoy ~ Share
We love seeing your content on social and always love a tag!
@uhuburg #uhuburg #castlefaire
Parking, Shuttle & Walking
Parking
CastleFaire will always have off-site parking and shuttles. Check out the details to help you make plans! During festival hours, watch social media stories for day-of updates.
Parking is mostly in off-site lots with shuttle service provided.
Parking fees are $10-$15 and are not included with ticket purchase. Shuttle service to the grounds and between the Meadow Village and Castle Courtyard is included with ticket purchase.
Carpooling is strongly encouraged ~ split that fee and save space!
There are four parking options for CastleFaire
Off site parking is in the same locations as in 2024 and 2025:
1. Cool River Tubing's Headwater's Outpost at 112 Poplar Stump Road, Helen, GA
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Park and pay Cool River's parking fee ($10 - prepare for cash only)
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Check in and get your CastleFaire wristband
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Catch a shuttle to Uhuburg: A shuttle will run continuously starting just before festival opening time to and from Uhuburg. Shuttle drop off is at the Meadow Village on Uhuburg's lower level grounds. Go to the white tent to enter the Meadow Village if you have already checked-in and have your wristband, or to register if you need to purchase tickets. Enjoy the Meadow Village performances and vendors, then take a shuttle to the upper level and enjoy the courtyard performers, vendors, and Uhuburg's castle grounds.
2. Fun Factory at 115 Escowee Dr, Helen, GA
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Park and pay Fun Factory's parking fee ($15 - cash or card)
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Receive a $15 voucher for Fun Factory, good through the end of February!
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Check in and get your CastleFaire wristband
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Catch the shuttle to Uhuburg: A shuttle will run continuously starting just before festival opening time to and from Uhuburg. Shuttle drop off is at the Meadow Village on Uhuburg's lower level grounds. Go to the white tent to enter the Meadow Village if you have already checked-in and have your wristband, or to register if you need to purchase tickets. Enjoy the Meadow Village performances and vendors, then take a shuttle to the upper level and enjoy the courtyard performers, vendors, and Uhuburg's castle grounds.
3. Downtown Helen
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Park in one of the various lots in downtown Helen (usually $10) and enjoy the walk through town to Fun Factory at 115 Escowee Dr to check in, get your wristband and catch the shuttle to Uhuburg.
4. Uhuburg's on-site parking lot at 571 Ridge Rd, Helen, GA
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We’ve expanded our lot but spots are still very limited ~ do not plan to park on site after the festival opens.
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Red and white banner flags mark Uhuburg's entrance.
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Parking opens 45 minutes before festival opens each day.
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Ticket check-in will begin 30 minutes before festival opens each day.
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Updates will be put on Facebook in the CastleFaire Event and Instagram/Facebook Stories when lot is full.
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Please do not expect to park on-site after the lot is full.
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Accessible parking spaces are available until full.
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Check-in at the white tent at the Meadow Village entrance.
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Enjoy the Meadow Village performances and vendors, then take a shuttle or hiking trail to the upper level and enjoy the courtyard performers, vendors, and Uhuburg's castle grounds.
CastleFaire Has Two Locations On Uhuburg Grounds:
Meadow Village and the Castle Courtyard
There are two ways to get from one to the other:
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🚌 Shuttle - two shuttles run continuously from top to bottom and back again
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🥾 Hiking Trail - new this year!
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⅓ mile ~ 170ft elevation ~ 10-20 minutes
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Difficulty level is moderate and that of a hiking trail, not a nature path.
Accessibility
Four accessible parking spots are available on site. Drop off for guests needing accessible, direct entrance at the castle entrance can be arranged (talk to staff in blue capes upon arrival). Please note we still need to arrange for check-in and must coordinate your drop off with shuttle passage. If you are doing a drop-off, we will do our best to park the driver on-site but can not guarantee there will be a spot available. More info here.
Shuttle
Shuttle service is included with ticket purchase and is provided between parking lots and castle grounds and up to the castle entrance.
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Everyone parked in off-site lots will be dropped off at the Meadow Village at the lower level of Uhuburg grounds and go through the same entrance.
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Shuttles will run continuously both to Uhuburg and within Uhuburg's grounds from the Meadow Village to the Castle Courtyard.
Walking From Town
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PLEASE NOTE that traffic is common and ice could be found on the banks of narrow Ridge Road on winter mornings. Walking to Uhuburg from town/Fun Factory is not recommended.
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Uhuburg is less than a mile walk uphill from Fun Factory and 1.2 miles from the center of downtown Helen. Sidewalks are available from town until Escowee Drive - always exercise caution and watch for passing cars and shuttles.
Accessibility
When you arrive, please inform the CastleFaire staff that you require accessible parking accommodations and they will assist you.
Options for parking and entering the castle grounds:
- Accessible parking spots in the lower level parking lot (shuttle service provided)
- Drop-off at the castle entrance coordinated with shuttle
- Two accessible parking spots at the castle entrance
Uhuburg grounds (and CastleFaire) are partially accessible. More stone and brick paths have been added since CF 2025! Most pathways and parts of the upper castle wall are wheelchair accessible, but the grounds are uneven. The Great Hall has an ADA compliant bathroom. The Lookout Tower is accessed only by stairs.
