My husband and I returned to the faire for the first time in almost 12 years this year. We met a pirate couple in the parking area who were next to us, getting into their costumes just as we were. We got to chatting and told them about our long hiatus due to life circumstances and they gave us both little skull keychain trinkets as a welcome back gift! Legit some of the coolest and warmest folks at the faire.
I love the fact that after so long, you finally get back to something you enjoy and immediately had a positive interaction with random people. Good humans seem to be getting harder to find so I really enjoy hearing about others having good experiences out in the world. It seriously gives me more hope for the future of our species! ❤
What people don't get about sunstroke is that once you've had it is you remain sun sensitive for the rest of your life. I got it gardening. Five years later I passed out watching the wenches at our local Renn Faire. There was very little shade at any of the stages, so no safe place to go. I use a parasol I bought at Disneyland so I have portable shade.
i went through 3 umbrellas while on a two week biblical archaeology tour of the Levant years ago. (The wind in the desert can be quite strong.) Kept buying them, though!
Natural fabrics. I cannot stress enough how happy I was last weekend in my linen chemise base layer. I was hot, but nowhere near as much as I would be in synthetics.
Was just about to comment about natural fibers being cooler than modern clothing. Had a black cotton chemise I had thrown a corset over as a lazy costume, and it absolutely kept me cooler as well as reducing the sunburn I got on my arms despite not being able to reapply sunscreen easily.
For the shade one, my suggestion is get a uva/uvb umbrella!!! It's dual purpose as it blocks the sun (making standing under it much cooler) and obviously works as a normal umbrella!!! It's a thing I bring to theme parks and such as well!! This way, if you need shade, you have it on you!!
@@stephaniegenova5469Make sure you get some that has a light color on the top, with the black uv layer underneath. Lighter color reflects the heat better too. I practically take mine everywhere when I know I’m going to be outside for more than 30 mins with limited shade.
Or you can be me and randomly see that Jacques Ze Whipper will be performing at the WA midsummer renaissance festival Friday night, decide randomly to go on Sunday as a last minute birthday present to yourself, since Friday is your birthday, and then pack your kids up to go to your first ever ren faire two days later and see what's up 😂 honestly though we had a great time and it was super fun to see you perform! We'll try to be more prepared next year! 😂
Sunscreen. All over. Even if you think you already covered it, cover it again. If you forgot your parasol in the car (or, gods forbid, at home), you are going to need it.
This at least makes me feel less crazy for having 2 parasols at home, 1 in the room in case I remember, 1 near the door in case I almost forgot and 1 in the car unless I totally totally forgot entirely…emergency parasols are mandatory
Tell it, Jacques! Early is good, early in the day and early in the RUN. May I suggest you do not sport your new chain mail; while drinking wine, on a thunderstorm afternoon. (I'm fine) Go in costume? Jacques! I wear my handmade 9th century norse garb and just have fun. Time period is off; but no biggie. I go for the shows, the food, the shopping. We can practice archery and axe throwing...with borrowed equipment. That's always funny. I accidently wandered into a Civil War encampment in garb....turns out he same park had two different living history areas...held by different groups. We sat around the campfire with the Yankees and the Rebels and had a good laugh. Apparently, the Tardis was working just fine.
Definitely bring cash! My local renaissance fair is rural and all the food stalls only accept cash and only a few vendors can take cards. Its also tradition for the atms to break 😂 listen, ren fairs are fun, youll find amazing things for sale that youll find no where else - but, fairs are damn expensive. Go anyway, the vibes are right, theyre fun, and the entertainment is great!
My first faire was this past June, and while there were a bunch of portable ATMs in little tents, every single one of them had run out of cash by the time I found a vendor that couldn't take my card! (Thankfully I had gone with some friends who lent me some cash 😂)
as a ren faire veteran and related to the first point, one thing i like to note for beginners is some faires have themed weekends! different weekends throughout the faire's season will have different special stuff going on based around the theme and it's not uncommon for one of those weekends to be something called Time Traveler's Weekend, which is basically the day where you're encouraged to dress up in less renaissance-esque costumes, particularly if it's time-travel themed. It's the weekend of faires where you'll see a ton of Doctor Who and Star Trek and etc cosplays, or just more cosplays in general. It also is usually one of the busiest weekends of the season i've noticed - my theory being that more people are excited for an opportunity to dress in a costume and they don't feel as restricted to keeping to the renaissance theme especially if they don't have anything renaissance-esque to begin with, or they generally feel more comfortable walking around plain-clothed that weekend. it's not always one of the last weekends but it does usually fall later in the season. my big tip with this though is: check what the weekend themes are if there are any! if you are someone who is a bit intimidated by dressing plain-clothes at a ren faire or would rather wear a cosplay than a more typical faire outfit, there will probably be another weekend theme that won't be as busy as Time Traveler's Weekend that you can apply your outfit to (though like Jacques said, it's totally cool not to dress up at a faire if you dont want to). Some faires do Halloween weekends, especially if they're late summer/fall season, which can be a really good opportunity to dress up in something that's not as typical ren-faire get-up. Though also even on your typical weekends most people will not bat an eye at misc cosplays or etc at the faire, especially if they even tangentially fit a ren faire theme (I've seen plenty of Good Omens, Our Flag Means Death, Legend of Zelda, any d&d/TTRPG series like Critical Role or The Adventure Zone or etc, even some Genshin and Minecraft stuff, plus usually at least one fursuiter, etc etc) - and a lot of vendors are nerds so they will totally recognize and compliment your cosplays. I've even worn Percy Jackson stuff plenty of times if I want to be in costume but more plain-clothes for comfort and people love it. basically there is no wrong answer to faire attire as long as you're comfortable and having fun. just know themed weekends exist and can be really fun to plan for or incorporate into your plans (and may change how busy that weekend will be).
I cosplay all kinds of stuff but last year we had themes, I tried lol. we had all kinds of different stuff, one did land on halloween weekend or week or whatever, so it was ofc themed as such! Idk I feel like if I were to cosplay smth from say genshin I’d warp it to be on theme, that would be fun!
Got to see you and Ses Carney perform last weekend in Snohomish. Was my first Renn Faire and had a blast 😃! Thanks for the selfie! Made a few family and friends who couldn't make it a bit jealous lol.
every time you upload a video, i get the insane spontaneous urge to go to the nearest renn faire immediately! i'm already planning on two in the next 6 weeks!
Seconding the water and electrolytes! I used to sell bodices and other such clothing at MD Ren Faire, and I cannot tell you how many people we had walk in lightheaded and dehydrated. We kept extra bottles of water and a jar of emergency pickles for such instances, but an ounce of prevention is very much worth a pound of cure!
