May 19, 2025 (Summer)
A Small Guide to the Bristol Renaissance Faire
The Bristol Renaissance (Ren) Faire is a huge event that takes place in every summer in Wisconsin! Going from July 5th to September 1st on every weekend, the Ren Faire is an outdoor festival where folks come far and wide to participate in a re-creation of the English Renaissance. You’ll see period-accurate architecture, view people dressed in all sorts of fantastical or historical outfits, and you’ll even get to experience knights jousting.
Did none of that catch your fancy yet? Well, do you love fantasy? Are you a cosplayer or D&D nerd? Did you really love the movie Tangled? Then perhaps the Ren Faire is your next bucket-list item to add. Before you go to the Ren Faire however, it’s important that you know what you’re getting into, so you can be prepared. Keep note of these six things involving the Bristol Ren Faire:
- It’s not cheap! While the Bristol Ren Faire is a very cool activity to do during the summer, it isn’t cheap. Tickets themselves cost $40 dollars. While you’re there, food can be quite pricy as well; even simple water bottles might run you up to $8 dollars (outrageous, I know). You might just want to eat before you go and bring a water bottle with you.
- It’s hot! A big part of the Ren Faire is dressing up, but be careful with your layers. The Ren Faire, in my experience, is like walking through an oven. Not only is the weather typically very warm, but costumes don’t help much with cooling you off, and the outdoor setting also lets the sun shine down on you pretty hard. Bring some sunscreen, grab a fan, and be prepared to potentially sacrifice fashion for comfort.
- You don’t need a costume to have fun! While dressing up can be a big thing about the Ren Faire, it’s totally optional. If you don’t want to spend money on a costume you might not often use, then don’t. There are so many ways to have fun at the Ren Faire other than just dressing up. I heavily recommend you put something comfortable on; you’ll easily find yourself hot, sweaty, and tired without comfortable attire.
- The Ren Faire is very interactive! If you’re more of a shy person, you might hide behind your hands at the fact that the Ren Faire is a very interactive space. People frequently talk with strangers; you might be called out by a heckler, or you might even be asked to a dance by a dashing rogue. The Bristol Ren Faire has interactive things to do at every block, so be prepared for lots of chatter.
- Get a map! The Bristol Ren Faire is huge; you’ll get lost in the crowds before you know it. Keep your loved ones close, make sure your devices are charged, and take a map with you!
- Immerse yourself and have fun! The Ren Faire is a unique experience, so while you’re there, make the most of it however you’d like. Immerse yourself in the ways you enjoy. Maybe you want to throw tomatoes at a heckler, or maybe you want to visit a tavern. Whatever it may be, have a good time at the Ren Faire in the many ways it offers!