I worked with my family at the NorCal Ren Faire from about 5 to about 13 (from the mid-80s to the early 90s). The Blackpoint Forest Faire was way over on the “historically accurate” side of the dial. It was run by a small clique of people whose passion project was basically to live in as accurate a reproduction of Elizabethan England as you could get from weekend players working for $30/day in a corner of Marin County. There was no slush pile of players in generic peasant blouses; everyone belonged to a guild with a particular purpose and individual backstories. My family was part of Scots camp; we were all playing highlanders who had come down to a small English town to seek an audience with Queen Elizabeth, who was in residence for the month. Everyone had to learn period crafts and dances; we’d do two Scottish dance and music shows a day and spend part of our remaining time in Scots camp doing crafts and demonstrations like drop-spinning or waulking tartan cloth. Costumes were also very specific to characters’ backstory and were pretty heavily reviewed - as Scots we dressed in as historically accurate a version of 16th C highland dress as we could do. I remember one year when I was getting a new costume approved, they made my mom buy me a new plaid for my airsaid (female version of a kilt) because the one we’d chosen had a subtle heathery purple in part of it: a lowly Scottish peasant like me would not have access to purple dye. There were also a couple years where I was part of the Children’s Guild, whose function was to wander around the fair singing period-appropriate children’s songs and playing 16th C children’s games. As is probably obvious from my typing this out, it was one of the best experiences of my life. Truly magical. Thinking about it is honestly kind of bittersweet, because I know I’ll never experience anything like it again. The level of obsession the Faire owners had with historically accurate reenactment was frankly completely unsustainable, and it eventually died and was replaced by a much more standard wenches’n’turkey legs Faire. I don’t want to imply that it was ALL history. There were plenty of the standard Ren Faire things. They did have turkey legs, and stalls full of crystal jewelry and chain mail, and fake jousting. But it was all mixed in with all this rich historical variety that fleshed it out and made it a living place, not just a thin veneer of generic Europe over a medieval-themed Christmas market whose main purpose is to sell you stuff, which so many Faires do devolve into. Little things survive, though. I went to the modern NorCal fair some time in the late 2000s and I saw the same guy dressed as a sailor doing the same show with trained parrots that I watched as a kid in the 80s. It was weirdly touching.
I don’t know the people who uploaded this, but they were from the Scots guild when I was working there and I do appear briefly at one point in the stage show! ua-cam.com/video/85Id9F4-czY/v-deo.htmlsi=Zp3LdTpp_Yz5lA_z
I was there at Black Point for 10 years through the 1990s! - Mullahs! Caravansarai! The Green Man! Red Barrel! End of the World! The Serpentine! LONG MAY THE BURLAP WAVE
I think you made a good point about Ren Faires giving people a chance to play. I think it is important for adults to play sometimes, and we often forget to. Things like Ren Faires can be good reminders to play.
I thoroughly recommend seeking out a European medieval re-enactment event. There are excellent events covering the various medieval eras (early, high and late), and those in Germany and Scandinavia can be particularly immersive.
DONT DO THAT MY MUM DOES 16TH CENTURY REENACTMENT AND ITS ABSOLUTELY A CULT DO NOT DO IT GET OUT WHILE YOU STILL CAN ASDFAGZBGYAAHYIZHGUAGGhauballshianubauhba
yeah here in germany we have one big one beside many small ones. that is the M.P.S translate to medival phantasie spectacluar. by the way from ther comes my name because this is what i do there. since 2023 im the phantom of the opera on the mps in bückeburg exlucive to bückeburg. its an traveling ren fair the biggest in germany and its started in 1993 as an small market and was grown over the now 30 years in an fully festival. with big folkore bands out of germany. its an long history. ok then have a good day and enjoy your life.
I was inspired to attend the "King Richards Faire" in the Chicago, IL- Gary, IN area after seeing the film Knightriders with Ed Harris and Tom Savini in 1981. My friends and I were avid Dungeons and Dragons players and game masters who loved history, mythology and fantasy stories. For those of us with theatrical experience it was a chance to role play live in an accepting atmosphere. I always went in costume.
My mom worked at KPFK when I was a teenager in the mid-70's, and I started going to the Pleasure Faire from then through the 80's. It was held at a hilly site studded with native oak trees, and was very rough around the edges, wild and hedonistic. I can still smell the patchouli! I was never an official performer, but many of my friends were, so occasionally I got to participate in some of the events. My favorite memory is of the year I brought my little 14-pound Chihuahua-Spaniel mix, Alice, along with me. Alice loved going to parties and being the center of attention, and was very pleased about being part of a raucous parade of revelers. After the parade my friends chose her to be the champion of their clan! We walked out into an arena in front of a cheering crowd, each clan shouting encouragement to their champion. The opposing champion strode out in full armor, waving his sword, but he was no match for Alice's ferocious bark and yielded to her. The crowd went wild! Alice thought it was only her due. In recent years it's been held at a manicured public park and has been sanitized for today's sensibilities. I'm sure it's still fun but for me it's just not the same as it was in the old hippie days.
As a Brit I always wondered why they weren't called Medieval Faires and now I know! Thank you! I went to the Maryland Faire back in the nineties (we were touring a production of Hamlet) where the kid playing Laertes met his future wife in the mud. Very fond memories.
Growing up in Marin county in northern California, in the late 60's early 70'S, I living about a mile from where they held the Ren Faire. I was always amazed by the costumed people walking past my house as there was not enough parking at China Camp. Later they moved the faire to Black Point Forest near Novato, Ca. About 1997 the organizers made a big mistake when they asked the Scots to camp with the Irish so there would be room for a pony ride. The Scots didn't take it very well and left to start the Scottish Gathering in Antioch, Ca.
The Renn Faire at Black Point was such a delightful event. What made it marvelous however were the visitors and actor folk going about their daily business such as grocery shopping in costume. Marvelous times and memories!
@@bsa45acp I was there at Black Point for 10 years through the 1990s! Caravansarai, Ben Johnson, Red Barrel, End of the World, Serpentine! LONG MAY THE BURLAP WAVE
Living in the UK I did medieval reenactment for many years. My group was strictly based on the year 1370 so not really the same as Ren Fairs but they've always fascinated me and sound a lot of fun. We still have more castles though 😉
Jess, the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Wisconsin has a show with LIVE RATS! They call it Cirque du Sewer and it has trained rats and cats doing tricks. I try to go to Bristol every year, it's super fun. I love Renaissance Faires but didn't know the origin of them. So thank you for this informative video.
Ah, yes! Pirates, vikings, and 16th century knights, all eating turkey legs and grilled corn in harmony! Gotta love ren faires. I haven't been to one in yeeaars because I'm usually too busy in the summer. I didn't realize the PA faire happens in October as well! It's technically my "local" faire nowadays, so maybe I'll slap on some elf ears and check it out before it ends. The vlog was great btw! Oh, and if you ever find yourself in Ohio (for whatever reason), I definitely recommend stopping by the Great Lakes Medieval Faire. Back in my rebellious teen years, I volunteered my friend to be a prisoner in the stocks there. Good times.
We just moved to Baltimore and I was able to go to the Maryland fair last week. Really impressive grounds! We opened and closed the place. As we were leaving the folks working the fair had all gathered at one tavern and were singing, and I think they were just getting warmed up for a really fun evening. Then a week later I was at a Heilung concert and I'm pretty sure it was all the same people.
PA Ren Faire is very comfy. I love walking around and talking to the vendors, I barely ever feel the need to buy anything. (I'm sure they LOVE people like me)
I always loved going up to LA when I was young, knowing I'd be in range to listen to KPFK. Loved that it provided the start to Firesign Theater, and the Renn Faire as well!
I used to work faires in California, and you are 100% correct about family - Working with the same folks year after year was so much fun! We camped on site, drank way too much after hours around campfires, and spent too much modern cash at the shops. I always worked Elizabethan faires. Some very strict and others more playful. While we don't work them any more (it became way too much at some point), I still enjoy attending. Everyone should go at least once for experience.
I asked my wife to marry me while we were at the Renn Fest. No it was not spontaneous. I did this intentionally at the Maryland Renn Fest. Because I am a GIANT NERD. But, I'm a giant nerd who has been married to that lovely woman for almost twenty years now.
I was at City Hall today and there was a couple getting married. They had puzzle rings they had bought at the recent Ren Faire here in CA. It was amazing to be there to witness it.
Fellow MDRFer! 😍 I keep meaning to make it out to PA, but it usually overlaps with Maryland faire and it doesn't work out. Maybe next year I'll find a way that way.