Thanks for making this! I didn't have the freedom to go to Ren fairs when I was younger and I'm absolutely reclaiming that now. This season will be my first, so this was a timely video. Everyone involved always seems so welcoming. Awesome to see, and even less scary now that I've got some tips and tricks.
this was my first season too. I went to my local Ren Faire, the one in Larkspur Colorado twice, once at the first one and another time towards the end of the season. it's so cool and I will be doing it every year possible, and adding to my costume like a dragon to its hoard >:>
Man makes a whole Ren Faire FAQ just to not look like a creep hawking his Merch! Also TRF laughs are your "2 hours" from the highway estimation. The one year we didn't leave early enough we were in a car line for 3.5 hours well before opening. Our home Faire is now Colorado. It's much better to get in there, but we still leave to arrive at least an hour early to avoid most of the traffic. if you leave to get there by opening, you'll be stuck on the highway for a while.
I took my son to Comic Con dressed as you. Such a fun costume to make. A vest and wrist gards with trim, whips made of faux swade strips, and the best French mustachios. Dressing up for renfair looks like a great time.
I grew up going to the Texas Renaissance Fair near Houston. I've brought a couple people there for the first time over the years, & there's something so magical about seeing someone experience it for the first time.
@@douglasmizener8836 bring good walking shoes, lots of sunscreen, and all the electrolytes! It's massive & lots of fun, but it can be pretty hot & humid. I hope you have fun!
as a faire vet pre covid, i appreciated this update into a world i feel disconnected from for so long. i cant wait to share my gemstones at my next faire!!!
Great advice! I find that ditching the big money bills makes you a very popular customer. I carry a lot of $1, $5, $10 bills instead of a few $20, $50, or $100s--especially early in the day or on the last day of the Faire. For anyone who burns easily or plans to spend the whole day at the Faire, definitely invest in some sort of personal shade. You'll sweat off or otherwise wipe off that sunscreen and may not apply it often enough. Something that covers your neck and a good part of your face when in the stands, and/or an umbrella/parasol for when you decide to just plop down to give your feet a rest in an unshaded area. Anyone with children should carry a backpack of necessities as the Faire allows, and you can strap the umbrella to it. A second backpack might be warranted if you plan on making a few purchases to commemorate the day, or you spy clothing or other larger items that you NEED to buy. If backpacks aren't allowed or cramp your outfit style, get some reusable, waterproof shopping bags that fold into a tiny sack you could hide in the palm of your hand. Get some carabiners, and you can clip them onto something or each other until they're needed. Better to have a bag of stuff over your elbow or shoulder than trying to juggle too many food or breakable items in your hand and get bumped by a passer-by and drop it all into the dirt. (Take this advice from someone who uses a cane and has to juggle a purse, drinks, and food at the movie theater!)
For those who like written summaries, here's a list of the tips: 1: Get there early. 2: Get tickets early. 3: Bring cash. 4: Have a plan for what you want to see. 5: If your faire allows trinket trading, consider bringing some knickknacks. 6: Water, sunscreen and electrolytes are your friends. 7: Take a break in the shade. Heatstroke is NOT your friend. 8: The same performer can have different shows during the faire. Drop in a few times. 9: Wear a costume or not - your choice. 9.5: Wear comfortable shoes. 10: Have fun!
To expand on the costume tip - I buy one piece each year depending on what I can splurge bodice, shoes, skirt, hip bells, etc. After 20 sum years of the Maryland Rennfest my gypsy wench outfit has gotten quite impressive.
My rule when I buy a new item of clothing: it has to go with at least 3 things I already have. That way when I travel, I can throw a few blouses, skirts, chemises, bodices in my bag and know everything will go together. Renaissance Garanimals.
I was invited to an SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) meet, and made my barb, created my persona, and had a ball! Our time period was 1150 England. So glad I did that. Just recently I hand sewed an 1883 style dress, to wear while riding the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge railroad, on my 80th birthday! I love making period clothing!
Thank you for making this. We've been beating the drum for years trying to warn people about the sun and needing water. It's like they all forget that they're going to be outside in August. Maybe they'll listen to Jacques saying it. BTW loved the show at WMRF!
Damn you, Jacques! I just had to order four of your figurines PLUS the pin. Maybe a discount for multiple orders next time PLEASE. My whole family loves you and I can’t just order one for myself, my kids want one too. Seriously though, we love your shows and Ses too! IF you make another item a discount would be great for ordering more than one. You should make something with both you AND Ses. I would have to buy four of those as well. Maybe a pin with SLAYER man. You are awesome, come to Michigan Ren Fest one year PLEASE!!!!!!!🙏🏼 it runs late August and all September. I would love to see you live.
It still blows my mind that this entire community/business/lifestyle etc with Ren Faires has become so much bigger because of Matthew Mercer wanting to make tabletop gaming more available to a wider audience.
i don't think that Critical role had an effect on ren faires, i think it's just that fans of tabletop roleplay tend to enjoy the concept of a ren faire. i got into CR very early on in its existence and didn't learn about ren faires until years later when i was looking in to learning fencing. CR may have created an increase in table top roleplay fans but if that had an effect on ren faires i'd think that's super indirect. Jacques i believe has done far more for them by showing a bit more of what they're actually like and keeping the idea in people's minds.
I’m from Tennessee and had flown to Seattle to visit family and they all decided we were going to the Renn Faire, and much to my surprise I got to see you there. Great show. Glad I got to see you. Also great advice. Sunscreen is a must.
I went to the Ren Faire in MD at least 6 times and each year there was something new. I never got to see everything. But I always hit my faves. But it's been over 20 years.
You're very talented, consistently entertaining, and quick with a clever quip--exactly what makes a successful TH-camr, in my humble opinion. Thank you!
Oh my god, you have a plushie AND a vinyl figure??? I want to meet you more than ever now. I've been going to the Arizona Renaissance Fair since the mid '90s and I wish you'd visit. These are great tips for Renfair noobs.
A lot of this is great advice for conventions too! as an avid con-goer who just went to my first ren faire last year, so much can apply! Especially for the cosplayers, take into consideration its OUTSIDE 😭 luckily ours is in the cooler parts of fall, but be prepared for all the elements, rain or shine (ours was meant to be sunny and then starting pouring and flash flooding day of!)
I haven't been to a Ren Fair in 30 years. I have to say it was one of the few places where I could go, and not get overwhelmed. I am Neurodivergent, and what I love about the Ren Fair, is that a lot of the crowd that is there is also, and those who are not are trying really hard to be weird like us! I don't really remember going to see any particular shows, there would be these shows that were more like flash mob performances, but with acting out ren themes. I would watch those because I inevitably would end up in the middle of them trying to escape. I would mostly show up, and wander around watching people. It was a lot of fun! I only wore a costume once. That time I had gone there as part of a wedding, and I had designed all the costumes. It was cool to have randoms walking up to me pointing at someone at the wedding party and saying, "They said, you designed and made all these costumes. OMG! You are so talented." Well, yeah! There is a reason my kids never lost a single costume contest growing up. That is what I do! Haha! I mean, I have designed costumes for stage productions that had audiences of over 10,000 people in 2 weeks, and you're surprised at how good my designs are? LMAO! Guess I will have to go back sometime they sound like so much fun!
