I wish you’d had a better time since it’s my local faire but I completely agree that the water situation was very weird, especially given the heat. Glad you all came this year though 💛
I am almost positive there is water at the aid stations! I’m sorry I wasn’t paying attention enough to direct you all - bad home-faire-cohosting on my part! 😅
Oh wow, thank you for this video. I don’t have any fair until octobre, and it really felt like I was there watching this. The vlog part is really well done, nice choice of music and nicely cut.
Yeah i used to work with a vendor at VARF and it definitely was not my favorite. really hot, not a lot of good food, big trek into the middle of nowhere ... love the vlog and the fits though!
Pleasantly surprised to see that you went to my local faire! With this as my 2nd year attending, I've started to notice similar lows and highs. I absolutely agree that the food/drink pricing combined with the pre-summer heat are low points, especially with the small size of the First Aid tent, of which I only remember seeing one. The stage performers, cast members, and the artists plus the shaded area are the high points because they give the faire the feeling of a lively market. Personally, I recommend this faire only locals and/or first time faire attendees who don't want too much. There are interactable characters, nice vendors, fun mini-games that can unlock prizes, and a genuine feeling of welcomeness and acceptance from all patrons. Just be prepared for the heat, some long lines, and food drama. That said, I'm looking forward to going to my 2nd Maryland Ren Faire this October, especially since my 1st one last yeaer was a downpour (still had a lot of fun tho).
I saw you guys there! Definitely agree with your thoughts. IMO the best way to enjoy the VA faire is to snag a table in the tavern tent and just enjoy the music/beer, with occasional walks through the wooded area. They also let you bring in sealed water bottles which is definitely necessary.
I've been to the maryland ren fair once before a few years ago and I was thinking of trying to go to another sometime soon. I thought of going to either Maryland again or Virginia since each is about the same distance away from me. Hearing your thoughts just makes me think I'd be better going to Maryland again. Great videos, I always enjoy watching since running across your channel.
@@beerwenchofmaryland6930 ok I'll look into it, will be going by myself anyway. When would you say is the better time to go in terms of avoiding super hot days like we are having now and being super crowded? I was hoping to maybe go on my birthday at the end of August but I just worry about super hot days / heavy rain, and it feeling overcrowded which I know can be hard to predict. I don't really have a problem with crowds just when it's hard to move around it frustrates me and kinda ruins the experience on things.
@@amb4901 honestly, this year? I’d say all predictions are out the window. Jacques Ze Whipper is here for the first half of festival, so days that would normally be less crowded will probably sell out. If you’re looking for cooler weather and less crowds-go on a day that is rainy. Significantly fewer crowds, shorter lines, and cooler temperatures. Most acts will still perform (jousting in the rain is too dangerous), and there’s fewer people so seats are easier to find.
They capped out attendance this year and still added more vendors. This was my second year vending- missed seeing ya'll!- Saw you last year in PA and will be returning as a vendor again this year. Definitely noticed that most patrons stay under the tree cover and we never see them out in the field: (. If you can catch this faire on a cooler or even rainy day it's better in my opinion. Hopefully you give the faire another shot, however if not, the Tennessee Ren faire is running at the same time if you wanted to check out another one in May
VA starts in May, those early weeks are the time to go, its cool enough that you can layer up pretty good. I do wish the venue was better, more shade is sorely needing once you hit the humidity burst of Central VA, it is the worst. Also big bummer I missed seeing yall out there, was present same weekend, and was curious if we might catch a glimpse of your party. Aw well, there is always Maryland.
I stand by my too hot review but it was still fun! And all these faire vlogs are really making me reassess some outfit choices, who knew I looked naked from the waist down all day
Maybe give it another try when it's not so hot? Wish you could come west and hit up the Minnesota Ren Faire. Lots of shade and a great faire. It's pretty big, but very spread out, and it doesn't seem as crowded. Also, they let you bring water bottles in, I just say I need it for medical reasons and no problems.
I also went to the VA Faire this year for the first time and didn’t love it… My go-to is the MD one. Part of the problem was the group I went with, but I also just thought the general setup and vibes were lacking and wanted more shade/seating. Walked away with a great bottle of mead though!
So I like going to VARF because it’s running during my birthday weekend, The Rogues perform there, and they have some really good craft mead available. That being said, I never actually buy food there and usually just go out to eat afterwards.
Yeah, Virginia Ren faire is my home fair. I went for the first time last year and I too will not be going back… lol I’m going to the Maryland run fair in September for the first time this year and it will probably end up being my home!