@@tianahorsey-daydreamer8962 My wife and I were hardcore back in the day. She even worked the labyrinth when she was a teenager. One year we even got our money's worth on a Faire-Ever Pass - and that was driving to Crownsville from the Eastern Shore!
Until recently, my home renfair was the New York Renaissance Fair, and they always put on a great presentation. I would highly recommend it. It's always fun to get dressed up for the occasion and contribute to the atmosphere. Thanks for a very informative video, I think it's great that you're expanding on the topics you cover!
Been part of a Renn fest for two years now. I am a brother confessor to a small troup of Kniggets Templars. The Renn Faire in our city is small compared to others but the group of players is very tight like a family. We have had an awesome time with them the last 2 years and if you are a Renny enthusiast I highly suggest getting a "persona" and getting involved. I loved this video and I look forward to Fridays! We are hosting our 1st Hobbit party this year too! I watched your vid on foods and came away with lots of ideas! Thanks!!!
There's a great issue of Sandman where Hob Gadling (who is effectively immortal and lived through a good chunk of the middle ages) goes to a renaissance faire...
Back in 2018, went to one of these fairs in a Buenos Aires suburb, while I was living in Argentina 😊 Loads of stalls with nick-nacks, HEMA displays, people in costume, brilliant food (asado off the parilla ❤), & I impressed an instructor with my archery (had done it before at Warwick Castle) One of the best days out ever 😊
I used to work at the so cal renn faire (I was a peasant) when it was in Agoura, CA. SO MUCH FUN! I loved that it required us to go through a costume check (“yeah, lose the jingle bells, honey, and you’re fine”), learn history of the time, how to do the “BFA” (Basic Faire Accent) and principles of street theater. I worked there through a couple of moves when it was run by The Living History Center, but it changed irredeemably once it was sold to a for-profit company so I never went back.
Pretty good look at the origins of the Faire. I can verify as someone who worked at the Nor. Cal. Ren Fare, I heard these stories and many more first hand from Phyllis Patterson and others who were there. I miss Black Point Forest.
I love the Renaissance festival! It’s like my second home. I’ve been missing it lately because my local fair is in the spring. This video takes me right back there, and it was so interesting to learn about where it came from! Thanks for making this I loved it
I worked the SoCal Faire in the 80's. It was pretty amazing experience. It's my hometown, and I miss it very much. It was on the Paramount Ranch site, which was its home for a couple of decades. A completley natural piece of scrub oak land. The Faire was from mid-April to the end of June, and it got hot. But it was wonderful. I made so many friends there. (Faire was notorious for incubating relationships, which had the basic problem of starting in a place and time where both of you are pretending to be people you're not. This would lead to problems after Faire was over, as you can imagine.) I loved creating a character, going to workshops to shape my performance, and then taking her out on the street with the customers. There was a magic to it, especially since that Faire, being right near Los Angeles and thus Hollywood, was full of aspiring actors using the place as a showcase. Mark Hamill got his start there, as did William Campbell. (Bill played one half of a brother / dung merchant duo.) I eventually found my way into joining the Dead Parade, a musical group that dressed in skeletal attire and played music on the march. That was a truly awesome gig; it was so interesting to see how people reacted to us. (The Mexican and Central American folks were the only ones who got it.) The Faire felt real in an unreal way; that's the closest I can come to describing it. It was our hometown.
I worked at that ren faire, and also when it moved to San Dimas - I’ll never forget The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s shows (I have a DVD of them that is pretty awesome). I wonder if we knew each other!
@@mostlyh2o233 The RSC! I used to hang out with Adam Long, he was a great guy. I asked him once why they didn't do Shrew, and he said, "The comedies aren't funny." And he was right - there would be no point to doing what they do with something that's already written for laughs. (I dedicated three entire rolls of film to photographing their Hamlet and R&J. Got some great shots!) Man, I miss my Faire friends...
@@mostlyh2o233 I started out with the Scots, then went to Helena's, then joined Cleopatra's Barge, and from there I ended up with the Dead Parade. We may well have met! :)
In Belgium we don't really have Renfairs. The closest thing we have may be the Caesarfeesten (Caesar Festival) with a Roman them. Since 1893 it is hosted every 25 years, and I was lucky to be able to be there this year. (Certainly as a Roman Empire fan as myself)
I went to a Ren Faire for the first time this year, we got caught in the rain about halfway through the day and ducked into a small, leaking, low roof three walled tavern-style performance space, where we found a bench right in front of (like a foot away from) this Irish band that was playing. Since the crowd was happy to be out of the rain, the atmosphere was positively lively. They played drinking songs that we learned, some call and response, some ballads, some bagpipe solos, and I pulled out the tankard and pipe I'd been carrying, filled it with my water bottle, and during the drinking song the singer of the band and I kept clinking our tankards on cue, sloshing liquid all over ourselves and my friends. It was, frankly, and wonderful time.
I grew up in Delaware and started going to, yes, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire with my science fiction club in the 1980s. Then I moved to Rhode Island in 1997 and started going to King Richard's Faire in Carver, MA. I found the two faires remarkably similar. I eventually moved to central PA in 2015 and I've started going back to the PRF with my wife. Ah, memories!
I used to go to the PA Ren Faire back in the late 80's Early 90's. My first trip was in 9th grade (Probably May '89). The Gifted class from my Jr. High School did a field trip there. It was great fun and I went every year from then till I moved away for college. It's amazing and gratifying to see just how incredibly much it's grown up over the years since then. It was much MUCH smaller. There were only a handful of actual dedicated buildings then. A few of the shops, the forge, There was a jousting field, but it didn't have a building, I don't think, and there was a small Stratford Upon Avon-esque stage area build (Not a full theatre, though I think they were beginning plans to expand to one. They did have the Turkey Legs, and the Beggers Mud Show was there (I got called out of the crowd to be... performed upon, but I was too much of a coward to go, which I regret now). I have great memories of it all.
Highly recommend the Texas Renaissance Festival outside of Houston. It is definitely one of the largest and the weather is typically amazing. It is definitely one of the more "interactive" ones from what I hear, as well as having a reputation for bit a more "bawdy" than some of the others.
TRF was my first fair and I still go there every year! It's enormous and can get very crowded and rowdy in the evenings and in the campgrounds, but I really love the shows and the music, and the people watching is spectacular, one time I saw the nine black riders! All of them!
I love our local Renaissance fair in Minnesota, which is the one you mentioned that started in 1971 it is 7 weekends long starting in mid-August and running until the end of September you should come check it out and join us for the 5 course feast of fantasy
As a second generation rennie, it’s awesome to see more people finding this niche and even cooler to see people like you covering this topic in videos. You’re great, thank you
If you can make the trip to Michigan from PA, you should check out the Michigan state Renaissance festival in holly, mi. Lots of great entertainment, good food, and of course themed weekends.
I haven't been to a Ren Fair since I was 20 but I plan to go this coming February and bring my daughter who will be 4.5. I love watching the artists and seeing all the costumes.
Yay, the PA Renaissance Faire, my former local faire! I used to go every year, and then when I started playing Celtic harp, I formed a trio with friends and had an enormously fun summer one year, playing every weekend! The history of the Faire is fascinating, I had no idea and always wondered why it was called 'Renaissance'....
Love the Pennsylvania Renn Faire could tell it was the PA one from the thumbnail since it has been my local one since I was in High School I am going tomorrow bringing my friends for the first time love the love for all things fantasy and hope the tradition continues for all
I've been to and still go to the Original Ren Faire in LA area. It has moved several times, but when I started it was at the Malibu location which was the most magical amazing place since it was completely hidden from everything, including the parking lot, once you entered you were there, in that Fantastic little made-up bubble with old oak trees, theaters on hillsides, a kissing bridge, another bridge where the puritan preachers would hang out amonishing the crowd not to party and repent from that mug of ale they were carrying. A wonderful central theater with the Queen holding court every day and mostly charging Sir Francis Drake not to pirate so much, "wink wink". The most bawdy version of the "Miller's Tale" I have ever witnessed! (Although once I actually read it I think they toned down the story some, not much though) The Jousting thing didn't come till much later (early 80s). It is still fun now, just different in its current location. Costuming, is more well, Comic Con, but I don't care, it is all wonderful fun.
