AUDIO SLIDESHOW: 2011 Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire

The opening weekend of the invited visitors to unleash the pirate within with Piratical Plunder.

The faire has all sorts of activities for lords and ladies, including jousting, equestrian acrobatics, world-class fencing demonstrations, country dancing, games, music, magicians, puppet shows and more.

Did you miss this weekend's tomfoolery? Not to worry, the Faire is here weekends till August 21.

Here are some highlights, from the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire website:

August 13th and 14th
In the second weekend Amy Brown, renowned faerie and fantasy artist. will be signing autographs from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. both days. Spend the weekend celebrating the fantastical and magical world of faeries, trolls and dragons. The audience is encouraged to dress in the spirit of the worlds beyond, from faerie wings to unicorn horns.

August 20th and 21st
The third weekend is Her Majesty's Royal Masquerade, where you can show off Carnivale and character masks, get your face painted and visit the mask maker's booths. With dancing, singing and all forms of merriment, the final weekend should not be missed.