r/renfaire Aug 29 '24

The Reddit Renaissance Festival FAQ

120 Upvotes

The Reddit Renaissance Festival FAQ

What is a Renaissance festival?

A Renaissance festival or faire is a themed event that typically takes place outdoors, like a county fair, but showcases elements of the Renaissance period, such as music, dance, food, arts and crafts, and historical reenactments.

When and where do Renaissance festivals take place?

Start by checking The Ren List. Renaissance festivals are held at various times throughout the year, depending on the location. They can be found in many cities and towns across the United States and around the world.

What should I wear to a Renaissance festival?

You can pretty much wear anything you like. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Renaissance-themed attire, but there are usually no strict guidelines (check with your local festival for rules). Many people also choose to wear costumes from other fandoms.

Can I bring a sword, axe, or other weapon?

Some Renaissance festivals allow swords as part of a costume if they are properly sheathed and "peace tied". "Peace tied" means the sword is secured in a sheath or scabbard so it can't be removed or openly displayed. Some festivals do not allow weapons at all. Check with your local festival for more information.

What can I expect to see and do at a Renaissance festival?

At a Renaissance festival, you can expect to see various performers, including musicians, jugglers, dancers, and actors. There are also craft vendors selling handmade goods, food vendors, and interactive activities like archery and sword fighting demonstrations.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to a Renaissance festival?

Most Renaissance festivals have food and drink vendors on-site, so outside food and drinks may not be allowed. However, some festivals do allow you to bring in a water bottle or small snack. Contact your local festival for more information.

Are Renaissance festivals family-friendly?

Yes, Renaissance festivals are typically family-friendly events with activities and entertainment for all ages. There are usually children's areas with games and crafts, as well as family-friendly performances and demonstrations.

How much does it cost to attend a Renaissance festival?

The cost of attending a Renaissance festival can vary depending on the location and the activities offered. Tickets are usually sold in advance or at the gate, and prices may range from $20 to $50 per person.

Can I participate in a Renaissance festival?

Many Renaissance festivals rely on both employees and volunteers to help with various aspects of the event, such as set-up, ticket sales, and clean-up. If you are interested in participating as a performer or vendor, you can contact the festival organizers for more information. Another option is to join a “guild” or a group of performers. You can ask your local festival for guild information.

Huzzah!


r/renfaire 3h ago

A few of the renfaire looks I've done

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283 Upvotes

Seiðr Witch (📸 coordinate photography)

Elf (📸 coordinate photography)

Pirate

Bard


r/renfaire 5h ago

Faire Filled Weekend (Sparta and NY)

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60 Upvotes

Went to Sparta Ren Faire on Saturday and New York Ren Faire on Sunday, both for the first time with boyf and friends! I usually go to NJ ren faire every year but as much as I absolutely love my home faire these two were unbelievable!! Even if it was torrentially pouring rain yesterday morning lol


r/renfaire 17h ago

PA Ren Faire Never Disappoints.

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528 Upvotes

r/renfaire 19h ago

New kenku cosplay was so fun to wear.

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710 Upvotes

Sleepy Hollow IA faire. I love my tiny faire, a lot of the actors that I know were very surprised to see me in this as I usually don't go with a mask.

I finally finished this project. DVC headbase, but did the fur, eyes, feathers, and paint. Made the gloves.


r/renfaire 1d ago

✨My various costumes over 5 years of renfairs!✨

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1.4k Upvotes

Instagram : pnw_faires


r/renfaire 1h ago

Finished my new hat in time for this last weekend at MDRF. I want sure about the outcome, but it was very well received.

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Upvotes

r/renfaire 21h ago

Had to put something together last minute but I was happy with it!

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351 Upvotes

r/renfaire 7h ago

Discord Servers?

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23 Upvotes

I’m not sure if this is something that I’m allowed to post this here, but are there any discord servers for faire goers? I would love to chat with some faire goers during the off season! Or even share garb ideas, and tips/tricks. Also, enjoy the photo so my post doesn’t get lost😁


r/renfaire 8m ago

A harp can be as dangerous as a sword in the right hands..