Thanks for the tips I love ren faires and hopefully one day I can go to one where your at and see you I love the shows at ren faires they’re always so fun ❤
Sun & Rain UV Umbrella is soooo good! I burn super easily so I can attest to it’s usefulness. I also recommend getting one that has a lighter shade on the outside layer to help reflect the heat better. I used mine in Disneyworld for an entire 8-day trip and I didnt get burned at all! Even my husband stood under it with me quite a few times as we stood in line, and he usually enjoys the warmth and sunshine.
Very good tips. I had not been in a decade and thought I would go this year. Tickets sold out two weeks prior to faire opening. I was astonished that there was that much interest! Even though I didn’t go I am glad it is so popular because it means it will be around for a long time. Wear sunscreen and reapply. Mosquito too depending on where and when. Tipping is a big thing for the performers and no one warned me. I had nothing but 20s and it felt like making change out of an alter plate. I hung back and asked a performer so I could tip them. My best advice is go it is fun!
All very good tips. Especially to have fun. Lots of fun! And let others have fun too how they see fit. If you're not really liking how they have fun, then just walk away. Took my wife to her fist Ren Fest in Atlanta when we started dating. Only missed a couple in the 30+ years we've been together. I need to plan a trip for us to go to a faire where Jacques is performing.
From personal experience, I would add... 1. If you have a stroller, wagon, or need mobility aids, ie cane, walker or wheelchair, check their accessibility. Not every Faire is mobility friendly (not their fault, but it gets muddy and some have hills) 2. Wear comfy closed toed shoes that you don't care about if they get covered in mud... or anything else 3. Remember that the performers are people, not their acts and be kind. If they can't talk, they may only have 5 minutes to down some water and get to the next show or scene, respect that they're working and it's not personal. 4. Many faires also have volunteers, who are not paid but have still put in months of work, learning entire scripts, making costumes, working on the site, practicing fight choreography and getting taught to look out for heat stroke. Be nice to them too. 5. Check the map for the medical tent, just in case. 6. Have an emergency meeting place in case you get separated because cell phones may not work. 7. Bug Spray 8. Rainy or wet days have the least people but sometimes the funniest shows, as long as there's no lightening ⛈️ 9. If you are old enough to legally drink, a shot of Meade in your Hard Cider is Ambrosia 10. Enjoy yourself, be freaky, get your weird on, dress in whatever makes you happy but remember to respect other patrons and performers. Your beauty doth stun me like a thousand suns 👍 *Excuse me ma'am and turns to son, pointing at me with a dagger nestled in my corset* Now that's a bobby trap! *walks away*👎 Bonus point: If you are bringing in a prop weapon, sword, dagger, etc, it must be peace tied. Every faire is different about what they allow, so check ahead of time.
Saw your new show at the WA Midsummer Ren Faire last weekend, and it was fantastic! We had a wonderful time and my kids are already angling to go back next year!
I always wanted to go to a Renaissance fair and the first time I went to a Renaissance fair I accidentally stumbled into it in Belgium when I went there this year and one of the things you brought up it’s so overwhelming and amazing. It’s so was I would love to go to another one one day.
Saw you for the first time at my first Renfair, and it was every bit as good as your reels on IG (technical problems be damned lol). These tips would have served me well, and thankfully my wife was a pro and made sure I was well-prepared for our trip. The cash thing caught me off-guard, but she had the foresight to bring plenty and we were set for the day. Hope to see you again the next time you're in my neck of the woods!
On the hard money aspect, dollar coins. My friends got me 8n the habit if getting $40 in dollar coins, kinda adds to the experience buting drinks with a stack of coins. Obviously any big purchases were in cash or card but for the few dollar purchases a big ole bag of dollar coins is fun
Interesting timing, I'm planning on going to MN Ren Fest in the next couple of weeks. And it has been over a decade. As for parking at the MN Ren Fest, they recommend doing the Park and Ride instead.
I’m definitely team parasol at this point. I built myself a parasol holster for this last season, which works great because it frees up the hands while browsing in vendor stalls or watching shows.
Take into consideration, other places/events, may be going during Ren Faire hours (sport games, politics,etc). 1 Ren Faire competes with other local events every weekend!! And for that location, each weekend can be really crowded, due to different themes. Been attending and helping since mid 90's. I portray a Pyratez with my PiRats (ferrets).
Mid-level experienced visitor to ren faires, and I agree with everything you've said. Usually go to the opening weekend of the Ohio Renaissance Festival since it is the least hectic. Also, unfortunately, usually the most insufferably hot weekend of the season. Trade offs, I suppose.
I spotted a guy dressed up as Jacques at my local fair (Sterling, NY) a couple weekends back! Another tip: try to make the rounds of the shops before buying anything. I found the $75 wooden sword booth before the $15 wooden sword booth 😢
Particularly for Colorado Renfaire... The traffic shuts I-25 down. Turns into a parking lot. Savvy coloradoans know to take 85/87 and not have to sit on the highway.. But yes.. early is best.. as many people think the only way in is sitting on highway
For bringing cash, there is just something fun about getting a pile of dollar coins at the bank and having a pouch of coin with you. Most vendors work things out to a flat dollar cost for things including tax in that price just to speed things up with sales as well. The big things with costumes for the faire if you aren't cast/crew/vendor/ect with specific requirements is a small list of rules. 1.) Make sure it's something you can wear in the general public, general things are in the PG-13 type thing for faires and shouldn't be something that you'll end up in trouble with there. 2.) Make sure it's weather appropriate. My main faire is Ohio, so over the season it changes what you'll be wearing comfortably since it's a fall faire. If you want something like the half-naked barbarian, that works decently early on...and, conversely, the heavier sets of gear work better later on when the layers will keep you warm. 3.) Police your gear...if you're wearing a cloak, carrying a sword, have a tail, wings, or whatever that protrudes from your body don not forget about it when you move or sit or do anything else. Tripping someone else, bashing someone in the knee caps, or ending up with a bill that will leave you in debt for a decade for bowling over displays in a store are all not fun things to deal with. 4.) Comfort is a major part of it, make sure you can handle what you're wearing for the day, preferably while being comfortable. Shoes are one where it's better to have a decent pair of comfortable shoes than medieval shoes, and don't spend all of your time looking for historical glasses or similar unless you're extremely committed to using them because they're expensive and not that easy to use. 5.) Check gear and item restrictions online before going to the faire. Some limit things like weapons or just have a check and peace tie for them with everything in between. Some have specific restrictions where things are for people employed by the faire, or food/drink restrictions. If there are specific necessities, you can clear them either before coming or at the gate.
