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Our country has some of the best festivals and fairs around the world. But our favorites may just be Renaissance fairs.
Devoted actors populate the grounds with authentic costumes, vendors sell their medieval-themed wares and knights on horses joust with one another.
And we, the attendees, get to join in with our costumes as we try delicious meals, buy a few treasures to bring home, and cheer for our favorite knights as they take to the field on horseback.
But guess what? There are hundreds of these fairs and fests each year. So which one should you attend? From coast to coast, continue reading for a list of our 7 favorite Renaissance fairs!
The Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha is the Renaissance-era fair that Chicagoland residents await annually. It’s only about an hour away from the city and runs all summer long through Labor Day each year.
When the fair rolls into town, so do over 200 talented artisans selling wares like corsets and costume pieces, pottery, jewelry, wooden mugs, feather fans, pewter goods, and crafted leather.
While here, you can watch hand-to-hand combat, take in a few jousting matches, and see knife-throwing shows. Or, if you want to try your hand at yesteryear’s sports, you can shoot crossbows, throw axes, and even do some sword fighting for yourself.
And be sure to look for Moonie. He’s a longtime attendee and Bristol performer who communicates so much more through whistling than you’d believe possible. Also, don’t miss the Fire Whip Show by Adam “Crack” Winrich.
All in all, Bristol is a fun family fair thanks to the kid-focused entertainment, pony rides, and activities for the young fry. Still, you’ll also find specific evening shows that are a bit more geared toward adults.
For those looking to experience Jolly Old England in a different way, the Sherwood Forest Faire is the perfect opportunity.
This Renaissance fair highlights the mayhem and fun of Robin Hood and his merry men who wander the grounds trying to evade the Sheriff of Nottingham.
The fest has over 40 stage acts, parades, a fairy tea party for the little ones, rides, family-friendly shows, and games the whole family can enjoy. Tasty food can be found throughout the grounds, along with more than 150 skillful artisans selling wares and take-home treats.
Watch combat shows, see craft demonstrations, or hunker down for an afternoon of some good ole’ mead. And don’t miss The Hawk Walk while you’re here! An experienced falconer takes guests on an interactive experience of the historical art of falconry.
Besides watching the bird of prey interact with its trusted human companion, you also get the chance to hold out your gloved fist for a flying hawk to land on!
Less than a half hour away from Oklahoma City, the Medieval Fair in Norman has been gracing us with its presence since 1977 and is one of only a few free medieval fairs in the nation. It lands on the first whole weekend of April unless it happens to be Easter.
Yes, you read that right! The fair only runs for one weekend. But we promise it’s worth it. So plan accordingly.
Modeled to look like a spring market fair from the town of Avalon in the year 1360, the “MedFair” was initiated by a group of University of Oklahoma grad students.
Today, the medieval-themed arts festival has a living history featuring games, educational exhibits, demonstrations of arts and crafts, more than 40 food vendors, and entertainment on seven stages.
While here, you can enjoy the king’s court and witness mermaids, dancers, jousting knights, jugglers, and wandering minstrels as they occupy the medieval village from 10 in the morning to 7 at night all weekend long.
Shop or look around at over 180 artisan and maker booths in the 14th-century market. Unique offerings range from stained glass and wood crafts to armor, hair garlands, costume pieces, jewelry, and watches.
Partake in a recreation of 16th-century England at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. This Renaissance fair is considered one of the area’s premier outdoor events.
It’s the second-largest in the US, right behind the Texas Renaissance Fair, which happens to be the world’s largest.
Located in the woods, the 27-acre grounds feature roaming minstrels and bards, ten stages, and a cast of more than 200 professional actors who’ll entice your senses with the wonders of early modern Britain.
The festival’s jousting arena can seat up to 3,000 people, meaning fantastic views and great seats. Be sure to enjoy the festival’s annual storyline.
Some attendees REALLY get into it, and you’ll have loads of fun with this while eating, shopping, and making general merrymaking. The storyline is an element that helps make this fest incomparable to many others.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival isn’t just a craft shop or entertainment venue. It explores the past, an honored family tradition, and an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with jousting, magic, and gorgeous pageantry.
Another major Renaissance fair with a medieval and fantasy tendency is the Carolina Renaissance Festival, which takes place every autumn. The fair features more than 100 artisans selling unique handicrafts and wares you won’t find anywhere else in the country.
Items range from uniquely crafted hand-blown glasswork and masks to parasols and hand-forged copper roses. Three jousting events transpire daily, with more than 500 costumed characters wandering the grounds looking for storytelling prospects.
You’ll also catch the Living Mermaids in their underwater homes and have the chance to watch falconers at work with their fantastic birds of prey. Speaking of mermaids, don’t miss your chance to meet one!
You can see sirens splash, flip, and frolic at the Living Mermaid exhibit, which is a 3,000-gallon aquarium. You can even have your photo taken with a mermaid upon her throne as part of your meet and greet.
Ever since 1977, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival has evolved to become one of the largest Renaissance fairs in the nation, attracting an astounding 200,000 attendees each year.
Located on a large, 16-acre parcel, you can experience everything that’s Renaissance related, walk amongst kings, queens, fairies, knights, and everything else in between.
Picture a magical land full of pirates, imaginary beings, fantastic beasts, royalty, numerous contests of strength and honor, AND a mermaid.
Complete with castles and a park-like setting of the festival ground, it’s a lovely place to enjoy the changing season while strolling through artisan villages, a petting zoo, and much more.
Old wooden buildings line the perimeters of KC’s Renaissance Fair, making up the restaurants, various shops, and performance areas. Many vendors sell handmade merchandise and fun tours you can participate in, including wine tastings and pub crawls.
You’ll essentially be traveling back in time to take part in this unique experience. So you’ll obviously leave with a full belly, delightful treasures, and priceless memories.
Tuxedo is home to the New York Renaissance Faire, a thrilling festival that pays homage to Elizabethan England. You’ll see mounted jousting tournaments, flaming whips, knife-throwing shows, dance performances, musical talent, and so much more.
The fair’s schedule highlights each weekend’s theme. So, all you have to do is decide if you want to put on a costume that aligns with the activities of Time Travelers or Pirates and plan your trip accordingly.
And maybe the New York version of Ren Fair’s proximity to Broadway makes the shows the best part of this experience!
Have you ever been to any of these fairs? If so, be sure to share your experiences with our readers in the comments section below! And if you haven’t gone yet… Hit the road! Just be sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes for your adventures.
And if you liked this article, we think you’ll LOVE this one: Top 7 Best Road Trip Attractions Across the US
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