Weapons Policy
Firearms
Concealed and open carry firearms are PROHIBITED on the grounds, except as required by law with regards to law enforcement personnel with properly presented credentials. CastleFaire is hosted on private property.
Costume Weapons
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Only arms relevant to the period portrayed in costume are allowed. Such arms include but are not limited to swords, daggers, axes, bows and arrows, crossbows and replica firearms.
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All costume blades must be properly sheathed and peace tied with red or yellow twine, ribbon or zip ties at all times. Arrows must have tips removed (except padded LARP tips), tied together and tied inside the quiver.
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Crossbows must not be capable of launching any projectiles.
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Only period appropriate replica firearms allowed. Replica firearms must not be capable of launching projectiles and/or making loud or gunfire sounds.
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Foam weapons are okay to wield, but please no fighting (except in our foam sword fight ring!).
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All persons and weapons are subject to search and inspection. Any item found to be potentially harmful or unsafe will be removed and securely stored until departure.
Uhuburg, Eagle Owl Castle
Uhuburg is the Renaissance Eagle Owl Castle in Helen, GA. It is a philosophical, food producing, natural and celebratory place. Outside of CastleFaire, Uhuburg offers day visits with guided tours, unique guest chambers for overnight stay, photoshoots and special event bookings as a venue.
Read more about our mission, the mural project, history, and visit our Gallery
During CastleFaire, the 2 level castle walls, Lookout Tower, and Great Hall will be open for festival participants.
Address: 571 Ridge Rd, Helen, GA
#uhuburg
Frequently Asked Questions
2025 version, updates pending
Why is CastleFaire in January?
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The community businesses that partner with Uhuburg to provide off-site parking, buses and drivers for CastleFaire are not available at other times of the year.
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It's the time of year vendors and entertainers said they have availability.
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We are providing an opportunity for you to wear all that winter garb you have! Kidding aside, thanks for braving the cold with us. We love how many folks have expressed enthusiasm for bringing out the wool, furs and velvet and not sweating so much for once! If winter temps aren't for you, there are many warm weather ren fests to check out - we know winter CastleFaire might not be what everyone wants. Here's a cool list of them: The Renlist.
What parts of Uhuburg are open during CastleFaire?
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During CastleFaire, the upper castle wall promenade with vista towers, lower wall with philosophical murals, Lookout Tower, greenhouse, general grounds, Great Hall and Drawing Room are open for festival participants. The Great Hall will have tables chairs, Visions of the Oasis belly dancing performances all weekend and a fantasy musical performance by ContraForce on Saturday. The Drawing Room will be open with the rescue organization, Georgia Reptiles.
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Guided tours of Uhuburg are not offered during CastleFaire, Overnight guest chambers can be seen here, the Tropical Atrium is part of our Day Visit tours, and other spaces in Uhuburg's four buildings consist of various staff apartments, utility rooms such as the commercial kitchen, workshops and storage (these spaces are not open to the public).
Can I take pictures?
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Absolutely! Please check in before taking photos of others, as they may not want their photo taken or may be part of CastleFaire entertainment and accepting tips. If you put your photos on social media, we love to see them! We'll re-share if we're tagged and also use #uhuburg.
Is it appropriate to tips performers?
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Absolutely! Please tip performers. It is part of how they can continue making magical moments at events like this.
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Busking or solicitation of tips by non-official CastleFaire entertainment, vendors, staff, volutneers, etc is prohibited.
What happens if the weather isn't ideal?
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CastleFaire is not weather dependent and will happen rain, cold, or shine. The Great Hall is heated and will be set up primarily for seating this year. There are some outdoor heaters available to be set up around the grounds. Check the forecast and plan shoes, coats, layers, hand warmers, umbrellas, raincoats, boots, etc, accordingly. Some hand warmers will be available for purchase in the gift shop.
Will the snow be gone?
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Due to temperatures in the forecast, we expect most if not all of the snow and ice to be melted on roads and in the courtyard area/castle grounds. The Meadow Village does has some tree cover and may not be completely clear, but we anticipate it will be mostly melted.
How do I transfer my tickets?
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Tickets can be transferred to other guests and the original ticket holder must have the name changed on the reservation (Contact Us). We are doing our best to keep up with requests while complete festival preparations. As CastleFaire gets nearer, expect longer delays in receiving a response.
Can I bring my dog?
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Pets are not allowed on Uhuburg and CastleFaire grounds.
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Following the guidelines of ADA, service dogs are not pets and are expected to behave accordingly to the duties they are responsible for. Following the guidance of adata.org, "A service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability." "Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA."
We love your love of CastleFaire!
Special Thanks
Lacy Greer - Festival Coordinator
Terry Sims - Off site parking, additional bus drivers and buses
Pierre Maalouf - Off site parking