Jake and I have been to the Bristol Renaissance Faire since 5 or 6 times since we started dating more than ten years ago. We didn't have the chance to go while we lived in Iowa, but now that we're in Wisconsin, it's an annual event again. If you've never been to a large scale Renaissance Faire and ever have the change to go, I highly recommend it. Whether or not you're into this particular scene, it is always a blast with fun shows, good food, lots of kid friendly activities, and numerous opportunities for people watching.
Two of the things I really wanted to watch this year were the torch work and glass blowing.
We love people watching at the fair. This doesn't even begin to cover the wide range of costumes that you see there, which cover everything from chainmail to fairy wings to computer game and movie characters.
All of the shows at Bristol are free and include acrobatics, comedy, music, reenactments, and more.
I took a few pictures of Adam Crack's Fire Whip, but you have to check it out in action to appreciate the full effect.
Of course there are some mass produced tourist type items, but there are a lot of vendors with beautiful handmade items, too.
There are always events in the main arena. This first picture is of a falcon demonstration.
Here's a final shot of our 2012 group (minus me).
Have you ever been to a Renaissance Faire? Share your experiences!
[Edit 9:00AM CST: I've already gotten a number of comments about this today and need to clarify. The Bristol Renaissance Faire is NOT free. The shows WITHIN the fair are free.]
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[Edit 9:00AM CST: I've already gotten a number of comments about this today and need to clarify. The Bristol Renaissance Faire is NOT free. The shows WITHIN the fair are free.]
Newest article:
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National Holidays in August: The Food Holidays
What fun! And I can't believe it was free to get in...even better!
ReplyDeleteGlass blowing has always amazed me!
Free to get in? That is great. We used to go to the fair when we were a bit younger. I have not been back since my college days and the photos reminded of the fun.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to go to one of those but no one wanted to go with me and they were always in places that you needed a car to get to (and I don't drive). Can't believe it was free - most I've seen advertised charged a hefty admission fee - it looks like a fun day.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to go to a Renaissance Fair but have never had the chance. It looks like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteI love all the fairs in summertime. We have a medieval festival going on as well as plenty of flea markets. Sounds like you had a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteWe have been in WI for years and still have not visited the fair. We keep telling ourselves we're we will, maybe this year we will. It looks like you guys had so much fun.
ReplyDeleteI have some friends who went to the fair at the same time you did. They also had a great time! Thanks for sharing a little bit of the fun.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to a fair like that but it looks like a lot of fun. I agree with you, it's better to spend time doing things with friends and family now because the indoor season will be here before you know it. Enjoy your summer!!!
ReplyDeleteI've been to one of these long ago and it was such great fun. I want to go.
ReplyDeleteHave a terrific day. :)
I went to the one in Jonesborough, TN as a field trip in HS. It was great, and I'd love to go to one as an adult one day. Looks like a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteI love going to a Renassiance Festival. some of the best people watching around. :-)
ReplyDeleteDebbi
You got some great pics! I love going to the Renaissance Fair, but haven't been in a few years. I love everything about it -- the costumes, the jousting, the parade, the medieval craft exhibits and the shops! and the strolling minstrel! and the turkey legs! I'm definitely going next year!!
ReplyDeleteYour Renaissance Fair looks like a lot of fun! We used to go to one in Colorado but that's been ages ago. Even though I feel so out of my comfort zone with all that stuff going on, it is a great experience!
ReplyDeleteIt's been many years since we went. We were all in costume and some venders thought we were part of the Faire! It was LOTS of fun! Thanks for the tour of yours!
ReplyDeleteRenaissance Faires are such fun! Surprisingly, the Ogre and I have only been to one together. We can't afford too many trips close together, and FaerieCon and Comic-Con are both in the fall.
ReplyDeleteA long time ago (maybe 20 years?) I was at the Renaissance Faire in NY at Sterling Forest. I remember it was a hot summer day and I enjoyed seeing how much fun everyone had in their costume - it was certainly the one and only fair I've ever been to where knife & axe throws were part of the games you could play!
ReplyDeleteI went to a couple in northern California quite a few years ago. I loved the costumes, people watching, and how those that participated really got into their roles. I imagine it would be even more fun for a child. It was always beastly hot where it was held, so seeking shade and a mug was always in the top of our minds. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteI love going to the ren faire when I can afford it and when it is in town. I always end up buying so many gorgeous handmade things! I also love to get dressed up :D
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