5 Tips for Surviving Your First Renaissance Faire

[@The_Savvy_Satyr]

Something that I've found useful at any festival , be it ren faire, medieval or post apocalyptic is a camel pack for water. You wear it like a backpack and you're not encumbered by having to carry a bottle. A bonus is having the cold water to cool you down in warmer weather which goes a long way to preventing heat stroke.

[@OdessaDenby]

I've seen the camel packs around and they can definitely help of your faire isn't too strict... I am too much a slave to aesthetics to wear one because I get so few excuses to go completely weird, you know? 😆

[@AzraelThanatos]

@@OdessaDenby If you want something useful, especially with water taste issues, you can grab some of the packets of instant drinks. Aim for things like gatoraid or similar, especially if it's more heat and activity because it's not just water you need to replenish at times. It also covers up some taste issues if you aren't used to the water. If you want to blend it into the period, I grabbed a blank "cigar box" from the crafting section of Walmart along with some of the "decorative" cork capped crafting bottles that Dollar Tree has in their crafting section, just add dividers to keep them put inside the case and fill different ones with different drinks to dump into a bottle and you're good to go there. The boxes also tend to fit rather well into some bags, only real addition that I'd made to mine was to add corner protectors and upgraded the hardware to look less like the cheap and bright modern brass to a nicer one when I went with a laser etch and stain for the wood of the box and a felt on the bottom and top interior before using various craft sticks to make a layer of dividers. Or you can just grab a few bottle sized packets and ignore the rest, they're nice to have anyway

[@JSpade85]

There's post apocalyptic fairs?!

[@The_Savvy_Satyr]

@@JSpade85 Several actually, Wasteland Weekend being the largest

[@kitsiewr]

Thanks for pointing out that the Faires have trended toward catering to "non-believers". It used to feel like a dress-up party you paid to share with like-minded history nerds. Now the prices are crazy, all the acts are amplified loudly, etc. Still absolutely magical, but I sort of feel it's becoming a cross between Disney and an NFL game.

[@strawberisprite]

to take from anime conventions, "Costumes Are Not Consent!" something that is easy to say but it sucks that we have to

[@jamiesunshine8836]

I can tell you're an ACTUAL faire goer....cause you actually have an excellent list

[@OdessaDenby]

I can't imagine a world where people would fake being renaissance faire enthusiasts, but these are the times we live in, I suppose! Glad you enjoyed it~

[@TheAquaYoshiDingbat]

I have never been to any type of renaissance faire but I have wanted to go since I knew they existed so probably since I was young teenager. Thank you very much for sharing these tips because I have no idea what a faire would really be like!

[@kittys.2870]

I just turned 70 and did my first event last summer. I'm doing more!

[@SirFrederick]

I was the nut at my first ever Faire. I sewed a 15th Century (I picked 1480) Southern German outfit with linen and wool. I did get a lot of complements saying I look super authentic.

[@Alverant]

I go to Bristol and I've seen that trend in the shop you mentioned. They have a soap shop that I love. Individually the soaps are a little more pricy than what you get at the big box stores, but the quality is much higher and they last longer. The soaps are great as gifts. I have enough to last me a couple of years. Bristol is also HOT since they run it during summer and there's hardly a breeze. I have leave some drinks in the car and go to the interstate oasis on the way home since food/drink are so expensive there.

[@DimaRakesah]

Regarding what to wear and the "anything goes" dress code while it's true you probably won't be turned away for wearing a costume completely out of the theme (like steampunk, anime, Star Wars, etc) you won't really "fit in" or get the full experience by wearing something completely out of context. If you want to experience full Rennie culture then at least attempt to fit your costume to the theme. You could make a Renaissance themed version of your cosplay, for example, or choose cosplays that fit the aesthetic. It doesn't have to be perfectly historically acurate, just making the attempt to fit in with the theme will be appreciated.

[@OdessaDenby]

I actually just recently posted a video specifically about building outfits that fit the Ren faire vibe here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6e7mJiDbb90itU But, ultimately, plenty of people don't dress up at all and still have fun. It's totally about the experience you want to have, which is very "choose your own adventure." I believe it's more fun to fit into the setting, but I would never spoil anyone else's good time if they want to do some other kind of dress-up. Themed weekends have become really popular at faires for that reason.