I love all of your videos. It seems we have many similar interests and a complimentary world view. Thank you for putting out such enchanting, creativity inspiring and reflective content. What you present on your channel is thought provoking, insightful, entertaining and heart centered. Your passion for the subject matter is evident in each Tolkien related video and in all of the complimentary ones you put out as well. This is one of my all time favorite UA-cam channels. As for the Renaissance Faire...For years I performed at the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Wisconsin, just across the Illinois border. This drew talented performers and artisans from the greater Madison, Milwaukee and Chicagoland areas, as well as many who traveled on various circuits, doing several shows each year. I also did one season of the Texas Ren Faire, TRF, as well as acting as a visiting and guest performer at the Arizona, Virginia and Minnesota Faires. My time at Bristol holds some of my fondest memories to date. Not only did it serve as a form of immersive enchantment for nature spirits and tender hearts, it was also food for the creative soul. It was a well spring of counter culture, of individuals collectively seeking to create a community more resonant with our values. Behind the scenes it was one of the most vibrant and supportive communities I have ever been a part of. Relationships with some of my dearest friends, who I consider family, were forged there. Though I'm not sure how it is now, back then Bristol was one of the shows that focused in many ways on historical education and authenticity throughout some aspects of the overall show, while being accompanied by fantasy elements alongside this. The premise was that Queen Elizabeth was on progress with her court, visiting the seaport town of Bristol, and as a result the entire town was holding a giant festival, thus accounting for much of the whimsy taking place. Though the show was technically set in a specific year in 1500s England, approved costumes incorporated historically accurate Elizabethan dress from a variety of styles popular throughout her entire, long reign. The idea was to give the patrons a broader sense of the time period and make it more visually interesting. And while the Elizabethan courtly color palate and color pairings for dress was much wilder than one might think, the costumers chose to stay away from certain fabrics and colors to create a specific look to better convey certain themes to a modern audience. This fits in perfectly with the adaptations you so often discuss taking the LOTR books and translating them to film. At our Faire, historical characters from various time periods throughout Elizabeth's reign were also simultaneously present, even though they were not in actual history. There were other anachronistic elements throughout the show of course, mainly for entertainment purposes, but I did love that this particular show did a lot to educate and train their core performance cast, helping them to convey fascinating historical themes to the audience while also transporting them to an enriching and fantastical world. And of course, one of the most amazing things about performing there was getting to do improvisation in the round, all day long! Nearly all of what we did was improv, with the exception of a few scripted, on stage shows. I loved it. Now in my late 40s, I often begin to consider returning to perform there, perhaps in a different capacity, though I would certainly need to brush up on my rusty improv skills...Over the years, I portrayed an historic courtier, composite court characters, several different Celtic artisans of Welsh and Scottish origin, doing first person living history interpretation in those characters, first person interp and narration of historic glass blowing and performed as a delusional grave digger named Delicious Pussblotch!
The parts where your videos pan out, get a black frame and you give your 'inner monologue' are genius. All of your videos that I've seen so far have been awesome overall, and really clarifying (like the 'almost complete' guides and costumes of ME vids) but I particularly like those pan-outs. The turkey legs one on this one made me chuckle because they're usually the first thing I look for when going to a faire
I worked the RPFS from 1982 till 2013 and many small fairs all over Southern California now i play at the Nashville Ren Faire. Phillis was a nice lady who i dearly miss. I was original St. Michaels. Miss Agoura Hills
If you're looking for suggestions, I recommend Bristol in Wisconsin (just north of Chicago). It frequently wins awards. The downside is the heat. The trees trap heat and humidity and smells inside while slowing down breezes. The upside is that it's well attended, has a bunch of fun performers, nice shops, modern plumbing, and fun activities. It also has Circus de Sewer and it DOES have live rats (and a cat).
I work at the Maryland Renaissance Festival at one of the booths (the book shoppe, w00t!) and we just wrapped for the season last weekend (actually right around when you posted this video - i'm catching up lol). It was a fantastic season and so much fun, as always! I haven't made it to the PA Faire in several years, but I did used to go with a group of friends to Celtic Fling (held at Mount Hope Estate & Winery) in June each year - been a few years since I've been there as well - pretty sure I still have a few bottles of their wine around here somewhere lol. It is wonderful seeing and catching up with folks who attend every year - just a very enjoyable time, especially once it cools down a bit. Great video, Jess! :)
The AZ Ren Fair is in the winter if you want a change of scenery. The only issue is that it is in the middle of nowhere and traffic on the two lane road to get there can be crazy.
Did you just say the PA Ren Faire? Girl...that's MY Ren Faire! I've visited that place since I went on a field trip in High School with my class back in 2004! My family and I would visit once a year during the Faire season...mainly because Mt.Hope Estate & Winery is four hours away from my home (much too far for us to go every weekend.) The only times we couldn't go were during the Pandemic or the one time the hotel across the street shutdown and we couldn't find lodgings to stay at for the second Faire day of the weekend
I auditioned for the PA Renn Faire in 1993 for the 1994 season and got the part but decided to take a role at the Pocono Renn Faire for that summer. Best summer of my life! I love Mount Hope. Haven't been there in years but absolutely love that place.
I love counting how many foods I can find served on a stick when I go the ren faire. It is truly impressive how they manage to serve so many things that way.
I was in Theater in College. We put on a small Renaissance Festival. It was late 70’s early 80’s. I absolutely loved it! Fast forward to 1996 and I went to a growing Renaissance Festival in Huntersville, NC. The Carolina Renaissance Festival. My friend and I had a blast! Renting costumes and soaking in the experience. We went again in 1997. In ‘98, we decided to audition! I became the, now infamous, Black Widow! (Lady Mariana Killem!!). I’ve had a blast with that character since then. I, at one point, became Livia the Groom! I was a “groupie” of the Jousters. Now, I guest perform as my character Lady Mariana. I’ve have a blast. For years I was the Manager of the Royal Court. I was on the Production Team, as well. You are indeed correct, my Renaissance friends are my family. My best friend and I met in 1998. We are still BFF’s 25 years later!! I heavily recommend the much enlarged Carolina Renaissance Festival. We have the best performers, The Jousters are amazing, the Crafts people are amazing and the Patrons are willing to play! CRF is going on right now! Weekends until 11/19. Come out and play!! ❤️🖤
I enjoyed this immensely! Besides enhancing my knowledge, you have given me opportunity to play and sing along with "Renaissance Faire" by Blackmore's Night all day long.
My local Ren Faire is Bristol's in Wisconsin. I've been going since I was a teen and now go annually with my dnd group. This year I made a pirate coat that I wore for their Pirate Weekend and every visit has been a blast.
Have been going to the Texas Renaissance Faires, both playing and now working since 1998. Scarborough Faire and Texas Renaissance Festival are both really fun, large Ren Faires. Scarborough has Cirque du Sewer with the live rats too. It's a fun show. You have to deal with the heat more down here when attending.
In Germany, we have Ritterspiele, which are focused on medieval times and try to be more historically accurate. They're often done at actual castles, which is nice.
I worked as a performer for many years for the Rennaisance Faires in California and the Living Histrory Centre, before moving out to Virginia in '95. Who I am today I woe entirely to the time I spent "playing" at Faire.
That was super interesting, I didn't know any of that history about Ren Faire! My home faire is Bristol Renaissance Faire and it's always one of the highlights of my summer. Probably the best thing about attending is just... dressing up and that being completely normal. The people dressed in tshirts are the odd ones out. I just love people watching and checking out everyone's costumes and getting inspired with ideas for new costumes and accessories that I'd like to make!
I've gone to the one in South Florida a couple of times, and once to a smaller one called Camelot Days. I was really impressed however when I temporarily relocated to Atlanta and went to the GA Renaissance Festival. Now that one was huge. Easily bigger than either one of the two in S. Florida. A lot of the buildings appear to be permanent constructions too. Their jousting/combat show is pretty elaborate and at the end of the day they do a final not-safe-for-kids version where you see blood spurting out of whoever gets killed. If you ever get a chance, I'd definitely recommend it.
I've been to a few in New England, though not in decades, blast it all. King Richard's Faire in Carver MA is the biggest, and my fave. Last time I was there, I caught the Big Cats Show, and boy, did they deliver! The finale was a gorgeous liger, a lion & tiger cross, of course. I have never seen any creature so massive up close. There used to be a fair/play in Cumberland, RI, that I caught once. There were something like twelve stages, each showing, er, 'chapters' for that year's Big Plot, each show was about 15-20min, and gave out different plot beats. Since the site was only open 8hrs or so, you couldn't see the whole thing. Guests were free to wander from stage to stage, at their own pace & whim, and enjoy the show. I remember a finale, where everyone got to see the final chapter, and watch the Bad Guy lose big. A lot of humor, a bit of humor, and much rejoicing. Then there was one in Vermont, I forget where, exactly, in 1996 or '97. A small affair, cozy, fun, and some cool characters wandering around, dispensing comments & plot with great energy. I live in Wisconsin now, and recently learned of the Minnesota festival. Gonna try n hit that one next season.