My Ren Faire made that mistake one time, and then the next year they fixed it after receiving feedback. Now there are water stations at multiple locations. This year they're imposing a rule that disallows patrons from bringing in non sealed water which, while I understand that they don't want people bringing in alcohol, I think it's a dumb move given the rising temperatures each year. Don't want to discourage people from having water. This year we've been having temps in the 100+. I think Washington and Oregon faire food prices are pretty similar to Virginia as well.... I think I recall the turkey leg being ~19?
Yeah VA summers are stupid hot for no reason, and the winters are pretty cold, not like, far north cold, but it can get down to like 10 degrees sometimes
I don't think I'm going back to the VA Rennfaire either, both times the heat just gets to me to where I'm not having fun, and I don't even wear a lot of layers. They really should consider hosting it during a different time of year.
hmm i wonder if you’d feel similar about the CO ren faire. it’s in the summer and gets dangerously hot (we be close to the Sun) i think bottled water is $4 but they have 1 or 2 (albeit crappy) water fountains. i usually bring my own giant water bottle and haven’t been told to dump it out before but it still is hard to stay hydrated on really hot weekends >.< esp w alcohol in the mix. still my happy place lol but would love to experience an autumn ren faire some time
i THINK I’ve seen all your Faire videos and I don’t remember if you’ve been to the Colorado Ren Faire? But if you haven’t, do you think you’ll ever make it out to that one? I’d love to see your thoughts on it.
....I've never been to Faire that's had free water...or any festival that's had free water. I know some of the pubs at mine, if you have your own mug, will give you free ice and water (I usually tip in that case). And my home faire (Bristol) has bubblers (drinking fountains...for anyone not from WI/IL) Bottled water is NOT free (and about $5).
I wish you’d had a better time since it’s my local faire but I completely agree that the water situation was very weird, especially given the heat. Glad you all came this year though 💛
I am almost positive there is water at the aid stations! I’m sorry I wasn’t paying attention enough to direct you all - bad home-faire-cohosting on my part! 😅
I live in VA and exclusively go to the Maryland ren fair 😆 did the VA one once in the Summer and I agree, never again.
Oh wow, thank you for this video. I don’t have any fair until octobre, and it really felt like I was there watching this. The vlog part is really well done, nice choice of music and nicely cut.
Yeah i used to work with a vendor at VARF and it definitely was not my favorite. really hot, not a lot of good food, big trek into the middle of nowhere ... love the vlog and the fits though!
Pleasantly surprised to see that you went to my local faire! With this as my 2nd year attending, I've started to notice similar lows and highs. I absolutely agree that the food/drink pricing combined with the pre-summer heat are low points, especially with the small size of the First Aid tent, of which I only remember seeing one. The stage performers, cast members, and the artists plus the shaded area are the high points because they give the faire the feeling of a lively market. Personally, I recommend this faire only locals and/or first time faire attendees who don't want too much. There are interactable characters, nice vendors, fun mini-games that can unlock prizes, and a genuine feeling of welcomeness and acceptance from all patrons. Just be prepared for the heat, some long lines, and food drama. That said, I'm looking forward to going to my 2nd Maryland Ren Faire this October, especially since my 1st one last yeaer was a downpour (still had a lot of fun tho).
I saw you guys there! Definitely agree with your thoughts. IMO the best way to enjoy the VA faire is to snag a table in the tavern tent and just enjoy the music/beer, with occasional walks through the wooded area. They also let you bring in sealed water bottles which is definitely necessary.
I've been to the maryland ren fair once before a few years ago and I was thinking of trying to go to another sometime soon. I thought of going to either Maryland again or Virginia since each is about the same distance away from me. Hearing your thoughts just makes me think I'd be better going to Maryland again. Great videos, I always enjoy watching since running across your channel.
Make sure you buy your day tickets August 1; multiday passes are already sold out for this year at MDRF
@@beerwenchofmaryland6930 ok I'll look into it, will be going by myself anyway. When would you say is the better time to go in terms of avoiding super hot days like we are having now and being super crowded? I was hoping to maybe go on my birthday at the end of August but I just worry about super hot days / heavy rain, and it feeling overcrowded which I know can be hard to predict. I don't really have a problem with crowds just when it's hard to move around it frustrates me and kinda ruins the experience on things.
@@amb4901 honestly, this year? I’d say all predictions are out the window. Jacques Ze Whipper is here for the first half of festival, so days that would normally be less crowded will probably sell out. If you’re looking for cooler weather and less crowds-go on a day that is rainy. Significantly fewer crowds, shorter lines, and cooler temperatures. Most acts will still perform (jousting in the rain is too dangerous), and there’s fewer people so seats are easier to find.