[@CoolPanda-nk6wq]

Renaissance festivals are so much fun. I've only ever been to the Pittsburgh one but I've gone about 5 years now. The first year it was set during the time of Henry the eigth and Katherine of Aragon. Every year since it's been Anne Boleyn. My friend and I went all in from the get go with dressing up but people we go with don't dress up and they still have just as much fun.

[@jeremyz8029]

Going to Sterling for our 1st time this weekend! Thank you for all the tips!!

[@drywdanner6896]

I got my start in Renn Faires! I had to chuckle to myself at the beginning of the video saying "that looks like the PA one"... and I was right (for some of the clips)! Grew up in PA and did a couple of school trips there and then continued in college. When I moved to the west coast, I got into the SCA, and now I have been a vendor at our local faire for the past two (applicable, thanks Covid) years now. I will never forget my Renn Faire Roots! Great video and advice for those wanting to get into these, or even looking into the SCA!

[@OdessaDenby]

It's a great gateway drug! I've definitely thought about joining the SCA, but haven't been able to make space in my life, unfortunately

[@drywdanner6896]

@@OdessaDenby yeah, it's a little tough at the moment with the 'rona going on. I have been taking time off from it to work on repairs or other projects until events really start to happen again.

[@katbaldwin7078]

@@OdessaDenby the SCA is amazing but as much as I love the SCA, I enjoy the ren fair cause I can wear what I want

[@jackiecs1669]

HEY!!! THATS MY FAIR!!! NYREN FAIR FOR THE WIN!!

[@sadlobster1]

Pause at 3:15 That stage is the famous Globe Stage at the PA Ren Faire, my home away from home!

[@Books_Anime_92]

This video offers great advice for novice faire goers. My home Ren faire is the Ohio Renaissance Festival.

[@donovanmedieval]

There were two popular plays about Robin Hood written by Anthony Munday during the reign of Elizabeth I. They were performed at a different theater than the Globe. That's when he was first said to be an outlawed earl.

[@OdessaDenby]

To be honest, I doubt that's the reasoning behind it. I think it's because they know that most people just think of almost 1000 years of history as an old-timey catch-all. The NY faire had a 9th-century Viking camp on site last season as well. But I've heard people refer to Shakespeare as a Victorian writer and 1810s clothing called "medieval." Sadly, history is a neglected subject in education. Faires are commercial enterprises, not reenactments or educational events. I appreciate them for what they are, but sometimes I wish they would take a few more opportunities to sprinkle a bit more authenticity in.

[@1likebugz547]

I'm gonna be going to my first faire this month!

[@Clairelaferret]

I miss ren faires! I went to my first in 2019, and haven’t been able to return because of ye olde plague

[@AM-we2vx]

Thank you for making this video. It was incredibly helpful and I feel more confident about going to my first Ren Faire this month :)

[@itzbeelzebuddy]

i really like this video cause my partner is very interested in going to the king richard's fair this fall (which is 80 acres of land) and i have never been to any of these before and im glad to have all this to know what to be in for if we do go this fall

[@aspenculbertson3938]

In Florida fair season is November so the temperature is going to be perfect perfect. I'm so excited to go to my first faire.

[@OdessaDenby]

Makes sense for Florida! The summers are far too hot, but you can enjoy the late fall/early winter weather. I hope you have a great time~

[@alisterfolson]

Next weekend I'm volunteering at the 2 Rivers Ren Faire in Yuma AZ. Thanks for the tips!

[@AnnasAnimalStories]

My friend and I are going to be satyrs!

[@canucknancy4257]

We have a little one (one weekend only) that is starting to become a yearly thing in our fair city. Couldn't make it this year, but I may see if next year may work. Otherwise, Ontario or the NW US states would be the closest we have. Thanks for the tips. They are good for other events too (like Comic Expo). Looks like a good time was had by all. Take care.