I miss going to the Ohio Ren Fest. The Michigan Ren Fest was also nice. (it has been many, many years for either...). While much smaller, I enjoyed going to the Santa Fe Ren Faire as well (this one has a Spanish Kingdom theme). Where I live now is way too crowded and I do not think I would enjoy it as much, so I have not gone to one recently. Thanks for this video, I really enjoyed it!
I used to live in Spain and we had an amazing medieval market and fair to celebrate San Froilan- it attracts visitors from around the world. It entailed traditional folk dances, plays, story-telling, and even a live joust! Definitely more historically accurate than an U.S. RenFaire. However, I have to admit that I really love U.S. RenFaires for their whimsy, music, and great stage shows. It is a time to let lose and thoroughly enjoy yourself if you are a lover of mythology, history, and geekdom. There is definitely a very "hippy" vibe to RenFaires that I kind of love. I have met some extremely intelligent and creative people at RenFaires. I have friends who are medievalists and mythology majors that thoroughly enjoy the immersive theatre of RenFaires.
I would suggest you visit Evermore in Utah. Its a small fantasy theme park with, elves, dwarves, and magicians. The cast has an evolving storyline and cast members wander the park encouraging, or discouraging, guests on their quests.
Found your content recently and thoroughly enjoy it! It's really cool to know you live locally I'm from lancaster only been to the fair once as a kid but had a blast!
When I was about 11, being DEEPLY immersed into Tolkien, and D&D, I convinced my parents to take me to a Ren-Faire which was quite some distance away. They had a "Train to be a Knight" thing (which I'm sure cost way too much) and got Knighted by the King and everything. Fond memories.
I've gone to a number of Ren Faires over the years, mostly in Missouri (where I grew up) and Ohio (where I live now). I've discovered some amazing musical groups through the faires (Wolgemut one year, Cu Dubh another year), and I always have a great time. That said, since you're nearby in PA, I recommend you check out the Ohio Renaissance Faire near Dayton. Runs in September and October. Excellent, sprawling fair, but the highlight is the jousting. Most fairs (including PA, from what I could see in your vlog) have scripted play "jousts". Not ORF. They have the real deal. They worked with Sir Shanton of "Full Metal Jousting" (think jousting reality competition... look it up if you've not heard of it!) for years, and now a group that studied their craft under him is continuing the tradition. It can be really intense. Took my parents and young son to see it last year, all enjoyed it greatly. Missed it this year, but hope to make it back again next year.
I've been to our local Renaissance fair three times in 5 years. (COVID) another one nearby and I went to the Arizona Renaissance Festival a dozen or so years ago! Always a good time. I dressed up the last two times I went and now I think I'm addicted. I may have a booth next year if I can pull it off!
We used to be regular attendees when the kids were kids. Very enjoyable! The Ren Faire, more so than the kids, at least at the end of a long day at the Ren Faire.
Only ever went once and i MISS IT I figure you must've went more than once this year, because you have quite the combo of clear blue skies and... rain. Which isn't the worst thing. You won't melt!
Thank you Jess. Back when I was a Rev War and Civil War reenactor we'd joke "get thee to a renaissance faire" at folks with bad period costumes. Very mean of us in retrospective.
I moved from Illinois to Alabama almost 3 years ago, and I miss the Bristol Faire in Wisconsin. Alabama has separate single weekends in different towns. Next year I'll have to check out Georgia or Tennessee.
The Ohio ren faire is always a great time and is pretty close to your home ren faire! You should absolutely go. The stand out show, bar none, every year for me is the Swordsmen, so make sure to hit that one up if you make it out! Edit: Oh I forgot to say, I've been going for 22~ years now with a few years break inbetween. I still enjoy every second I'm there.
i'm about to attend one of my local-ish faires tomorrow! the texas renaissance festival! super excited...it's pirate weekend! in the spring i attend the sherwood forest faire just outside of austin...i highly recommend both if you ever get the chance!
Over in the UK we don't really get Ren Faires sadly. We get historical reenactments and some of my friends take part in those. The bruises from the full contact blunted sword fights can be super inpressive!
Been to the renn fest in Yukon pa several years ago good time my wife actually bought a costume there similar to the one you have on in this video and later wore it to the Irish festival in Pittsburgh
If you get this far west, the MN Renfest is one of the oldest and largest (celebrating 53 years in 2023 I believe.) It's in Shakopee MN. Just a hop away from Wisconsin...
Check out the Sterling Renaissance Festival in Sterling, NY. Your video of the Pennsylvania event very much reminded me of it. I posted about it earlier, but UA-cam didn't seem to like that I included a link.
Me and my brothers do a Monty Python inspired get up for our ren fest trips. A few trips back I was Sir Robin, one brother was my horse, and my other brother was a minstrel strumming his Uke and singing of my "bravery" Last year I went with my more OC outfit, and my horse brother redid his horse getup to match my livery, and we rode around recruiting for the Oblong Table (its like the G leagues for table based knightly orders)
Growing up I always went to the Ren Faire in Casa de Fruta, CA. I haven't been since high school because it's in September, but I miss it. I've lived in France for over 10 years now and there are apparently medieval faires here (I even have some friends that work at them - friends whose medieval fantasy/LOTR themed wedding I just attended, I should add), so I should really go. I really have no excuse not to!
Nerds go to those? I thought we were all the cool people. 😂 Great video Jess. King Richard's Faire in Carver, Mass. is definitely worth a visit. It runs from the beginning of September through late October, and is a massive sprawling good time.
My best moment at the fair was when I was sitting on the ground at the fence of the jousting tournament and the announcer who rides around on a Clydesdale horse walked right up to were I was and right above me was the massive head of the Clydesdale.
I've been regularly attending Renaissance faires for a while now, and I love that they create an environment where people of all ages can just be creative and play along. Personally, I have a background in history, and I make my costumes accordingly. I have a mid 16th century Italian capsule wardrobe that I'm constantly making new pieces for, and am looking to start attending SCA events soon. But as much as I love historical accuracy, Renfaires fill a fun, whimsical, and more accessible niche that reenactment, for all its value as an educational tool, just doesn't. My home faire is Colorado, but the faire I've enjoyed most of those I've attended so far (and I plan to travel for more) is Scarborough in the Houston area.
Been to 2 locations in S. Cal. Agora Hills from 1985 until it moved to Devore where I attended another 5 or so years there. (10-12-ish years in total). I think the Agora Hills incarnation was bigger and certainly more fun. (Devore is much closer for me. I believe the fair is still there in late spring/early summer). Have not been to any recently. Still love both places.
My college, New College of Florida in combination with CadZan and the Ringling Art School, used to have a Renaissance fair on the grounds of the Italian Palace Museum next door. It was on the edge of Sarasota Bay and used the extensive gardens of the Ringling Estate. It was based on the Society of Creative Anachronism. I spent time as History student studying and developing costumes and dances. I even did a project putting on a Medieval Banquet for a local group. This was in the 1970’s and was open to the public. It was fun but I think that eventually the school was shut out of the behind the scenes work. Now I see ads for big commercial fairs and I’m just not interested although my kids have gone.
I worked with my family at the NorCal Ren Faire from about 5 to about 13 (from the mid-80s to the early 90s).
The Blackpoint Forest Faire was way over on the “historically accurate” side of the dial. It was run by a small clique of people whose passion project was basically to live in as accurate a reproduction of Elizabethan England as you could get from weekend players working for $30/day in a corner of Marin County. There was no slush pile of players in generic peasant blouses; everyone belonged to a guild with a particular purpose and individual backstories. My family was part of Scots camp; we were all playing highlanders who had come down to a small English town to seek an audience with Queen Elizabeth, who was in residence for the month. Everyone had to learn period crafts and dances; we’d do two Scottish dance and music shows a day and spend part of our remaining time in Scots camp doing crafts and demonstrations like drop-spinning or waulking tartan cloth.
Costumes were also very specific to characters’ backstory and were pretty heavily reviewed - as Scots we dressed in as historically accurate a version of 16th C highland dress as we could do. I remember one year when I was getting a new costume approved, they made my mom buy me a new plaid for my airsaid (female version of a kilt) because the one we’d chosen had a subtle heathery purple in part of it: a lowly Scottish peasant like me would not have access to purple dye.
There were also a couple years where I was part of the Children’s Guild, whose function was to wander around the fair singing period-appropriate children’s songs and playing 16th C children’s games.
As is probably obvious from my typing this out, it was one of the best experiences of my life. Truly magical. Thinking about it is honestly kind of bittersweet, because I know I’ll never experience anything like it again. The level of obsession the Faire owners had with historically accurate reenactment was frankly completely unsustainable, and it eventually died and was replaced by a much more standard wenches’n’turkey legs Faire.
