This Festival has more in common with Monty Python, the 10th Kingdom miniseries, Disney's Once Upon a Time, The Princess Bride, and BBC's Merlin, plus anything Jim Henson's creature workshop made, than the actual Renaissance time period. To the owners: if I could suggest one thing is a rebranding from 'Renaissance' to 'Fantasy' Festival. I will be going over the pros and cons for you, so new guests will know what to expect. I have been attending this particular festival since the 2000s and for the most part always have a good time. With careful planning and an open mind, visitors can have a delightful and memorable time, surrounded by the magic of the medieval era, without feeling the pressure to dress up. Additionally, expanding the hours of operation could be an improvement to enhance the overall experience and accommodate more visitors. It's also essential to set a budget and resist getting carried away with additional activities like knife-throwing, elephant rides, and crossbows, which can add up quickly. However, there are still areas for improvement, like accessibility and handling long lines. The street performers and costumed characters add to the lively atmosphere, providing plenty of amusement and laughter. Overall, the renaissance fair remains a festive experience, especially when shared with friends and family. Feel free to have a great time and show your appreciation by tipping them. There's an abundance of street performers and costumed individuals who will humorously interact with you.

You can enjoy a variety of entertainment, including bagpipes, juggling, living statues, street singers, comedy, songs, and of course, jousting. The fair's limited accessibility for individuals with disabilities is something that organizers should consider improving. Families with young kids should consider bringing a wagon to avoid fatigue, especially since the paths are uneven and potential bee encounters are possible. Regarding practical tips, wearing comfortable shoes and applying sunscreen is crucial, as the fair is outdoors and walking is inevitable. Structuring your day around the various performances, interactive spaces, and shops is the key to making the most of your time at the fair. Make sure to allocate time for exploring the stores and maybe even start planning your outfit for next year!Ĭonsidering the unpredictable weather, don't forget to carry a raincoat or umbrella. On a brighter note, the abundance of unique and handcrafted items in the shops is a treat for anyone interested in medieval-themed merchandise. Additionally, there's a subtle expectation to tip these vendors, or you might find yourself waiting in line at the ATM. It's essential to carry cash, as most street vendors offering cheesecake, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and more only accept cash payments. The fair operates during the summer on Saturdays and Sundays, opening at 10 AM and closing at 6:30 PM. However they have developed a really smooth operation and it isn't as bad as it used to be (but still bad). You always get stuck in bumper to bumper waiting to get in. Parking can be rough if coming from I-25. You can also find cheaper tickets at King Soopers. Admission the year was a little more than $28 a ticket.

When it comes to logistics, purchasing tickets in advance online and screenshotting the QR code is a smart move, as cell service might be unreliable on the grounds. Bathroom lines can also be lengthy, and unfortunately, the restroom facilities might not be up to par, with limited stalls and even an open trough with ice for male attendees. Waiting half an hour for an unimpressive $6 burrito was a downer. Thankfully, some favorites like the Celtic legacy and Craic shows were as enchanting as ever, offering excellent music and entertainment.īe prepared and brace yourself for the overwhelming crowds and stupidly long lines, only to find out that the item you were waiting for is unavailable. Unfortunately, the big cat show was missing this year, but in its place, we got introduced to exciting new shows like Rin Tin Thom's circus, which I personally found a bit lackluster, and Jacques Ze Whipper, which also failed to captivate my interest. One of the highlights was the Kamikaze Fireflies, who, although sticking to their signature style, brought a new element with the Roomba fight, a delightful addition to their performance. However, some changes were noticeable, like fresh faces in the well winches act on the pirate stage. The fairgrounds still retain their charm, with well-established acts and locations that have become part of the tradition. As a frequent visitor to the renaissance fair, my return this year in 2023 was filled with a mix of familiarity and new surprises.

Irate pirate great lakes medieval faire