Soldiers, knights and mercenaries battle in the ring June 25, 2022, at Dragon’s Gate Brewery’s outside Milton-Freewater. The establishment holds its second Renaissance Faire on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

MILTON-FREEWATER — Dragon’s Gate Brewery will host its second annual Renaissance Faire from 12:30-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 24.

The Faire will be at the Brewery, 52288 Sunquist Road, in Milton-Freewater.

Last year’s faire was a spur-of-the-moment idea that struck brewery owner Jennifer Gregory and was brought to fruition just a few weeks later.

This year, they’re going bigger. With a lot more time to plan and hire professional performers, she has built up the cast for the second iteration of the event.

Troupe Azure will start the day with two belly dancing performances.

To further elevate the experience, Gregory has hired the Seattle Knights, a theatrical troupe that will put on two jousting performances in addition to sword fighting.

Local ensemble Calico Bones will play live and Skweez the Weezle out of Tri-Cities will play Celtic bagpipe and percussion.

Walla Walla Fencing Academy will be there giving lessons throughout the day with foam swords and will have real fencing equipment available for those who would like to try it.

A big hit last year, Buck Mountain BBQ Company will return with its turkey legs. The Where There’s Food Eat It food truck also will be there with delicious barbecue.

Walla Walla Cheese Company will have ice cream, Whitman Acres will provide the lemonade and Dragon’s Gate Brewery will have beer, wine, cider, seltzer and butter beer available.

What’s a nerdy faire without kilts? A Scottish Highland camp will be on site teaching visitors how to compete in the games. Gur math a thèid leat (that’s “good luck” in Scots Gaelic).

Vendors will be gathered in the market square to peddle their wares.

Broken Hammer Creations is a metalworking company out of Nampa, Idaho; Riley River Forge is a local blacksmith; Jewel Cat Wares is a shop with unique crochet items; Crocket Road Lavender Farm produces lavender and lavender products; Wand Culture crafts unique wands and more; Rosey Hues Face Painting decorates eventgoers; and Ravenwolf Creations has Viking wood carvings.

The plan is to continue the tradition annually and add fun elements as they go, Gregory said.

There was no charge for entry to the faire last year, but because this is a larger event with more hired professionals, there will be a cover charge this year. Presale tickets, which can be found on the brewery’s website dragonsgatebrewery.com, are $15 for general admission and $6 for children ages 5-12.

Tickets at the gate are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-12.

Purchasing tickets from the website ahead of time helps organizers plan for parking needs.