I don’t want to imply that it was ALL history. There were plenty of the standard Ren Faire things. They did have turkey legs, and stalls full of crystal jewelry and chain mail, and fake jousting. But it was all mixed in with all this rich historical variety that fleshed it out and made it a living place, not just a thin veneer of generic Europe over a medieval-themed Christmas market whose main purpose is to sell you stuff, which so many Faires do devolve into.
Little things survive, though. I went to the modern NorCal fair some time in the late 2000s and I saw the same guy dressed as a sailor doing the same show with trained parrots that I watched as a kid in the 80s. It was weirdly touching.
I don’t know the people who uploaded this, but they were from the Scots guild when I was working there and I do appear briefly at one point in the stage show! ua-cam.com/video/85Id9F4-czY/v-deo.htmlsi=Zp3LdTpp_Yz5lA_z
I was there at Black Point for 10 years through the 1990s! - Mullahs! Caravansarai! The Green Man! Red Barrel! End of the World! The Serpentine! LONG MAY THE BURLAP WAVE
I think you made a good point about Ren Faires giving people a chance to play. I think it is important for adults to play sometimes, and we often forget to. Things like Ren Faires can be good reminders to play.
I thoroughly recommend seeking out a European medieval re-enactment event. There are excellent events covering the various medieval eras (early, high and late), and those in Germany and Scandinavia can be particularly immersive.
I went to a few of those when I was a kid. They definitely spoiled me haha
And Society of Creative Anachronism
DONT DO THAT MY MUM DOES 16TH CENTURY REENACTMENT AND ITS ABSOLUTELY A CULT DO NOT DO IT GET OUT WHILE YOU STILL CAN ASDFAGZBGYAAHYIZHGUAGGhauballshianubauhba
yeah here in germany we have one big one beside many small ones. that is the M.P.S translate to medival phantasie spectacluar. by the way from ther comes my name because this is what i do there. since 2023 im the phantom of the opera on the mps in bückeburg exlucive to bückeburg. its an traveling ren fair the biggest in germany and its started in 1993 as an small market and was grown over the now 30 years in an fully festival. with big folkore bands out of germany. its an long history. ok then have a good day and enjoy your life.
As being in southern Sweden i recommend Viking fairs too
I was inspired to attend the "King Richards Faire" in the Chicago, IL- Gary, IN area after seeing the film Knightriders with Ed Harris and Tom Savini in 1981. My friends and I were avid Dungeons and Dragons players and game masters who loved history, mythology and fantasy stories. For those of us with theatrical experience it was a chance to role play live in an accepting atmosphere. I always went in costume.
My mom worked at KPFK when I was a teenager in the mid-70's, and I started going to the Pleasure Faire from then through the 80's. It was held at a hilly site studded with native oak trees, and was very rough around the edges, wild and hedonistic. I can still smell the patchouli! I was never an official performer, but many of my friends were, so occasionally I got to participate in some of the events. My favorite memory is of the year I brought my little 14-pound Chihuahua-Spaniel mix, Alice, along with me. Alice loved going to parties and being the center of attention, and was very pleased about being part of a raucous parade of revelers. After the parade my friends chose her to be the champion of their clan! We walked out into an arena in front of a cheering crowd, each clan shouting encouragement to their champion. The opposing champion strode out in full armor, waving his sword, but he was no match for Alice's ferocious bark and yielded to her. The crowd went wild! Alice thought it was only her due.
In recent years it's been held at a manicured public park and has been sanitized for today's sensibilities. I'm sure it's still fun but for me it's just not the same as it was in the old hippie days.
As a Brit I always wondered why they weren't called Medieval Faires and now I know! Thank you! I went to the Maryland Faire back in the nineties (we were touring a production of Hamlet) where the kid playing Laertes met his future wife in the mud. Very fond memories.
Growing up in Marin county in northern California, in the late 60's early 70'S, I living about a mile from where they held the Ren Faire. I was always amazed by the costumed people walking past my house as there was not enough parking at China Camp.
Later they moved the faire to Black Point Forest near Novato, Ca. About 1997 the organizers made a big mistake when they asked the Scots to camp with the Irish so there would be room for a pony ride. The Scots didn't take it very well and left to start the Scottish Gathering in Antioch, Ca.
The Renn Faire at Black Point was such a delightful event. What made it marvelous however were the visitors and actor folk going about their daily business such as grocery shopping in costume. Marvelous times and memories!
@@bsa45acp I was there at Black Point for 10 years through the 1990s! Caravansarai, Ben Johnson, Red Barrel, End of the World, Serpentine! LONG MAY THE BURLAP WAVE
Living in the UK I did medieval reenactment for many years. My group was strictly based on the year 1370 so not really the same as Ren Fairs but they've always fascinated me and sound a lot of fun.
We still have more castles though 😉
Jess, the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Wisconsin has a show with LIVE RATS! They call it Cirque du Sewer and it has trained rats and cats doing tricks. I try to go to Bristol every year, it's super fun. I love Renaissance Faires but didn't know the origin of them. So thank you for this informative video.
"Cirque du Sewer"..? That sounds road-trip worthy.
I see her at the Suncoast and Brevard fairs in Florida.
@@waderoberts3701 Nice! I figured that a lot of the acts at Bristol travel to multiple fairs across the country.
Looks like I'm headed to Wisconsin
Whoa!
Ah, yes! Pirates, vikings, and 16th century knights, all eating turkey legs and grilled corn in harmony! Gotta love ren faires. I haven't been to one in yeeaars because I'm usually too busy in the summer. I didn't realize the PA faire happens in October as well! It's technically my "local" faire nowadays, so maybe I'll slap on some elf ears and check it out before it ends. The vlog was great btw! Oh, and if you ever find yourself in Ohio (for whatever reason), I definitely recommend stopping by the Great Lakes Medieval Faire. Back in my rebellious teen years, I volunteered my friend to be a prisoner in the stocks there. Good times.
We just moved to Baltimore and I was able to go to the Maryland fair last week. Really impressive grounds! We opened and closed the place. As we were leaving the folks working the fair had all gathered at one tavern and were singing, and I think they were just getting warmed up for a really fun evening. Then a week later I was at a Heilung concert and I'm pretty sure it was all the same people.
PA Ren Faire is very comfy. I love walking around and talking to the vendors, I barely ever feel the need to buy anything. (I'm sure they LOVE people like me)
I love KPFK. Volunteered there when I lived in L.A.
I always loved going up to LA when I was young, knowing I'd be in range to listen to KPFK. Loved that it provided the start to Firesign Theater, and the Renn Faire as well!
I used to work faires in California, and you are 100% correct about family - Working with the same folks year after year was so much fun! We camped on site, drank way too much after hours around campfires, and spent too much modern cash at the shops. I always worked Elizabethan faires. Some very strict and others more playful. While we don't work them any more (it became way too much at some point), I still enjoy attending. Everyone should go at least once for experience.
I asked my wife to marry me while we were at the Renn Fest. No it was not spontaneous. I did this intentionally at the Maryland Renn Fest. Because I am a GIANT NERD. But, I'm a giant nerd who has been married to that lovely woman for almost twenty years now.
Oh, how lovely!
Huzzah, and best wishes to you and your last love ✌🖖
I was at City Hall today and there was a couple getting married. They had puzzle rings they had bought at the recent Ren Faire here in CA. It was amazing to be there to witness it.
Fellow MDRFer! 😍 I keep meaning to make it out to PA, but it usually overlaps with Maryland faire and it doesn't work out. Maybe next year I'll find a way that way.
@@tianahorsey-daydreamer8962 My wife and I were hardcore back in the day. She even worked the labyrinth when she was a teenager. One year we even got our money's worth on a Faire-Ever Pass - and that was driving to Crownsville from the Eastern Shore!
Until recently, my home renfair was the New York Renaissance Fair, and they always put on a great presentation. I would highly recommend it. It's always fun to get dressed up for the occasion and contribute to the atmosphere. Thanks for a very informative video, I think it's great that you're expanding on the topics you cover!
Been part of a Renn fest for two years now. I am a brother confessor to a small troup of Kniggets Templars. The Renn Faire in our city is small compared to others but the group of players is very tight like a family. We have had an awesome time with them the last 2 years and if you are a Renny enthusiast I highly suggest getting a "persona" and getting involved. I loved this video and I look forward to Fridays! We are hosting our 1st Hobbit party this year too! I watched your vid on foods and came away with lots of ideas! Thanks!!!
I got introduced to Renaissance fairs in college. We have one in Georgia every summer. I have been twice, it is always a blast.
There's a great issue of Sandman where Hob Gadling (who is effectively immortal and lived through a good chunk of the middle ages) goes to a renaissance faire...
