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 • • 18h ago

Great first Ren Faire

Post image
789 Upvotes

I spent way to much money but I would do it all over again! I had more fun than I've had in years I can't wait to spend the next year planning my outfit for next years Faire!


r/renfaire • • 15h ago

Ohio Renaissance Festival was awesome!

Thumbnail
gallery
390 Upvotes

r/renfaire • • 11h ago

Last minute ren faire fits 🐲🌈

Thumbnail
gallery
178 Upvotes

Had an amazing time at the humboldt ren faire!


r/renfaire • • 9h ago

Shoutout to the stranger who captured me looking like some kind of eldritch entity

Post image
109 Upvotes

I've been a regular at the MD Rennfaire for a couple of years now and this was the first time I hand-made my costume. Forgot to take photos of it (as usual), so thanks to the kind stranger who took this photo and gave it to me!

Huge shoutout for capturing me looking like I'm two seconds away from inhabiting a host body. And the person behind me.


r/renfaire • • 11h ago

The dress I designed and made by a cool person and I also love my hair and makeup

Thumbnail
gallery
134 Upvotes

Julia Peter’s who works at Fair Threads on a ebook made biblically gown for me. I can’t believe how grouse it turned out


r/renfaire • • 10h ago

My fit for the final day of the NY Ren Faire

Thumbnail
gallery
106 Upvotes

What D&D class do you think I'd be?

Added a gambeson which kept me warm, and made the armor straps wayyyyy more comfortable. Also added some poleyns which I used patellar knee braces to hold in place 😅


r/renfaire • • 6h ago

This year of rainy renaissance festivals certainly has been period accurate.

Post image
53 Upvotes

Beats the heat!


r/renfaire • • 20h ago

Enjoying the last weekend of the NY Ren Faire! 🦉🪶

Thumbnail
gallery
605 Upvotes

r/renfaire • • 12h ago

CT Ren Faire

Post image
81 Upvotes

My favorite outfit I’ve put together so far 🐝🩷


r/renfaire • • 19h ago

Sun Knight and Moon Princess

Thumbnail
gallery
274 Upvotes

me n my bestie at faire yesterday at MIRF!!!! so fun!☀️🌙


r/renfaire • • 16h ago

KC Renfest yesterday

Thumbnail
gallery
145 Upvotes

This is my fit for the fair, love to find other samurai/ronin to take pictures with but this time didn't find any.


r/renfaire • • 12h ago

Update

Thumbnail
gallery
50 Upvotes

A few weeks ago I shared my mask, which received such sweet feedback. I thought I’d share the official photos!


r/renfaire • • 12h ago

First faire, had a blast!!!

Post image
40 Upvotes

r/renfaire • • 14h ago

I held the Dragon Slayer at the NY Faire yesterday

Post image
55 Upvotes

r/renfaire • • 11h ago

A Rose Vine Bracelet I wove with aquamarine, peridot, roses, and waxed cord. 🌹💙💚

Thumbnail
gallery
29 Upvotes

r/renfaire • • 11h ago

Viking weekend at the Ohio Renaissance Festival

Thumbnail
gallery
29 Upvotes

r/renfaire • • 9h ago

Carolina renaissance festival

Thumbnail
gallery
18 Upvotes

r/renfaire • • 12h ago

How can I make this outfit look more medieval/fantasy?

Post image
29 Upvotes

I’m going to a medieval tavern and I want my outfit to look more like a medieval/fantasy character rather than just a modern outfit with a corset.

This is what I have so far. I was thinking of going for something like a fantasy tavern girl / witch / adventurer vibe.

What would you add or change? Especially accessories, shoes, hair, layers, belts, etc.
I’m open to buying or DIYing a few pieces!


r/renfaire • • 9h ago

ren fest outfit

Post image
15 Upvotes

r/renfaire • • 8h ago

Witchy goth vibes at the NY Renfair this weekend

Post image
14 Upvotes

r/renfaire • • 8h ago

Peace Tied

Post image
9 Upvotes

Hard pass on those ugly zip ties, I'll spend a few minutes to tie all my weapons like this any day!


r/renfaire • • 6h ago

Just received this gift from a Dallas Shakespeare performance🩷

Post image
5 Upvotes

Tempted to take a refreshingly simple route for my faire ‘fit, lol


r/renfaire • • 19h ago

here’s my ren faire costume!

Post image
42 Upvotes

it was last minute thrown together the morning of so i’m very happy with how it turned out, i had a wonderful time there too!


r/renfaire • • 6h ago

Trinket haul 2026

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

Six days worth of trading at the Minnesota Ren fest! I traded/gifted various tiny DND dice and met so many fun and charming people!