Also good footwear!! Check if it has been raining in that area. When I went last year it had rained the day before. As Jacques said, these are in fields or the woods. My fair was a veritable mud pit and almost lost a shoe!
I love trinket trading I make little bags with dragon stickers in them. I have a old pram filled with my dragon collection. I have grown the collection over many years. The pram is the last in a line of about 4 baskets that keep getting bigger.
Awesome and helpful tips. Thank you so much! I've been to a Ren Fair only once in my life in Illinois near Chicago when I was a senior in HS in 1996. I loved it, but haven't been able to go since. I stumbled upon your TH-cam channel a couple of months ago and I love it! It is super entertaining.
Good timing. My local ren faire starts at the end of the month. I should probably get tickets lol. The season tickets have apparently already sold out!
Also, especially on busy days, be mindful of the booths you're visiting. They're often small, and get very crowded very quickly, and there's nothing worse than having to wait through 20 other people who have no intention of buying anything just so you can get to the item you want to then try and get over to the booth owner to checkout. So, if you're not planning on buying, make a bit of room for others.
I usually go on Sundays because there are fewer people. Getting early does help. You get to park closer to the gates so when you're tired and ready to go home, you don't have to walk as far. I go to Bristol and this year they opened up another parking lot because their main one got too full by the afternoon.
There are two shows that we catch without fail every time we go: the joust & the bird show. One year, a king vulture flew so low over my head that I felt its wings brush my head! Haven’t seen a small child get taken by a bird of prey though; they warn us not to hold up the small ones as the birds might think they’re offerings. I wonder if that’s actually happened…maybe just an attempted steal & a scratched up child? Idk. lol I usually arrive around noonish at the RenFest in my area. The drive is at least an hour, depending on the traffic. We buy our tickets in advance so we don’t have to wait to get in. Have to buy the program/directory though. In the past few years. The RenFest has upgraded; though it’s in a wooded area, it’s not far from a small town. It has always had electricity & running water, ATMs & all vendors accepted cards; now it has internet & all the vendors accept ApplePay. We always bring extra water & snacks. We could bring a picnic if we wanted. Usually do costumes, too, even though autumn here is often still hot. We wait til November to go do it’s not as bad.
On my first RenFaire, I went all in with period accuracy, including these cute Italian Early Renaissance slippers. I thought, "Hey, slippers! They'll be comfortable." I wore them around campus to break them in and ignored the fact that they hurt by the end of the day, despite MOSTLY sitting in class. I'd be FIIIIINE, right? Being a history major, I wanted to be so period accurate that I did not wear stockings. Online shopping was barely a thing back then, and I couldn't find anything that satisfied me. I figured I could just buy some at the faire. However, there were no vendors selling stockings. Halfway through the day, I was limping but refused to stop or go to first aid. By the time we got back to the car, my peach-colored slippers were covered in dust and blood stains. It's a miracle my blistered and torn feet were not infected. It took my feet weeks to fully heal. So remember, while "period accurate" is cool, do NOT sacrifice comfort and safety. If you're insisting on those 14th century slippers with Italian beadwork, bring some spare walking shoes for when you're strolling around the booths. No one will think less of you, and those who might are new to the Faire. Be safe, be comfortable, HAVE FUN!
went to my first faire 2 years ago and ended up in the hospital at 11pm getting an iv drip. drink water, drink water again, and then when you think you've drank enough, down a whole water bottle. repeat throughout the day.
if you have mid length to long hair, get your hair braided first thing. Every Faire usually has a hair braiding booth close to the entrance, and I promise it makes your visit so much better. Your hair is tidy, out of the way and you don't have to worry about it at all. For the whole day. And sometimes the day after as well. 🙂
www.youtooz.com/products/jacqueszewhipper?variant=43994753761480
I ordered a plush (within the time frame) and it never arrived. Not happy Jacques 😢
Ordered 🎉❤
Super cute!!
May want to update copy from quaffed like hard cider to coiffed like your elegant mane 😅
Will the plush be restocked or was it a limited run?
Strong Captain America vibes in this video.
yeah what is that?!!
So, you've decided to go to a Ren Faire :D
@@Psylaine64 He dresses like Steve Rogers. Captain America is Steve Rogers in uniform.
@@Tsakelibeat me to it 😂👍
I thought the same thing!!😂
My husband and I returned to the faire for the first time in almost 12 years this year. We met a pirate couple in the parking area who were next to us, getting into their costumes just as we were. We got to chatting and told them about our long hiatus due to life circumstances and they gave us both little skull keychain trinkets as a welcome back gift! Legit some of the coolest and warmest folks at the faire.
I love the fact that after so long, you finally get back to something you enjoy and immediately had a positive interaction with random people. Good humans seem to be getting harder to find so I really enjoy hearing about others having good experiences out in the world. It seriously gives me more hope for the future of our species! ❤
What people don't get about sunstroke is that once you've had it is you remain sun sensitive for the rest of your life. I got it gardening. Five years later I passed out watching the wenches at our local Renn Faire. There was very little shade at any of the stages, so no safe place to go. I use a parasol I bought at Disneyland so I have portable shade.
i went through 3 umbrellas while on a two week biblical archaeology tour of the Levant years ago. (The wind in the desert can be quite strong.) Kept buying them, though!
I have bought myself a handsfree fan and I always have water
@@kit_kinetic I should get one of those! I would never go anywhere without the water bottle.
No kidding. It’s not just the sun though. I had heat stroke 30 years ago and now cannot be in the heat for more than 15-20 minutes😢
@@donnamealy4877Agreed.
Natural fabrics. I cannot stress enough how happy I was last weekend in my linen chemise base layer. I was hot, but nowhere near as much as I would be in synthetics.
Was just about to comment about natural fibers being cooler than modern clothing. Had a black cotton chemise I had thrown a corset over as a lazy costume, and it absolutely kept me cooler as well as reducing the sunburn I got on my arms despite not being able to reapply sunscreen easily.
For the shade one, my suggestion is get a uva/uvb umbrella!!! It's dual purpose as it blocks the sun (making standing under it much cooler) and obviously works as a normal umbrella!!! It's a thing I bring to theme parks and such as well!! This way, if you need shade, you have it on you!!
Thank you. I didn't even know these existed.
@@stephaniegenova5469 No problem!!! They are a game changer!!!
@@stephaniegenova5469Make sure you get some that has a light color on the top, with the black uv layer underneath. Lighter color reflects the heat better too. I practically take mine everywhere when I know I’m going to be outside for more than 30 mins with limited shade.
@@MononokeLynn I will thank you for the advice.