Back in 2018, went to one of these fairs in a Buenos Aires suburb, while I was living in Argentina 😊 Loads of stalls with nick-nacks, HEMA displays, people in costume, brilliant food (asado off the parilla ❤), & I impressed an instructor with my archery (had done it before at Warwick Castle) One of the best days out ever 😊
I used to work at the so cal renn faire (I was a peasant) when it was in Agoura, CA. SO MUCH FUN! I loved that it required us to go through a costume check (“yeah, lose the jingle bells, honey, and you’re fine”), learn history of the time, how to do the “BFA” (Basic Faire Accent) and principles of street theater. I worked there through a couple of moves when it was run by The Living History Center, but it changed irredeemably once it was sold to a for-profit company so I never went back.
Pretty good look at the origins of the Faire. I can verify as someone who worked at the Nor. Cal. Ren Fare, I heard these stories and many more first hand from Phyllis Patterson and others who were there. I miss Black Point Forest.
I love the Renaissance festival! It’s like my second home. I’ve been missing it lately because my local fair is in the spring. This video takes me right back there, and it was so interesting to learn about where it came from! Thanks for making this I loved it
I'm so glad you enjoyed!
I worked the SoCal Faire in the 80's. It was pretty amazing experience. It's my hometown, and I miss it very much. It was on the Paramount Ranch site, which was its home for a couple of decades. A completley natural piece of scrub oak land. The Faire was from mid-April to the end of June, and it got hot. But it was wonderful. I made so many friends there. (Faire was notorious for incubating relationships, which had the basic problem of starting in a place and time where both of you are pretending to be people you're not. This would lead to problems after Faire was over, as you can imagine.) I loved creating a character, going to workshops to shape my performance, and then taking her out on the street with the customers. There was a magic to it, especially since that Faire, being right near Los Angeles and thus Hollywood, was full of aspiring actors using the place as a showcase. Mark Hamill got his start there, as did William Campbell. (Bill played one half of a brother / dung merchant duo.) I eventually found my way into joining the Dead Parade, a musical group that dressed in skeletal attire and played music on the march. That was a truly awesome gig; it was so interesting to see how people reacted to us. (The Mexican and Central American folks were the only ones who got it.) The Faire felt real in an unreal way; that's the closest I can come to describing it. It was our hometown.
I worked at that ren faire, and also when it moved to San Dimas - I’ll never forget The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s shows (I have a DVD of them that is pretty awesome). I wonder if we knew each other!
@@mostlyh2o233 The RSC! I used to hang out with Adam Long, he was a great guy. I asked him once why they didn't do Shrew, and he said, "The comedies aren't funny." And he was right - there would be no point to doing what they do with something that's already written for laughs. (I dedicated three entire rolls of film to photographing their Hamlet and R&J. Got some great shots!) Man, I miss my Faire friends...
@@mostlyh2o233 I started out with the Scots, then went to Helena's, then joined Cleopatra's Barge, and from there I ended up with the Dead Parade. We may well have met! :)
Phillis Patterson's son performs in Washington doing an amazing puppet show. Bryan is super sweet and very humble.
In Belgium we don't really have Renfairs. The closest thing we have may be the Caesarfeesten (Caesar Festival) with a Roman them. Since 1893 it is hosted every 25 years, and I was lucky to be able to be there this year. (Certainly as a Roman Empire fan as myself)
I went to a Ren Faire for the first time this year, we got caught in the rain about halfway through the day and ducked into a small, leaking, low roof three walled tavern-style performance space, where we found a bench right in front of (like a foot away from) this Irish band that was playing. Since the crowd was happy to be out of the rain, the atmosphere was positively lively. They played drinking songs that we learned, some call and response, some ballads, some bagpipe solos, and I pulled out the tankard and pipe I'd been carrying, filled it with my water bottle, and during the drinking song the singer of the band and I kept clinking our tankards on cue, sloshing liquid all over ourselves and my friends. It was, frankly, and wonderful time.
That sounds delightful!
I grew up in Delaware and started going to, yes, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire with my science fiction club in the 1980s. Then I moved to Rhode Island in 1997 and started going to King Richard's Faire in Carver, MA. I found the two faires remarkably similar. I eventually moved to central PA in 2015 and I've started going back to the PRF with my wife. Ah, memories!
Spent the day at King Richard's yesterday! Always a good time.
I used to go to the PA Ren Faire back in the late 80's Early 90's. My first trip was in 9th grade (Probably May '89). The Gifted class from my Jr. High School did a field trip there. It was great fun and I went every year from then till I moved away for college.
It's amazing and gratifying to see just how incredibly much it's grown up over the years since then. It was much MUCH smaller. There were only a handful of actual dedicated buildings then. A few of the shops, the forge, There was a jousting field, but it didn't have a building, I don't think, and there was a small Stratford Upon Avon-esque stage area build (Not a full theatre, though I think they were beginning plans to expand to one.
They did have the Turkey Legs, and the Beggers Mud Show was there (I got called out of the crowd to be... performed upon, but I was too much of a coward to go, which I regret now). I have great memories of it all.
So many of my friends are in NY-Tuxedo and NJ that I’ve only recently went to PA. Next year I hope to make it to MD
Highly recommend the Texas Renaissance Festival outside of Houston. It is definitely one of the largest and the weather is typically amazing. It is definitely one of the more "interactive" ones from what I hear, as well as having a reputation for bit a more "bawdy" than some of the others.
TRF was my first fair and I still go there every year! It's enormous and can get very crowded and rowdy in the evenings and in the campgrounds, but I really love the shows and the music, and the people watching is spectacular, one time I saw the nine black riders! All of them!
I love our local Renaissance fair in Minnesota, which is the one you mentioned that started in 1971 it is 7 weekends long starting in mid-August and running until the end of September you should come check it out and join us for the 5 course feast of fantasy
As a second generation rennie, it’s awesome to see more people finding this niche and even cooler to see people like you covering this topic in videos. You’re great, thank you
I used to know someone who worked the renfest circuit. She said the Minnesota one was one of the best.
If you can make the trip to Michigan from PA, you should check out the Michigan state Renaissance festival in holly, mi. Lots of great entertainment, good food, and of course themed weekends.
I haven't been to a Ren Fair since I was 20 but I plan to go this coming February and bring my daughter who will be 4.5. I love watching the artists and seeing all the costumes.
Yay, the PA Renaissance Faire, my former local faire! I used to go every year, and then when I started playing Celtic harp, I formed a trio with friends and had an enormously fun summer one year, playing every weekend! The history of the Faire is fascinating, I had no idea and always wondered why it was called 'Renaissance'....
Love the Pennsylvania Renn Faire could tell it was the PA one from the thumbnail since it has been my local one since I was in High School I am going tomorrow bringing my friends for the
first time love the love for all things fantasy and hope the tradition continues for all
We just did the Renn Faire in PA yesterday. So so much fun, it's quickly turning into a can't-miss annual event. Thanks for the video!
I've been to and still go to the Original Ren Faire in LA area. It has moved several times, but when I started it was at the Malibu location which was the most magical amazing place since it was completely hidden from everything, including the parking lot, once you entered you were there, in that Fantastic little made-up bubble with old oak trees, theaters on hillsides, a kissing bridge, another bridge where the puritan preachers would hang out amonishing the crowd not to party and repent from that mug of ale they were carrying. A wonderful central theater with the Queen holding court every day and mostly charging Sir Francis Drake not to pirate so much, "wink wink". The most bawdy version of the "Miller's Tale" I have ever witnessed! (Although once I actually read it I think they toned down the story some, not much though) The Jousting thing didn't come till much later (early 80s).
It is still fun now, just different in its current location. Costuming, is more well, Comic Con, but I don't care, it is all wonderful fun.
I love all of your videos. It seems we have many similar interests and a complimentary world view. Thank you for putting out such enchanting, creativity inspiring and reflective content. What you present on your channel is thought provoking, insightful, entertaining and heart centered. Your passion for the subject matter is evident in each Tolkien related video and in all of the complimentary ones you put out as well. This is one of my all time favorite UA-cam channels.
As for the Renaissance Faire...For years I performed at the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Wisconsin, just across the Illinois border. This drew talented performers and artisans from the greater Madison, Milwaukee and Chicagoland areas, as well as many who traveled on various circuits, doing several shows each year. I also did one season of the Texas Ren Faire, TRF, as well as acting as a visiting and guest performer at the Arizona, Virginia and Minnesota Faires.