[@OdessaDenby]

A small, local faire like that is similar to where I worked as a teen! They don't have the same big productions, but they are really nice in a more intimate way. I have actually never been to a Comic Con, but would like to visit some time! I hope you get to enjoy a Renaissance Faire someday~

[@cryptocosplay4121]

16:46 as a fellow frequenter of my local faire I recognize/know most of these people working and I will 100% go to bat for these people. I have zero confidence in myself until I’m calling out a creep flirting with some one is very not into it. I’ve done so many things to get them out of it. I’ve choreograph a “theft” with their rent before to get them out of situation. Honestly really fun I got some of the actors playing royal guards to arrest me . (Ps I wasn’t actually going to keep what I nabbed or left their tents unsupervised. There was alway someone else besides the creep )

[@polkadot8788]

It's a shame they don't do US style ren fairs in the UK

[@OdessaDenby]

They are a lot of fun... I know my friends in France go to a sort of medieval fête sometimes, so that could be a closer option!

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

I went for the 40th anniversary. Some dude was dressed as a butterfly! Huge wings!🦋

[@cryptocosplay4121]

If you are a feminine presenting person and wearing a dress. Where comfortable shorts (gym shorts are my go too) and if you are wearing a corset always wear a layer under it same as leather. Sweat soaking into a corset is the best way to get heat rashes and making it hard to breathe.

[@cipher1336]

thanks for this video, im hopefully gonna be going to my first ren faire in a few weeks with some friends from the haunt i volunteer at (kinda crazy yet not surprising about how big the overlap is between haunted house actors and ren faire goers lol) and im so excited!!! its kinda hot where i live but luckily as a goth ive built up a bit of tolerance to wearing all black in really warm weather lol

[@zoes_story]

"Er on the side of not being a jerk" 🎉 it's so basic but way too many people think costumes are an excuse to be a wally. I did panto for a number of years and people would recognise me around town just from that. It's amazing the number of total strangers who would be like annoyed at me when I wasn't acting or interacting with them like a character. Like kids sure I'd put on the pirate voice or whatever but if an adult shouted Captain Gwen at me or whatever character I'd played the previous season they'd probably just get an awkward wave or I'd ignore it. I did a lot of the crowd work from year to year so I'd be the one doing the "he's behind you" skits and heckling with the audience, but the downside was people would heckle in the supermarket afterwards 😅😂

[@Ryowulf]

For me it was shade, LOTS OF SHADE.

[@omnivorouscorvid]

Have you ever considered that the sound system in Pennsylvania is so good because its a ren faire in PA? ... Get it? Like a sound system?? ... ... I'll see myself out.

[@RecklessFables]

Obligatory comment that the NY Faire was better before it got bought by that Corporation years ago and started to become a themed market. Also, Instant Shakespeare was amazing, but I was at the last performance maybe 10 years ago. PA Faire always feels like they still invest in the show.

[@OdessaDenby]

Makes sense... sadly most faires are pretty high-ticket, money-focused events now.

[@EpikStorm101]

I saw a guy in a Deadpool costume at the New York renaissance faire.

[@waderoberts3701]

I've dehydrated myself even on cooler days at the fair to the point that I'm wiped out at the end of the day. Of course I wear a full suit of black maille with a full body cloak and high leather boots, bracers, and pauldrons. I've solved this by keeping a cooler in my car full of water, so I can drink them outside the fair on a short break. This isn't ideal at fairs with gigantic parking lots though. Luckily, I've never had to pay $5 for a bottle. I think 3 is the highest I've had to pay.

[@nariseconnor7775]

Hi, I’m thinking about auditioning for NY as a performer, what is it like?

[@OdessaDenby]

The faire I worked at was a lot smaller than the NY faire and it was years ago, so I can't say. Look into online groups on Reddit, FB or others to connect with performers from that faire

[@kellyhoyt5787]

Have you been to the sterling Ren faire in sterling ny?

[@OdessaDenby]

I have not, but I've heard it's pretty good

[@kellyhoyt5787]

@@OdessaDenby let me know if you ever do I can get you tickets.

[@CrazyK64]

You remind me of one of my sweet cousins. Would you happen to be related to Marta and Joelle Holt? There mom was a Rogers. They are from Fayetteville

[@OdessaDenby]

Not as far as I know, but there are mysteries in every family tree... I'll take it as a compliment though!

[@CrazyK64]

@@OdessaDenby well it is ..Marta is a choir teacher and in a troup that does some amazing plays at the arts center..and Joelle is a triage cardiac nurse..Both are very sweet souls.