YES!! I have been using these for years and they are the best!! I call it my “portable shade”
Or you can be me and randomly see that Jacques Ze Whipper will be performing at the WA midsummer renaissance festival Friday night, decide randomly to go on Sunday as a last minute birthday present to yourself, since Friday is your birthday, and then pack your kids up to go to your first ever ren faire two days later and see what's up 😂 honestly though we had a great time and it was super fun to see you perform! We'll try to be more prepared next year! 😂
That sounds like an awesome birthday! Happy birthday to you, I think it's great that you had an epic one this year!
@@phaedrapage4217 it was such a great time! Thank you very much 😊
Sunscreen. All over. Even if you think you already covered it, cover it again. If you forgot your parasol in the car (or, gods forbid, at home), you are going to need it.
Not at the Maryland one! All but one corner of the place has complete tree cover.
Yeah, re-apply sunscreen every about 1 or 2 hours, sweat and sun will melt it off 😊
Yeah, I when today and I got burnt really bad, but it looks a lot worse than it feels
Or a fan! It gives you both a little cloud of shade and can conjure a breeze! 🪭 folds and stows behind your belt!
This at least makes me feel less crazy for having 2 parasols at home, 1 in the room in case I remember, 1 near the door in case I almost forgot and 1 in the car unless I totally totally forgot entirely…emergency parasols are mandatory
Tell it, Jacques! Early is good, early in the day and early in the RUN. May I suggest you do not sport your new chain mail; while drinking wine, on a thunderstorm afternoon. (I'm fine) Go in costume? Jacques! I wear my handmade 9th century norse garb and just have fun. Time period is off; but no biggie. I go for the shows, the food, the shopping. We can practice archery and axe throwing...with borrowed equipment. That's always funny. I accidently wandered into a Civil War encampment in garb....turns out he same park had two different living history areas...held by different groups. We sat around the campfire with the Yankees and the Rebels and had a good laugh. Apparently, the Tardis was working just fine.
That would have been so much fun!
Definitely bring cash! My local renaissance fair is rural and all the food stalls only accept cash and only a few vendors can take cards. Its also tradition for the atms to break 😂 listen, ren fairs are fun, youll find amazing things for sale that youll find no where else - but, fairs are damn expensive. Go anyway, the vibes are right, theyre fun, and the entertainment is great!
Truth!
Though I will say, at least for my faire, it's cheaper than Disney
I like to go to the bank and pick up gold dollar coins. Vendors love it
My first faire was this past June, and while there were a bunch of portable ATMs in little tents, every single one of them had run out of cash by the time I found a vendor that couldn't take my card!
(Thankfully I had gone with some friends who lent me some cash 😂)
as a ren faire veteran and related to the first point, one thing i like to note for beginners is some faires have themed weekends! different weekends throughout the faire's season will have different special stuff going on based around the theme and it's not uncommon for one of those weekends to be something called Time Traveler's Weekend, which is basically the day where you're encouraged to dress up in less renaissance-esque costumes, particularly if it's time-travel themed. It's the weekend of faires where you'll see a ton of Doctor Who and Star Trek and etc cosplays, or just more cosplays in general. It also is usually one of the busiest weekends of the season i've noticed - my theory being that more people are excited for an opportunity to dress in a costume and they don't feel as restricted to keeping to the renaissance theme especially if they don't have anything renaissance-esque to begin with, or they generally feel more comfortable walking around plain-clothed that weekend. it's not always one of the last weekends but it does usually fall later in the season.
my big tip with this though is: check what the weekend themes are if there are any! if you are someone who is a bit intimidated by dressing plain-clothes at a ren faire or would rather wear a cosplay than a more typical faire outfit, there will probably be another weekend theme that won't be as busy as Time Traveler's Weekend that you can apply your outfit to (though like Jacques said, it's totally cool not to dress up at a faire if you dont want to). Some faires do Halloween weekends, especially if they're late summer/fall season, which can be a really good opportunity to dress up in something that's not as typical ren-faire get-up.
Though also even on your typical weekends most people will not bat an eye at misc cosplays or etc at the faire, especially if they even tangentially fit a ren faire theme (I've seen plenty of Good Omens, Our Flag Means Death, Legend of Zelda, any d&d/TTRPG series like Critical Role or The Adventure Zone or etc, even some Genshin and Minecraft stuff, plus usually at least one fursuiter, etc etc) - and a lot of vendors are nerds so they will totally recognize and compliment your cosplays. I've even worn Percy Jackson stuff plenty of times if I want to be in costume but more plain-clothes for comfort and people love it. basically there is no wrong answer to faire attire as long as you're comfortable and having fun. just know themed weekends exist and can be really fun to plan for or incorporate into your plans (and may change how busy that weekend will be).
I cosplay all kinds of stuff but last year we had themes, I tried lol. we had all kinds of different stuff, one did land on halloween weekend or week or whatever, so it was ofc themed as such! Idk I feel like if I were to cosplay smth from say genshin I’d warp it to be on theme, that would be fun!
Got to see you and Ses Carney perform last weekend in Snohomish. Was my first Renn Faire and had a blast 😃! Thanks for the selfie! Made a few family and friends who couldn't make it a bit jealous lol.
every time you upload a video, i get the insane spontaneous urge to go to the nearest renn faire immediately! i'm already planning on two in the next 6 weeks!
In the intro the subtitles called you “Jac Zipper” and I’m now dying laughing
They messed up his name on the sign for his show last weekend, he even joked about it.
Seconding the water and electrolytes! I used to sell bodices and other such clothing at MD Ren Faire, and I cannot tell you how many people we had walk in lightheaded and dehydrated. We kept extra bottles of water and a jar of emergency pickles for such instances, but an ounce of prevention is very much worth a pound of cure!
The amount of Aussies who were attending their first ren faire this past weekend and told me they'd watched this video before was incredible!
Wonderful presentation young man! That PBS experience shines through!!😁
Thanks for making this!
I didn't have the freedom to go to Ren fairs when I was younger and I'm absolutely reclaiming that now. This season will be my first, so this was a timely video. Everyone involved always seems so welcoming. Awesome to see, and even less scary now that I've got some tips and tricks.
These are actually very useful too. I have been a faire goer for a few years and didn't know about the trading 👀
this was my first season too. I went to my local Ren Faire, the one in Larkspur Colorado twice, once at the first one and another time towards the end of the season. it's so cool and I will be doing it every year possible, and adding to my costume like a dragon to its hoard >:>
Have all the fun!
Man makes a whole Ren Faire FAQ just to not look like a creep hawking his Merch!
Also TRF laughs are your "2 hours" from the highway estimation. The one year we didn't leave early enough we were in a car line for 3.5 hours well before opening. Our home Faire is now Colorado. It's much better to get in there, but we still leave to arrive at least an hour early to avoid most of the traffic. if you leave to get there by opening, you'll be stuck on the highway for a while.
