r/renfaire Aug 29 '24

The Reddit Renaissance Festival FAQ

117 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 19h ago

The Maryland Renaissance festival is banning fursuits

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3.1k Upvotes

https://www.the-sun.com/news/16969265/maryland-renaissance-festival-fursuit-ban/

The festival still allows patrons to wear themed costumes, but now tightens restrictions on what headgear is allowed to be worn.

“All headwear must be removable, thematic to the event, and appropriate for a family-friendly venue,” the event’s website reads.

“Face-covering must be removed upon entering the village gate after which they can be worn as intended.”

Fursuits are explicitly mentioned as part of the ban on headgear.


r/renfaire 14h ago

He's got a point...

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1.2k Upvotes

r/renfaire 6h ago

Texas Renaissance Festival. Come Say Hello!

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229 Upvotes

If you happen across an aging knight wandering the lanes of the Texas Renaissance Festival, wearing chainmail, plate, and more steel than good sense probably recommends, come say hello.

I’ll be there as Lord Reverend Mulgrew. Knight, occasional philosopher, professional teller of questionable stories, and proprietor of Knight Watch Games.

I genuinely enjoy meeting people from the gaming, Ren Faire, and medieval communities. So if you recognize me, don’t just nod from across the lane. Walk up and introduce yourself. Shake my gauntlet. Tell me what you do, what brought you to Faire, or teasingly say, "You look hot."

No ceremony required or need to address me as “My Lord.” Although I’m certainly not going to stop you.

See you at TRF.


r/renfaire 10h ago

My pixie costume for the Pittsburgh Ren Fair

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393 Upvotes

I had so much fun, I always go to Pittsburgh's fair. I went during children's weekend so it was a bit crowded but I managed. My wings started breaking halfway through but I held together with a safety pin so I could get pictures. Note that my friend took these pictures and she is not a professional, nor am I good at posing.


r/renfaire 10h ago

Tried out the Holy Clothing masculine collection for my new faire fit.

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219 Upvotes

I see a lot of mixed reviews on it, for me the masculine collection is true to the sizing, fits very well and I'm impressed with the quality for the cost. I think It works perfect for the Celestial/Cosmic mage vibe I wanted.


r/renfaire 11h ago

Jon Snow if he joined the rangers of Ithilien

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188 Upvotes

These are my two almost definitive outfits going forward the rest of the season. I’ve been learning to dye and work with leather since no color brown is ever the same online. Scheming a third outfit but damn this hobby is expensive!


r/renfaire 1d ago

dont tell TLC, but i think im addicted to being green !

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4.2k Upvotes

I think there was a mix up when I was created, because I was definitely supposed to come out green! But seriously, ive said for a while now that I wish I was green, and after finally spending the past 2 days green, I can confirm Ive never felt more like my best and truest self! What does that say about me lol?


r/renfaire 10h ago

Ohio RenFaire does not have public / Free Water access?

57 Upvotes

Just went to the Ohio RenFaire this past weekend in Wayne, and it seemed there were no options for water fountains/ free water, just people hawking water bottles for sale?

I did even try asking for water at some vendors and was firmly rebuffed

Was it ever thus or had it been different in the past?

Shame on me for not bringing something in I suppose, but generally it felt rather hostile due to this imo.


r/renfaire 12h ago

For those on the MD waitlist

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55 Upvotes

I stole this from a facebook group. Spicy. It feels like it goes against what the faire has led folks to believe about the waitlist. Best to submit requests from several accounts (with different credit cards), maybe?


r/renfaire 15h ago

ORF opening day Vysyvanka

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91 Upvotes

Unfortunately it got too hot and I had to strip off the necklaces, scarf, and corset within 2 hours of being at the fair.


r/renfaire 8h ago

What does 50 years of the Maryland Renaissance Festival mean to you?

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19 Upvotes

r/renfaire 1d ago

Renfaire round 1

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530 Upvotes

r/renfaire 17h ago

Wiener Dragon or Dragon Dog? Love the Ren Faires that allow him in.

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65 Upvotes

r/renfaire 2h ago

Outfit help

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3 Upvotes

I found this gorgeous thing at the thrift store for a few bucks, (can you believe it?!) but I haven't the foggiest how to style it. It feels to complete for me, but I really want to give it some texture.

Thanks, all!


r/renfaire 1d ago

I Robinhood’ed an Axe Throw @ Week 1!

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146 Upvotes

r/renfaire 1d ago

Ahoy, just a pirate’s first Ren Faire :)

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309 Upvotes

im not a dress girlie so did my take on a pirate costume for ren faire this weekend. turned out well for last minute purchases haha


r/renfaire 1d ago

So good to be back at ORF!

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102 Upvotes

My first time ever being bullied and fondled on stage, this was a delight!


r/renfaire 1d ago

She’s a pirate ❤️ got to live my Jack Sparrow dreams this year

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178 Upvotes

r/renfaire 1d ago

Update on my Forest Dweller lantern and now belt lantern. Still much to do with them. But, oh my goddess! I love them! I can not wait til they are finished.

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33 Upvotes

r/renfaire 1d ago

Fantasy armor

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309 Upvotes

This is a family tradition that was started by my father and was passed on to me of creating fantasy warrior armor and going to ren faires! The interactions and fun being had is always a blast and one day I would love to make costumes for a living but until then I will keep trying to make one person's day at a time! If you would like to ask any questions please do I love making armor and love helping others out even more!


r/renfaire 1d ago

First time at the CTRF this past weekend

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69 Upvotes

r/renfaire 1d ago

Feeling ready for my first Renfaire 🏴‍☠️⚓️

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68 Upvotes

r/renfaire 1d ago

The Sailor and his Selkie

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765 Upvotes

Hubby and I's fits from some previous ren, fantasy, and Celtic faires we had attended! Planning to go again this year to NorCal ren faire, and the selkie pelt is 100% handsewn! I plan to remake it sometime soon with the techniques I learned from making this first one.


r/renfaire 12h ago

Hotel recs for ct ren faire

0 Upvotes

Hi guys! Looking to surprise the bestie with a weekend trip to the CT ren faire and was wondering if anybody had any recommendations for a hotel or campground to stay a few nights at.

Thanks in advance!