My time at Bristol holds some of my fondest memories to date. Not only did it serve as a form of immersive enchantment for nature spirits and tender hearts, it was also food for the creative soul. It was a well spring of counter culture, of individuals collectively seeking to create a community more resonant with our values. Behind the scenes it was one of the most vibrant and supportive communities I have ever been a part of. Relationships with some of my dearest friends, who I consider family, were forged there.
Though I'm not sure how it is now, back then Bristol was one of the shows that focused in many ways on historical education and authenticity throughout some aspects of the overall show, while being accompanied by fantasy elements alongside this. The premise was that Queen Elizabeth was on progress with her court, visiting the seaport town of Bristol, and as a result the entire town was holding a giant festival, thus accounting for much of the whimsy taking place. Though the show was technically set in a specific year in 1500s England, approved costumes incorporated historically accurate Elizabethan dress from a variety of styles popular throughout her entire, long reign. The idea was to give the patrons a broader sense of the time period and make it more visually interesting. And while the Elizabethan courtly color palate and color pairings for dress was much wilder than one might think, the costumers chose to stay away from certain fabrics and colors to create a specific look to better convey certain themes to a modern audience. This fits in perfectly with the adaptations you so often discuss taking the LOTR books and translating them to film. At our Faire, historical characters from various time periods throughout Elizabeth's reign were also simultaneously present, even though they were not in actual history. There were other anachronistic elements throughout the show of course, mainly for entertainment purposes, but I did love that this particular show did a lot to educate and train their core performance cast, helping them to convey fascinating historical themes to the audience while also transporting them to an enriching and fantastical world.
And of course, one of the most amazing things about performing there was getting to do improvisation in the round, all day long! Nearly all of what we did was improv, with the exception of a few scripted, on stage shows. I loved it. Now in my late 40s, I often begin to consider returning to perform there, perhaps in a different capacity, though I would certainly need to brush up on my rusty improv skills...Over the years, I portrayed an historic courtier, composite court characters, several different Celtic artisans of Welsh and Scottish origin, doing first person living history interpretation in those characters, first person interp and narration of historic glass blowing and performed as a delusional grave digger named Delicious Pussblotch!
The parts where your videos pan out, get a black frame and you give your 'inner monologue' are genius. All of your videos that I've seen so far have been awesome overall, and really clarifying (like the 'almost complete' guides and costumes of ME vids) but I particularly like those pan-outs. The turkey legs one on this one made me chuckle because they're usually the first thing I look for when going to a faire
I worked the RPFS from 1982 till 2013 and many small fairs all over Southern California now i play at the Nashville Ren Faire. Phillis was a nice lady who i dearly miss. I was original St. Michaels. Miss Agoura Hills
If you're looking for suggestions, I recommend Bristol in Wisconsin (just north of Chicago). It frequently wins awards. The downside is the heat. The trees trap heat and humidity and smells inside while slowing down breezes. The upside is that it's well attended, has a bunch of fun performers, nice shops, modern plumbing, and fun activities. It also has Circus de Sewer and it DOES have live rats (and a cat).
I work at the Maryland Renaissance Festival at one of the booths (the book shoppe, w00t!) and we just wrapped for the season last weekend (actually right around when you posted this video - i'm catching up lol). It was a fantastic season and so much fun, as always! I haven't made it to the PA Faire in several years, but I did used to go with a group of friends to Celtic Fling (held at Mount Hope Estate & Winery) in June each year - been a few years since I've been there as well - pretty sure I still have a few bottles of their wine around here somewhere lol. It is wonderful seeing and catching up with folks who attend every year - just a very enjoyable time, especially once it cools down a bit. Great video, Jess! :)
The AZ Ren Fair is in the winter if you want a change of scenery. The only issue is that it is in the middle of nowhere and traffic on the two lane road to get there can be crazy.
Did you just say the PA Ren Faire?
Girl...that's MY Ren Faire! I've visited that place since I went on a field trip in High School with my class back in 2004! My family and I would visit once a year during the Faire season...mainly because Mt.Hope Estate & Winery is four hours away from my home (much too far for us to go every weekend.) The only times we couldn't go were during the Pandemic or the one time the hotel across the street shutdown and we couldn't find lodgings to stay at for the second Faire day of the weekend
Here in MN we have Tuey the comic stunt juggler. Every time i go to the MN Renn Fest I stop to see his show. Usually more than once in the day.
I auditioned for the PA Renn Faire in 1993 for the 1994 season and got the part but decided to take a role at the Pocono Renn Faire for that summer. Best summer of my life! I love Mount Hope. Haven't been there in years but absolutely love that place.
Used to work the Small circuit in Southern California for years. Each faire is a mixed bag, but it was a great experience!
I love counting how many foods I can find served on a stick when I go the ren faire. It is truly impressive how they manage to serve so many things that way.
I was in Theater in College. We put on a small Renaissance Festival. It was late 70’s early 80’s. I absolutely loved it! Fast forward to 1996 and I went to a growing Renaissance Festival in Huntersville, NC. The Carolina Renaissance Festival. My friend and I had a blast! Renting costumes and soaking in the experience. We went again in 1997. In ‘98, we decided to audition! I became the, now infamous, Black Widow! (Lady Mariana Killem!!). I’ve had a blast with that character since then. I, at one point, became Livia the Groom! I was a “groupie” of the Jousters. Now, I guest perform as my character Lady Mariana. I’ve have a blast. For years I was the Manager of the Royal Court. I was on the Production Team, as well. You are indeed correct, my Renaissance friends are my family. My best friend and I met in 1998. We are still BFF’s 25 years later!! I heavily recommend the much enlarged Carolina Renaissance Festival. We have the best performers, The Jousters are amazing, the Crafts people are amazing and the Patrons are willing to play! CRF is going on right now! Weekends until 11/19. Come out and play!! ❤️🖤
I enjoyed this immensely! Besides enhancing my knowledge, you have given me opportunity to play and sing along with "Renaissance Faire" by Blackmore's Night all day long.
My local Ren Faire is Bristol's in Wisconsin. I've been going since I was a teen and now go annually with my dnd group. This year I made a pirate coat that I wore for their Pirate Weekend and every visit has been a blast.
Have been going to the Texas Renaissance Faires, both playing and now working since 1998. Scarborough Faire and Texas Renaissance Festival are both really fun, large Ren Faires. Scarborough has Cirque du Sewer with the live rats too. It's a fun show. You have to deal with the heat more down here when attending.
In Germany, we have Ritterspiele, which are focused on medieval times and try to be more historically accurate.
They're often done at actual castles, which is nice.
I worked as a performer for many years for the Rennaisance Faires in California and the Living Histrory Centre, before moving out to Virginia in '95. Who I am today I woe entirely to the time I spent "playing" at Faire.
That was super interesting, I didn't know any of that history about Ren Faire! My home faire is Bristol Renaissance Faire and it's always one of the highlights of my summer. Probably the best thing about attending is just... dressing up and that being completely normal. The people dressed in tshirts are the odd ones out. I just love people watching and checking out everyone's costumes and getting inspired with ideas for new costumes and accessories that I'd like to make!
I've gone to the one in South Florida a couple of times, and once to a smaller one called Camelot Days. I was really impressed however when I temporarily relocated to Atlanta and went to the GA Renaissance Festival. Now that one was huge. Easily bigger than either one of the two in S. Florida. A lot of the buildings appear to be permanent constructions too. Their jousting/combat show is pretty elaborate and at the end of the day they do a final not-safe-for-kids version where you see blood spurting out of whoever gets killed. If you ever get a chance, I'd definitely recommend it.
I much prefer you being authenticaly "bad" at vloging than faking perfection. Great video.
I've been to a few in New England, though not in decades, blast it all. King Richard's Faire in Carver MA is the biggest, and my fave. Last time I was there, I caught the Big Cats Show, and boy, did they deliver! The finale was a gorgeous liger, a lion & tiger cross, of course. I have never seen any creature so massive up close.
There used to be a fair/play in Cumberland, RI, that I caught once. There were something like twelve stages, each showing, er, 'chapters' for that year's Big Plot, each show was about 15-20min, and gave out different plot beats. Since the site was only open 8hrs or so, you couldn't see the whole thing. Guests were free to wander from stage to stage, at their own pace & whim, and enjoy the show. I remember a finale, where everyone got to see the final chapter, and watch the Bad Guy lose big. A lot of humor, a bit of humor, and much rejoicing.
Then there was one in Vermont, I forget where, exactly, in 1996 or '97. A small affair, cozy, fun, and some cool characters wandering around, dispensing comments & plot with great energy.
I live in Wisconsin now, and recently learned of the Minnesota festival. Gonna try n hit that one next season.
Are you seriously suggesting that Dragons aren’t historically accurate?