6:14 After working faire for nearly 30 years. Buy the pickles if they are available. They help maintain your hydration.
I took my son to Comic Con dressed as you. Such a fun costume to make. A vest and wrist gards with trim, whips made of faux swade strips, and the best French mustachios.
Dressing up for renfair looks like a great time.
If you plan on shopping, bring a tote - the merchants won't necessarily have shopping bags for your purchase.
I'm not even in the States and here in Germany Renaissance fairs aren't that big. But did I watch the whole thing for some reason😂
You have Christmas markets and I am jealous af.
Honestly all the tips in here are accurate. I've also been going a few years and this told me about the trading 👀
I grew up going to the Texas Renaissance Fair near Houston. I've brought a couple people there for the first time over the years, & there's something so magical about seeing someone experience it for the first time.
I'm from Minnesota and try to go to mn Ren fest every year. I'm planning on coming down to the Texas Ren fest(Houston) this year
@@douglasmizener8836 bring good walking shoes, lots of sunscreen, and all the electrolytes! It's massive & lots of fun, but it can be pretty hot & humid. I hope you have fun!
as a faire vet pre covid, i appreciated this update into a world i feel disconnected from for so long. i cant wait to share my gemstones at my next faire!!!
Now I wish they had these in my country. It looks like so much fun to attend one.
Great advice! I find that ditching the big money bills makes you a very popular customer. I carry a lot of $1, $5, $10 bills instead of a few $20, $50, or $100s--especially early in the day or on the last day of the Faire. For anyone who burns easily or plans to spend the whole day at the Faire, definitely invest in some sort of personal shade. You'll sweat off or otherwise wipe off that sunscreen and may not apply it often enough. Something that covers your neck and a good part of your face when in the stands, and/or an umbrella/parasol for when you decide to just plop down to give your feet a rest in an unshaded area. Anyone with children should carry a backpack of necessities as the Faire allows, and you can strap the umbrella to it. A second backpack might be warranted if you plan on making a few purchases to commemorate the day, or you spy clothing or other larger items that you NEED to buy. If backpacks aren't allowed or cramp your outfit style, get some reusable, waterproof shopping bags that fold into a tiny sack you could hide in the palm of your hand. Get some carabiners, and you can clip them onto something or each other until they're needed. Better to have a bag of stuff over your elbow or shoulder than trying to juggle too many food or breakable items in your hand and get bumped by a passer-by and drop it all into the dirt. (Take this advice from someone who uses a cane and has to juggle a purse, drinks, and food at the movie theater!)
For those who like written summaries, here's a list of the tips:
1: Get there early.
2: Get tickets early.
3: Bring cash.
4: Have a plan for what you want to see.
5: If your faire allows trinket trading, consider bringing some knickknacks.
6: Water, sunscreen and electrolytes are your friends.
7: Take a break in the shade. Heatstroke is NOT your friend.
8: The same performer can have different shows during the faire. Drop in a few times.
9: Wear a costume or not - your choice.
9.5: Wear comfortable shoes.
10: Have fun!
To expand on the costume tip - I buy one piece each year depending on what I can splurge bodice, shoes, skirt, hip bells, etc. After 20 sum years of the Maryland Rennfest my gypsy wench outfit has gotten quite impressive.
This is a great tip.. me too!
My rule when I buy a new item of clothing: it has to go with at least 3 things I already have. That way when I travel, I can throw a few blouses, skirts, chemises, bodices in my bag and know everything will go together. Renaissance Garanimals.
I was invited to an SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) meet, and made my barb, created my persona, and had a ball! Our time period was 1150 England. So glad I did that. Just recently I hand sewed an 1883 style dress, to wear while riding the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge railroad, on my 80th birthday! I love making period clothing!
My bf and I got together on the last day of Renn Faire near us. So every year now we go to the last weekend of Renn Faire together.
King Richard's is starting soon and it's just not gonna feel the same without the Whippy Show
I love the figure has the flame whip 😅
Thank you for making this. We've been beating the drum for years trying to warn people about the sun and needing water. It's like they all forget that they're going to be outside in August. Maybe they'll listen to Jacques saying it. BTW loved the show at WMRF!
"it can take two hours" yup! Speaking from experience at the Colorado Renaissance Festival. I learned real quick.
Damn you, Jacques! I just had to order four of your figurines PLUS the pin. Maybe a discount for multiple orders next time PLEASE. My whole family loves you and I can’t just order one for myself, my kids want one too. Seriously though, we love your shows and Ses too! IF you make another item a discount would be great for ordering more than one. You should make something with both you AND Ses. I would have to buy four of those as well. Maybe a pin with SLAYER man. You are awesome, come to Michigan Ren Fest one year PLEASE!!!!!!!🙏🏼 it runs late August and all September. I would love to see you live.
It still blows my mind that this entire community/business/lifestyle etc with Ren Faires has become so much bigger because of Matthew Mercer wanting to make tabletop gaming more available to a wider audience.
i don't think that Critical role had an effect on ren faires, i think it's just that fans of tabletop roleplay tend to enjoy the concept of a ren faire. i got into CR very early on in its existence and didn't learn about ren faires until years later when i was looking in to learning fencing. CR may have created an increase in table top roleplay fans but if that had an effect on ren faires i'd think that's super indirect. Jacques i believe has done far more for them by showing a bit more of what they're actually like and keeping the idea in people's minds.
I left a trinket with Ses Carney for you!
I’m from Tennessee and had flown to Seattle to visit family and they all decided we were going to the Renn Faire, and much to my surprise I got to see you there. Great show. Glad I got to see you. Also great advice. Sunscreen is a must.
4:30 Bristol Renaissance Faire in Wisconsin has banned trinket trading, though some people still do it subtly.
Thanks for the info. I was just going to comment that I'd never heard of it but it sounds fun... I only make it to the WI and MN ones tho 😢
I've been both in and out of costume. It's a completely different experience. Spectating is fun, but the immersive participation is next level.
I went to the Ren Faire in MD at least 6 times and each year there was something new. I never got to see everything. But I always hit my faves. But it's been over 20 years.
You're very talented, consistently entertaining, and quick with a clever quip--exactly what makes a successful TH-camr, in my humble opinion. Thank you!
I’ve actually wanted to go to one for a while, so thank you.
Oh my god, you have a plushie AND a vinyl figure??? I want to meet you more than ever now. I've been going to the Arizona Renaissance Fair since the mid '90s and I wish you'd visit. These are great tips for Renfair noobs.
A lot of this is great advice for conventions too! as an avid con-goer who just went to my first ren faire last year, so much can apply! Especially for the cosplayers, take into consideration its OUTSIDE 😭 luckily ours is in the cooler parts of fall, but be prepared for all the elements, rain or shine (ours was meant to be sunny and then starting pouring and flash flooding day of!)