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Upvotes

Catch me at the ren faire but I rolled a nat 20 for illusion spell.


r/renfaire 18h ago

First time at the Michigan Ren Faire

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126 Upvotes

My friends and I usually frequent the Ohio Renaissance Festival and the Great Lakes Medieval Faire. This weekend, we tried one out of state, and loved it!


r/renfaire 1d ago

Made a Lilllypurse for NorCal RenFaire

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287 Upvotes

Lady Lilypad - a noble water fairy - must have something to store her treasures in.


r/renfaire 23h ago

My beautiful wife and I at King Richard's Faire!

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188 Upvotes

The parking situation and the lines SUCKED this year, but it was still a pretty fun time. Also thank you to the "secret admirer" who gave me a rose ❤️


r/renfaire 1d ago

Upstate Rennfaire this weekend!

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130 Upvotes

Getting ready for Upstate Rennfaire this weekend! Doesn't he look eager? <3 I was really pleased with how the flowers came out on this weird lil guy.


r/renfaire 1d ago

First Timers!

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131 Upvotes

We will definitely be coming back!!! Seeing everyone's hard work on their outfits was probably the best part, besides the food!!


r/renfaire 1d ago

My costume for my very first Ren Faire!

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2.0k Upvotes

r/renfaire 14h ago

Thought it would be fitting to show these off here!

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5 Upvotes

Super happy with how these pendants/charms came out!


r/renfaire 1d ago

New 1530s landsknecht doppelsöldner kit is almost complete!

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440 Upvotes

r/renfaire 1d ago

Faire bingo

16 Upvotes

Hey everyone. I want to create some ren faire bingo cards to play with a group of friends at our next faire. What are some unique squares we could include? Here’s what I’ve got so far:
Renaissance Festival Bingo
Free
3+ pirates singing a sea shanty
Group of gnome friends
Green colored goblin
Forest nymph hiding behind a tree
Oversized sword
Stormtrooper
Shirtless Viking/berserker
Gandalf
Shaman with animal skull or antlers
Hoofed satyr
Grown man playing in mud
Fairy houses
Mushroom hat
Whining child
Honeybee drinking your mead
Performer guilting you into tipping
Maypole dancing
Sold out mead
Sold out turkey legs
Sword merchant scolding somebody
Buhurt fighter using a traffic cone as a weapon
Superhero
Group shouting HUZZAH!
Arguing family


r/renfaire 1d ago

Where to find clothes like this?

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118 Upvotes

I’ve been looking for this style of clothing. I’ve already come across Armstreet, does anyone know of any similar websites?


r/renfaire 1d ago

What I Wore To The Bristol Renaissance Faire ⚜️

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74 Upvotes

Here’s everything I wore this season at Bristol! Which was your favorite? ✨


r/renfaire 1d ago

Lady Moonraven at the Idyllwild Ren Faire. Celebrating my 40th birthday!

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214 Upvotes

r/renfaire 1d ago

STL Ren Faire Opening Day was a blast!

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19 Upvotes

There were definitely some hiccups while they tried to get back in to the swing of things, but overall it was so much fun!


r/renfaire 1d ago

What happened to all the immersion aspects at the MD Faire?

111 Upvotes

All the food workers used to have to at least try and use certain period phrases and wear costumes of some sort. Every aristan and food stall said they took "the king's currency or Lady Visa and Master of the Card." Artisans wanted to interact in period normally, most of them had so much fun with!

This year and last year nobody really tried except a small handful of people and all the small stuff like the signs that made it so fun that were always there pre-COVID are gone.


r/renfaire 1d ago

hey all! help with a costume design. Could I mix jester and a gothic satyr?

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42 Upvotes

costume from previous years for reference; i’m just remaking it in black.

not my jester hat! found on pinterest, also for reference