I miss going to the Ohio Ren Fest. The Michigan Ren Fest was also nice. (it has been many, many years for either...). While much smaller, I enjoyed going to the Santa Fe Ren Faire as well (this one has a Spanish Kingdom theme). Where I live now is way too crowded and I do not think I would enjoy it as much, so I have not gone to one recently. Thanks for this video, I really enjoyed it!
My husband and I have been attending renaissance faires for 40 years. I would suggest the Michigan Renaissance Faire or Bristol. They are the best!
Haven’t watched yet, never been so excited to see a new video of your based on the title alone!
I used to live in Spain and we had an amazing medieval market and fair to celebrate San Froilan- it attracts visitors from around the world. It entailed traditional folk dances, plays, story-telling, and even a live joust! Definitely more historically accurate than an U.S. RenFaire. However, I have to admit that I really love U.S. RenFaires for their whimsy, music, and great stage shows. It is a time to let lose and thoroughly enjoy yourself if you are a lover of mythology, history, and geekdom. There is definitely a very "hippy" vibe to RenFaires that I kind of love. I have met some extremely intelligent and creative people at RenFaires. I have friends who are medievalists and mythology majors that thoroughly enjoy the immersive theatre of RenFaires.
The Spanish Medieval market sounds delightful!
I would suggest you visit Evermore in Utah. Its a small fantasy theme park with, elves, dwarves, and magicians. The cast has an evolving storyline and cast members wander the park encouraging, or discouraging, guests on their quests.
Found your content recently and thoroughly enjoy it! It's really cool to know you live locally I'm from lancaster only been to the fair once as a kid but had a blast!
We used to go all the time to Sterling Forest in Tuxedo, NY what a wonderful time. I have to find one local to me since moving to Georgia.
I like to attend the KC Renfest, and it's just awesome. :)
When I was about 11, being DEEPLY immersed into Tolkien, and D&D, I convinced my parents to take me to a Ren-Faire which was quite some distance away. They had a "Train to be a Knight" thing (which I'm sure cost way too much) and got Knighted by the King and everything. Fond memories.
America is indeed in need of a Renaissance.
Love the PA Ren Faire!!! I live like 15 minutes away and It’s always a great time!
I've gone to a number of Ren Faires over the years, mostly in Missouri (where I grew up) and Ohio (where I live now). I've discovered some amazing musical groups through the faires (Wolgemut one year, Cu Dubh another year), and I always have a great time. That said, since you're nearby in PA, I recommend you check out the Ohio Renaissance Faire near Dayton. Runs in September and October. Excellent, sprawling fair, but the highlight is the jousting. Most fairs (including PA, from what I could see in your vlog) have scripted play "jousts". Not ORF. They have the real deal. They worked with Sir Shanton of "Full Metal Jousting" (think jousting reality competition... look it up if you've not heard of it!) for years, and now a group that studied their craft under him is continuing the tradition. It can be really intense. Took my parents and young son to see it last year, all enjoyed it greatly. Missed it this year, but hope to make it back again next year.
I've been to our local Renaissance fair three times in 5 years. (COVID) another one nearby and I went to the Arizona Renaissance Festival a dozen or so years ago! Always a good time. I dressed up the last two times I went and now I think I'm addicted. I may have a booth next year if I can pull it off!
We used to be regular attendees when the kids were kids. Very enjoyable! The Ren Faire, more so than the kids, at least at the end of a long day at the Ren Faire.
Only ever went once and i MISS IT
I figure you must've went more than once this year, because you have quite the combo of clear blue skies and... rain.
Which isn't the worst thing. You won't melt!
Haha, it actually was all one day, just very weird weather. I hope to go back a few times next year!
Thank you Jess. Back when I was a Rev War and Civil War reenactor we'd joke "get thee to a renaissance faire" at folks with bad period costumes. Very mean of us in retrospective.
I moved from Illinois to Alabama almost 3 years ago, and I miss the Bristol Faire in Wisconsin. Alabama has separate single weekends in different towns. Next year I'll have to check out Georgia or Tennessee.
The Ohio ren faire is always a great time and is pretty close to your home ren faire! You should absolutely go. The stand out show, bar none, every year for me is the Swordsmen, so make sure to hit that one up if you make it out!
Edit: Oh I forgot to say, I've been going for 22~ years now with a few years break inbetween. I still enjoy every second I'm there.
The Swordsmen (Dirk and Guido) are awesome. But don't leave out the Kamikaze Fireflies.
Shout out to the rat show, that guy travels to a whole bunch of different Fairs! I make a point to see him every year at my local one in New York.
i'm about to attend one of my local-ish faires tomorrow! the texas renaissance festival! super excited...it's pirate weekend! in the spring i attend the sherwood forest faire just outside of austin...i highly recommend both if you ever get the chance!
Over in the UK we don't really get Ren Faires sadly. We get historical reenactments and some of my friends take part in those. The bruises from the full contact blunted sword fights can be super inpressive!
12:56 aahhh a mediaeval Fred Flintstone. Very historically accurate!
Jokes aside, love your content Jess
XD dude I could tell you SO much. I was a performer at Texas Renaissance Festival for 3 years. 2 as a joust maiden and 1 as an elf. It was buckwild
Really loved this one!! More interesting, nerdy analyses, please!
Been to the renn fest in Yukon pa several years ago good time my wife actually bought a costume there similar to the one you have on in this video and later wore it to the Irish festival in Pittsburgh
If you get this far west, the MN Renfest is one of the oldest and largest (celebrating 53 years in 2023 I believe.) It's in Shakopee MN. Just a hop away from Wisconsin...
Check out the Sterling Renaissance Festival in Sterling, NY. Your video of the Pennsylvania event very much reminded me of it. I posted about it earlier, but UA-cam didn't seem to like that I included a link.
Me and my brothers do a Monty Python inspired get up for our ren fest trips. A few trips back I was Sir Robin, one brother was my horse, and my other brother was a minstrel strumming his Uke and singing of my "bravery"
Last year I went with my more OC outfit, and my horse brother redid his horse getup to match my livery, and we rode around recruiting for the Oblong Table (its like the G leagues for table based knightly orders)
Growing up I always went to the Ren Faire in Casa de Fruta, CA. I haven't been since high school because it's in September, but I miss it. I've lived in France for over 10 years now and there are apparently medieval faires here (I even have some friends that work at them - friends whose medieval fantasy/LOTR themed wedding I just attended, I should add), so I should really go. I really have no excuse not to!
Nerds go to those? I thought we were all the cool people. 😂 Great video Jess.
King Richard's Faire in Carver, Mass. is definitely worth a visit. It runs from the beginning of September through late October, and is a massive sprawling good time.
I've been traveling and working the Arizona, Scarborough, Colorado, Michigan and Texas/Carolina faires since I was a teen in the mid 90s
Come to Carolina. It starts late, usually in October, and it’s right outside of Charlotte.
My best moment at the fair was when I was sitting on the ground at the fence of the jousting tournament and the announcer who rides around on a Clydesdale horse walked right up to were I was and right above me was the massive head of the Clydesdale.
I've been regularly attending Renaissance faires for a while now, and I love that they create an environment where people of all ages can just be creative and play along. Personally, I have a background in history, and I make my costumes accordingly. I have a mid 16th century Italian capsule wardrobe that I'm constantly making new pieces for, and am looking to start attending SCA events soon. But as much as I love historical accuracy, Renfaires fill a fun, whimsical, and more accessible niche that reenactment, for all its value as an educational tool, just doesn't. My home faire is Colorado, but the faire I've enjoyed most of those I've attended so far (and I plan to travel for more) is Scarborough in the Houston area.
The PA ren faire is also my "home town" ren faire. I missed the season this year but I'm hoping to go to the new yultide event.
Been to 2 locations in S. Cal. Agora Hills from 1985 until it moved to Devore where I attended another 5 or so years there. (10-12-ish years in total). I think the Agora Hills incarnation was bigger and certainly more fun. (Devore is much closer for me. I believe the fair is still there in late spring/early summer). Have not been to any recently. Still love both places.
My college, New College of Florida in combination with CadZan and the Ringling Art School, used to have a Renaissance fair on the grounds of the Italian Palace Museum next door. It was on the edge of Sarasota Bay and used the extensive gardens of the Ringling Estate.
It was based on the Society of Creative Anachronism.
I spent time as History student studying and developing costumes and dances. I even did a project putting on a Medieval Banquet for a local group.
This was in the 1970’s and was open to the public.
It was fun but I think that eventually the school was shut out of the behind the scenes work.
Now I see ads for big commercial fairs and I’m just not interested although my kids have gone.
I've never been to a Ren Faire! My local one apparently takes place in "Vale of Dunrose, Scotland", which sounds cool!