I haven't been to a Ren Fair in 30 years. I have to say it was one of the few places where I could go, and not get overwhelmed. I am Neurodivergent, and what I love about the Ren Fair, is that a lot of the crowd that is there is also, and those who are not are trying really hard to be weird like us! I don't really remember going to see any particular shows, there would be these shows that were more like flash mob performances, but with acting out ren themes. I would watch those because I inevitably would end up in the middle of them trying to escape. I would mostly show up, and wander around watching people. It was a lot of fun! I only wore a costume once. That time I had gone there as part of a wedding, and I had designed all the costumes. It was cool to have randoms walking up to me pointing at someone at the wedding party and saying, "They said, you designed and made all these costumes. OMG! You are so talented." Well, yeah! There is a reason my kids never lost a single costume contest growing up. That is what I do! Haha! I mean, I have designed costumes for stage productions that had audiences of over 10,000 people in 2 weeks, and you're surprised at how good my designs are? LMAO! Guess I will have to go back sometime they sound like so much fun!
I saw your shows, I think 6 times this year. They were all so fun to see.
Thanks for the tips I love ren faires and hopefully one day I can go to one where your at and see you I love the shows at ren faires they’re always so fun ❤
Sun & Rain UV Umbrella is soooo good! I burn super easily so I can attest to it’s usefulness. I also recommend getting one that has a lighter shade on the outside layer to help reflect the heat better.
I used mine in Disneyworld for an entire 8-day trip and I didnt get burned at all! Even my husband stood under it with me quite a few times as we stood in line, and he usually enjoys the warmth and sunshine.
Very good tips. I had not been in a decade and thought I would go this year. Tickets sold out two weeks prior to faire opening. I was astonished that there was that much interest! Even though I didn’t go I am glad it is so popular because it means it will be around for a long time.
Wear sunscreen and reapply. Mosquito too depending on where and when.
Tipping is a big thing for the performers and no one warned me. I had nothing but 20s and it felt like making change out of an alter plate. I hung back and asked a performer so I could tip them.
My best advice is go it is fun!
All very good tips. Especially to have fun. Lots of fun!
And let others have fun too how they see fit. If you're not really liking how they have fun, then just walk away.
Took my wife to her fist Ren Fest in Atlanta when we started dating. Only missed a couple in the 30+ years we've been together.
I need to plan a trip for us to go to a faire where Jacques is performing.
These are great tips, thanks for looking out for everyone's safety!
I love watching jacqueszewipper I actually want a wipp or 2
From personal experience, I would add...
1. If you have a stroller, wagon, or need mobility aids, ie cane, walker or wheelchair, check their accessibility. Not every Faire is mobility friendly (not their fault, but it gets muddy and some have hills)
2. Wear comfy closed toed shoes that you don't care about if they get covered in mud... or anything else
3. Remember that the performers are people, not their acts and be kind. If they can't talk, they may only have 5 minutes to down some water and get to the next show or scene, respect that they're working and it's not personal.
4. Many faires also have volunteers, who are not paid but have still put in months of work, learning entire scripts, making costumes, working on the site, practicing fight choreography and getting taught to look out for heat stroke. Be nice to them too.
5. Check the map for the medical tent, just in case.
6. Have an emergency meeting place in case you get separated because cell phones may not work.
7. Bug Spray
8. Rainy or wet days have the least people but sometimes the funniest shows, as long as there's no lightening ⛈️
9. If you are old enough to legally drink, a shot of Meade in your Hard Cider is Ambrosia
10. Enjoy yourself, be freaky, get your weird on, dress in whatever makes you happy but remember to respect other patrons and performers.
Your beauty doth stun me like a thousand suns 👍
*Excuse me ma'am and turns to son, pointing at me with a dagger nestled in my corset* Now that's a bobby trap! *walks away*👎
Bonus point: If you are bringing in a prop weapon, sword, dagger, etc, it must be peace tied. Every faire is different about what they allow, so check ahead of time.
I saw you there! It was my first ren faire! Super fun. Definitely will be back lol.
I'm so glad that you're slowly becoming more and more of an actual youtuber.
Saw your new show at the WA Midsummer Ren Faire last weekend, and it was fantastic! We had a wonderful time and my kids are already angling to go back next year!
Glad you could make it! I should be back next year, possibly for a longer run
I always wanted to go to a Renaissance fair and the first time I went to a Renaissance fair I accidentally stumbled into it in Belgium when I went there this year and one of the things you brought up it’s so overwhelming and amazing. It’s so was I would love to go to another one one day.
Saw you for the first time at my first Renfair, and it was every bit as good as your reels on IG (technical problems be damned lol). These tips would have served me well, and thankfully my wife was a pro and made sure I was well-prepared for our trip. The cash thing caught me off-guard, but she had the foresight to bring plenty and we were set for the day.
Hope to see you again the next time you're in my neck of the woods!
Awesome tips It's on my life list to attend a Ren Faire in costume 🎊
This guy is going to single handedly re-invigorate renn faires. And as a former Rennie, I'm here for it.
You may have left the radio, but you still have radio breathing.
On the hard money aspect, dollar coins. My friends got me 8n the habit if getting $40 in dollar coins, kinda adds to the experience buting drinks with a stack of coins. Obviously any big purchases were in cash or card but for the few dollar purchases a big ole bag of dollar coins is fun
I’m dreaming of a Jacques tour… including all/most Ren fairs… like Minnesota!
Minnesota runs at the same time as closer faires. But stay tuned for some possible theatre shows there in early spring
THANK YOU FOR THE TIPS!!! 💕💕💕 I love your channel and I’m going for the first time Pittsburgh! I am SO excited!!!
Also I’m bringing plastic babies and plastic frogs to trinket trade!!!! 😆😆😆
Interesting timing, I'm planning on going to MN Ren Fest in the next couple of weeks. And it has been over a decade.
As for parking at the MN Ren Fest, they recommend doing the Park and Ride instead.
I’m definitely team parasol at this point. I built myself a parasol holster for this last season, which works great because it frees up the hands while browsing in vendor stalls or watching shows.
Take into consideration, other places/events, may be going during Ren Faire hours (sport games, politics,etc). 1 Ren Faire competes with other local events every weekend!! And for that location, each weekend can be really crowded, due to different themes. Been attending and helping since mid 90's. I portray a Pyratez with my PiRats (ferrets).
Plushie? Yay! Figurine? Nah, not my thing. Bring back the plush!
Mid-level experienced visitor to ren faires, and I agree with everything you've said. Usually go to the opening weekend of the Ohio Renaissance Festival since it is the least hectic. Also, unfortunately, usually the most insufferably hot weekend of the season. Trade offs, I suppose.
saw you today! so happy i could see you in person! your shows are so amazing
I spotted a guy dressed up as Jacques at my local fair (Sterling, NY) a couple weekends back!