Guys... Guys. Celestial pirates dont say 'arrr'. They say 'STAARRRRR'
love the parrots 🥰 so silly and perfect for a pirate video! $20 for a turkey leg is insane though, I could probably buy a WHOLE turkey for $20
They capped out attendance this year and still added more vendors. This was my second year vending- missed seeing ya'll!- Saw you last year in PA and will be returning as a vendor again this year. Definitely noticed that most patrons stay under the tree cover and we never see them out in the field: (. If you can catch this faire on a cooler or even rainy day it's better in my opinion. Hopefully you give the faire another shot, however if not, the Tennessee Ren faire is running at the same time if you wanted to check out another one in May
VA starts in May, those early weeks are the time to go, its cool enough that you can layer up pretty good. I do wish the venue was better, more shade is sorely needing once you hit the humidity burst of Central VA, it is the worst. Also big bummer I missed seeing yall out there, was present same weekend, and was curious if we might catch a glimpse of your party. Aw well, there is always Maryland.
I stand by my too hot review but it was still fun! And all these faire vlogs are really making me reassess some outfit choices, who knew I looked naked from the waist down all day
I can’t wait to go to the Minnesota ren faire!!!!!!! Love vlogs like this
Maybe give it another try when it's not so hot? Wish you could come west and hit up the Minnesota Ren Faire. Lots of shade and a great faire. It's pretty big, but very spread out, and it doesn't seem as crowded. Also, they let you bring water bottles in, I just say I need it for medical reasons and no problems.
Please consider going to the Canterbury Renaissance Faire in Silverton OR... there is shade and everything costs less then it does in Virginia.
I also went to the VA Faire this year for the first time and didn’t love it… My go-to is the MD one. Part of the problem was the group I went with, but I also just thought the general setup and vibes were lacking and wanted more shade/seating. Walked away with a great bottle of mead though!
So I like going to VARF because it’s running during my birthday weekend, The Rogues perform there, and they have some really good craft mead available. That being said, I never actually buy food there and usually just go out to eat afterwards.
Yeah, Virginia Ren faire is my home fair. I went for the first time last year and I too will not be going back… lol I’m going to the Maryland run fair in September for the first time this year and it will probably end up being my home!
Please come say hi at MDRF! I work at the Souvenir Booth next to the entrance!
My Ren Faire made that mistake one time, and then the next year they fixed it after receiving feedback. Now there are water stations at multiple locations.
This year they're imposing a rule that disallows patrons from bringing in non sealed water which, while I understand that they don't want people bringing in alcohol, I think it's a dumb move given the rising temperatures each year. Don't want to discourage people from having water. This year we've been having temps in the 100+.
I think Washington and Oregon faire food prices are pretty similar to Virginia as well.... I think I recall the turkey leg being ~19?
Yeah VA summers are stupid hot for no reason, and the winters are pretty cold, not like, far north cold, but it can get down to like 10 degrees sometimes
I don't think I'm going back to the VA Rennfaire either, both times the heat just gets to me to where I'm not having fun, and I don't even wear a lot of layers. They really should consider hosting it during a different time of year.
hmm i wonder if you’d feel similar about the CO ren faire. it’s in the summer and gets dangerously hot (we be close to the Sun) i think bottled water is $4 but they have 1 or 2 (albeit crappy) water fountains. i usually bring my own giant water bottle and haven’t been told to dump it out before but it still is hard to stay hydrated on really hot weekends >.< esp w alcohol in the mix. still my happy place lol but would love to experience an autumn ren faire some time
i THINK I’ve seen all your Faire videos and I don’t remember if you’ve been to the Colorado Ren Faire? But if you haven’t, do you think you’ll ever make it out to that one? I’d love to see your thoughts on it.
You ought to try for Ohio Ren Faire at some point, there are water stations there if nothing else
Aw man, unfortunate that water wasn’t free 😔
Have you been to the Carolina Ren Faire?
I have never strayed from the MD and PA faiires and not going to lie the lack of available water is a HUGE deterrent
Omg I saw yall there and could feel IN MY BONESSS that you were TH-camrs
Come to the Bristol Ren faire!
MDRF is my home fair but I like VARF because it has different vendors
It was definitely hot 🥵 but had a blast with you nonetheless!
I went there last year and it was very overcrowded
They didn’t cap ticket sales last year but did so this year, so overcrowding is less of an issue now
Michigan Ren Faire doesn't have free water either. It's awful. 😞
You look so incredibly cute!!
....I've never been to Faire that's had free water...or any festival that's had free water. I know some of the pubs at mine, if you have your own mug, will give you free ice and water (I usually tip in that case). And my home faire (Bristol) has bubblers (drinking fountains...for anyone not from WI/IL) Bottled water is NOT free (and about $5).
No like they had no free water bottled or unbottled, most faires have water coolers or fountains but va only has bottles onsite