How to Enjoy a Renaissance Faire

Spend the day in an age where chivalry and laughter abound. Where kings and queens and noble lords and ladies stroll among the commoners. Where valiant knights engage in combat for the honor of their ladies. Wherever you live, chances are a Renaissance Faire is coming your way.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Internet Access
• Local Newspapers
• Renaissance Faire Event Tickets
• Bottled Water

1. Search the Internet and local newspapers for notices of Renaissance Faires in your area. Most Renaissance Faires occur in spring and summer.

2. Do a little bit of research before you attend a Renaissance Faire. You don't have to read volumes on the Renaissance era, but a little bit of knowledge about the period and the people will make your visit more enjoyable.

3. Consider dressing for the occasion. (See "How to Dress for a Renaissance Faire" in the Related eHows for ideas.) You don't have to spend a lot of time or money putting together a costume, but dressing up will add to your experience and make you feel more a part of things.

4. Know that a day at a Renaissance Faire can be expensive. Adult tickets can cost between $15 and $20 each, and children's tickets about half that amount. Expect to pay "theme park prices" for food and drinks. An average day at a Renaissance Faire could easily cost a family of four $100 or more.

5. Look for discount coupons for the Renaissance Faire in your local newspaper and at local businesses. Some coupons can be used at any time and others apply to specific dates.

6. Participate in the day's activities. Don't be shy about engaging in some witty repartee with the performers or participating in one of the shows or parades, if asked. Performers work all year long at refining and developing their characters and love to see others take an interest in their work.

7. Plan to spend all day at the Renaissance Faire, especially if you want to attend all the shows and do some shopping.

8. Take care of your physical health. Drink lots of water and use sunscreen (especially on the chest and shoulders if you are wearing a peasant blouse). Avoid drinking too much alcohol, especially on a warm day and if you are driving home.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your knowledge of the Renaissance era to make your visit more interesting. Make a family game of looking for people, activities and costumes you've read about.

• Don't be shy about wearing a costume. Many people come in costume, and in an hour or two you'll feel like part of the celebration.

• Check out smaller Renaissance Faires sponsored by groups or schools in your community. These events are usually not as spectacular or historically oriented as their larger counterparts, but they are less expensive.