Another tip: try to make the rounds of the shops before buying anything. I found the $75 wooden sword booth before the $15 wooden sword booth 😢
I’m seeing you tomorrow Jacques in the WA midsummer!!!! i’m so excited, it’s my first time going!!
6:35 Buy a big hat. The more it covers your face the better you'll feel.
Particularly for Colorado Renfaire... The traffic shuts I-25 down. Turns into a parking lot.
Savvy coloradoans know to take 85/87 and not have to sit on the highway..
But yes.. early is best.. as many people think the only way in is sitting on highway
For bringing cash, there is just something fun about getting a pile of dollar coins at the bank and having a pouch of coin with you. Most vendors work things out to a flat dollar cost for things including tax in that price just to speed things up with sales as well.
The big things with costumes for the faire if you aren't cast/crew/vendor/ect with specific requirements is a small list of rules.
1.) Make sure it's something you can wear in the general public, general things are in the PG-13 type thing for faires and shouldn't be something that you'll end up in trouble with there.
2.) Make sure it's weather appropriate. My main faire is Ohio, so over the season it changes what you'll be wearing comfortably since it's a fall faire. If you want something like the half-naked barbarian, that works decently early on...and, conversely, the heavier sets of gear work better later on when the layers will keep you warm.
3.) Police your gear...if you're wearing a cloak, carrying a sword, have a tail, wings, or whatever that protrudes from your body don not forget about it when you move or sit or do anything else. Tripping someone else, bashing someone in the knee caps, or ending up with a bill that will leave you in debt for a decade for bowling over displays in a store are all not fun things to deal with.
4.) Comfort is a major part of it, make sure you can handle what you're wearing for the day, preferably while being comfortable. Shoes are one where it's better to have a decent pair of comfortable shoes than medieval shoes, and don't spend all of your time looking for historical glasses or similar unless you're extremely committed to using them because they're expensive and not that easy to use.
5.) Check gear and item restrictions online before going to the faire. Some limit things like weapons or just have a check and peace tie for them with everything in between. Some have specific restrictions where things are for people employed by the faire, or food/drink restrictions. If there are specific necessities, you can clear them either before coming or at the gate.
Sad the pin isn't available alone. The design is perfect for you though and these tips are spot on!
I haven’t been to a Faire in SO long, I think I’m due for a trip here in Texas!
Also good footwear!! Check if it has been raining in that area. When I went last year it had rained the day before. As Jacques said, these are in fields or the woods. My fair was a veritable mud pit and almost lost a shoe!
I love trinket trading I make little bags with dragon stickers in them. I have a old pram filled with my dragon collection. I have grown the collection over many years. The pram is the last in a line of about 4 baskets that keep getting bigger.
I bought our tickets after I found out you’d be there. Can’t wait to go tomorrow.
Awesome and helpful tips. Thank you so much! I've been to a Ren Fair only once in my life in Illinois near Chicago when I was a senior in HS in 1996. I loved it, but haven't been able to go since. I stumbled upon your TH-cam channel a couple of months ago and I love it! It is super entertaining.
I saw you at the Washington Renaissance fair and it was so cool!!!😁
Excellent suggestions! Thank you, Jacques!
Good timing. My local ren faire starts at the end of the month. I should probably get tickets lol. The season tickets have apparently already sold out!
I can’t wait to see your show again at the Renn Faire in Annapolis ^^ it’ll be my second Renn Faire and I’m so exited
Also, especially on busy days, be mindful of the booths you're visiting. They're often small, and get very crowded very quickly, and there's nothing worse than having to wait through 20 other people who have no intention of buying anything just so you can get to the item you want to then try and get over to the booth owner to checkout. So, if you're not planning on buying, make a bit of room for others.
YOU'RE AN ACTION FIGURE???😂😂😂 Congratulations!!
I understood that reference.
Excellent advice, much appreciated!
I usually go on Sundays because there are fewer people. Getting early does help. You get to park closer to the gates so when you're tired and ready to go home, you don't have to walk as far. I go to Bristol and this year they opened up another parking lot because their main one got too full by the afternoon.
Great tips! Thank you for providing your insight
There are two shows that we catch without fail every time we go: the joust & the bird show. One year, a king vulture flew so low over my head that I felt its wings brush my head! Haven’t seen a small child get taken by a bird of prey though; they warn us not to hold up the small ones as the birds might think they’re offerings. I wonder if that’s actually happened…maybe just an attempted steal & a scratched up child? Idk. lol
I usually arrive around noonish at the RenFest in my area. The drive is at least an hour, depending on the traffic.
We buy our tickets in advance so we don’t have to wait to get in. Have to buy the program/directory though. In the past few years. The RenFest has upgraded; though it’s in a wooded area, it’s not far from a small town. It has always had electricity & running water, ATMs & all vendors accepted cards; now it has internet & all the vendors accept ApplePay.
We always bring extra water & snacks. We could bring a picnic if we wanted.
Usually do costumes, too, even though autumn here is often still hot. We wait til November to go do it’s not as bad.
Still sad I missed on that plush. I really want one! A figure is no substitute!
On my first RenFaire, I went all in with period accuracy, including these cute Italian Early Renaissance slippers. I thought, "Hey, slippers! They'll be comfortable." I wore them around campus to break them in and ignored the fact that they hurt by the end of the day, despite MOSTLY sitting in class. I'd be FIIIIINE, right? Being a history major, I wanted to be so period accurate that I did not wear stockings. Online shopping was barely a thing back then, and I couldn't find anything that satisfied me. I figured I could just buy some at the faire. However, there were no vendors selling stockings.
Halfway through the day, I was limping but refused to stop or go to first aid. By the time we got back to the car, my peach-colored slippers were covered in dust and blood stains. It's a miracle my blistered and torn feet were not infected. It took my feet weeks to fully heal.
So remember, while "period accurate" is cool, do NOT sacrifice comfort and safety. If you're insisting on those 14th century slippers with Italian beadwork, bring some spare walking shoes for when you're strolling around the booths. No one will think less of you, and those who might are new to the Faire.
Be safe, be comfortable, HAVE FUN!
I will definitely try to go to one but Pls come to Canada we would love to have you here
Your show at Colorado Renaissance fair was awesome
went to my first faire 2 years ago and ended up in the hospital at 11pm getting an iv drip. drink water, drink water again, and then when you think you've drank enough, down a whole water bottle. repeat throughout the day.
if you have mid length to long hair, get your hair braided first thing. Every Faire usually has a hair braiding booth close to the entrance, and I promise it makes your visit so much better. Your hair is tidy, out of the way and you don't have to worry about it at all. For the whole day. And sometimes the day after as well. 🙂
excellent advice / reminders!