[@rowenbur7893]

What's your cat's name? So cute

[@cheerful_something_something]

If I'm ever in the USAI was ABSOLUTELY be going to a fair if it's the right time of year and there's one I can get to. And with the leaving your number, rember it's LEAVING your number, right it down say your good byes to make it clear that they can do what they want with that in their own time, maybe acknowledge that they are working while doing so. Pretend your Grandmother is listening (or if you've a lecherous Grandma substitute someone with a moral code you want to live up to)

[@OdessaDenby]

Lol, don't follow the advice of lecherous grandmas for sure!

[@robertshaw7523]

I worked the original Renaissance Faire back in LA from 1979 to 1986 and I can tell you that nearly all of them should delete Renaissance from their name. It was a far different and naughtier beast back then than they are now. Hardly anyone came in costume and we tended to call those people Turkeys. We tried to be fairly historically accurate, so no guitars, no amplified instruments, no amplification at all. Lots of beer!

[@jenniefowler4968]

Where is the Pennsylvania fair located?

[@OdessaDenby]

You'll find the link the faire's main site in my description box with all the info you need.

[@ashleythompson5038]

I want to bring my fiddle and play celtic music. Is that allowed?

[@OdessaDenby]

The issue may be that your faire probably employs musicians already and they perform at set times in set places. Another musician showing up and playing at a random time and place could cause confusion (people assuming you are one of the hired acts) or interruption (your sound drowning out or drawing attention away from the faire's performers). Out of respect for the folks who work at the faire and in the interest of protecting your instrument in a potentially crowded setting with unpredictable weather, I'd not recommend it. You should anyways check your faire's website for info regarding specific rules. Some faires may have an opportunity for guests to display talents and get involved. Otherwise, I'd shy away and maybe audition for next season if you'd like to participate.

[@kaynhuros2050]

I wonder if you could cosplay as a witcher in a renaissance fair

[@OdessaDenby]

Yes, many people cosplay as various fantasy characters. The risk is actually that there will probably be a lot of people doing the same character/costume. There are very few rules-- though most faires will have some basic policies regarding prop weapons and nudity, so check your faire's website.

[@festivalkyrie]

I'm European and would LOVE a Ren fair which is not completely HA and can add more fantasy. We only have Anime cons, but the lack of handling sexual harassement well just made me nope out - every damn time since I was 16 some random creeps were lurking out, and the 'security' did damn nothing. Now I wanna go once for a Ren Faire PA for making my dream costume to let my hair out finally 🥺 I have a very long hair, but always make an updo, not even a braid, because people are keep touching me and my hair, and I HATE IT. Some day I'm gonna dress like Danielle De Barbarac, and wear that pretty hairstyle too ✨🖤

[@OdessaDenby]

Fortunately, it's pretty safe at US faires, but there are security that can handle things! Not usually issues with touching, just flirting in most cases unless people get really drunk, but drinks are expensive at the faire which seems to help limit that. You should totally come and do an Ever After cosplay (one of my favorite medieval-ish movies)! The PA faire is in the countryside (really pretty), but not too far from Philadelphia which is one of my favorite US cities. Less busy and stressful and NYC, but great history and art.

[@queenofdirt1241]

I've always wanted to go to a ren faire but I'm scared that people will try to talk to me? like they would probably be really cool but I have no social skills please leave or I will cry and puke

[@OdessaDenby]

Some faires have more of a culture of this than others, where performers roam the street and try to engage with visitors to make the event more immersive. Maybe go with a designated safe extrovert who can act as a barrier? Or carry little cards that say you're not comfortable with that kind of engagement and hand them to anyone who approaches?

[@kittys.2870]

Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated

[@theobserver9131]

Bring your own food! Very often, the food served at Renaissance festivals it's not even safe. And it's definitely over priced. Definitely never eat the turkey legs! Also, it's probably not a bad idea to sneak in your own beverages.

[@OdessaDenby]

There are many festivals throughout the country, all with different vendors and standards, so it would not be fair to say that it's "unsafe" across the board. While I don't eat faire food, many of my friends do and they've never had an issue. But, as I mention, for folks who have sensitivities and dietary restrictions, packing something is best. And most faires allow you to at least bring some water.

[@sethzimmerman6346]

Gotta say the turkey legs are apart of why we go👍