Camping at the Largest Renaissance Faire in the World! ⚔️

[@keithwingate9403]

I'm one of the founders of the Smokey Bandits. Awesome to hear we were your favorite! We try really hard to put on a kick ass party every weekend of Faire. If you make it back, be sure to come say hi.

[@patt_nardz]

Camping for the first time this year on the last weekend! Super excited to see your party!

[@Joeseph113]

As a longtime Texas Renfair go-er and pirate stage builder ; ) I loved this review. Yall did a great job, and you managed one of the craziest weather swing weekends in years with just a pack tent and not even a car! Mad extra points scored there! Next time you come ask a clan to join them for the weekend! We at Call of Booty would love to host ya, and we have plenty of space for tents in our back area away from the party so people can actually sleep!

[@justlanchen]

Thanks so much!! Yea it was the worst weather but I still had such a great time even with the heat. I would love to do something like that in the future, I’m not entirely sure how to go about it in advance though. Perhaps I will hop on over to you guys spur the moment!! Thanks for the offer🫶🫶

[@CaliMel184]

Camping tip but bring a tarp to set up your tent on top of! Also, if it's hot out, put your camping mat outside and sleep on top of it.

[@Razorhaloforever]

Campgrounds at TRF are fun and “at your own risk”. That wasn’t meant as a bad thing, just a really “make your own adventure”. As a patron who has been going over 30 years, it can be a wonderful experience with new friends made and stories to tell forever!

[@RhonniDuBose]

Hello! Great video. I love how you showed folks it is easy to visit even if you are not local to the area. I have an answer for a question/point of confusion within the video. (I own Queens Pantry and Tea & Strumpets ... thanks so much for voicing your appreciation of our products!) Anyway ... upstairs we have a ticketed High Tea Event at 3pm daily, which involves a full meal with King Henry and Queen Catherine of Aragon (English Court) in attendance. From about 2pm until 5pm we only allow ticketed High Tea customers upstairs. The rest of the day the deck is open to all guests. I hope that helps, and we look forward to seeing you next year!

[@justlanchen]

Oh hello!!! Thanks for watching my video and running such a cute place 🥹 I was interested in doing the high tea event, but I wasn’t sure where it took place. Thank you so much for clarifying! I plan to go back next year to attend dinner with King Henry and Queen Catherine!! 🥰🥰

[@melodymcdonnell1528]

Glamping...yep, I'd be saving-up for that!!! Solar shower...I'd be figuring out the logistics of pulling that off!!! Oh, and ladies don't sweat...we glow!!! 😂😂😂❤

[@justlanchen]

that's true, i loved my sweaty face look ahaha

[@jayena]

Loved this video, got to see a part of the ren faire that not everyone seems to show. I'm glad you had a good time and hopefully the weather is better next year x

[@justlanchen]

normally its cold during October so I plan not to go during a heat wave next time 🤣

[@lindabell5534]

​@@justlanchenit was in the 30's one year I went. And was by the fair. Lol did they keep the drums going all night.

[@lindabell5534]

The drums have to play all night to keep the evil away. Lol 😆 I think many not sleeping get a little out of it. Knight drunk.

[@damian8799]

I grew up camping out there. It's crazy how much it's changed over the years. Best place to party anywhere.

[@urfaeprincess]

this made me cry tears of joy lol , i love the community of ren faires

[@justlanchen]

🥹🥹🥹 I’m so happy you enjoyed it

[@julialumina1615]

THIS is what renfaire's should be like, nerdy fantasy shit during the day and party vibes at night, hell yeah! If you ever go to a renfaire in Europe you might like castlefest, it's similar vibes

[@joshuacarpenter111]

If you ever have the opportunity to, I would recommend camping a weekend at The Sherwood Forest Faire. March-April.

[@mikemckenzie4782]

I agree. Renfair for Rennies.

[@cathyamerine5140]

We use to be in a clan and go to events,so much fun. We traveled a lot and have all the outfits and period tent etc…You have motivated me to maybe check it out again. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@justlanchen]

no way! I would love to find people that would be apart of a clan and commit to it long term!! I imagine it would be so much fun 🥰 Thanks for checking out this video. I hope I see you next year!!

[@ThirtySomethingReads]

My memories of Texas Ren Faire are brief. Watched a few shows, drank too much, and then I fell asleep. Good times.

[@katrinakeith8066]

Oh that place above Tea and Scrumpets is where you book afternoon tea with the Queen!

[@justlanchen]

OHH! thank you for letting me know, I was wanting to do that but I couldn't figure out where it was located. Do you possibly know where they have the dinner with the king for the firework show?

[@astrofalls]

What an adventure!

[@justlanchen]

It was!

[@liapotter4369]

32:55 you can see the mandalorian symbol on someones tent! the Mythosaur! And i loved the solar rain performance at the end! That looks so magical

[@justlanchen]

yes!! that was our tent buddy. He was so kind, he let us hang under his canopy when it was pouring

[@liapotter4369]

@@justlanchen I soon wish I could go there, but I'm underage with really strict family.

[@angelareed5368]

It’s a freaking RAVE out there at COB on Saturday and Sunday nights. Party is an understatement! A must see!

[@starpenta]

We like to go on the last weekend, Celtic Christmas. There are lights and decorations everywhere, it's much cooler 😉, and it's the three day weekend! This year we tried to go the weekend before. It wasn't enough time and we didn't plan for it very well. Looking forward to next year!

[@justlanchen]

3 day!!!! Oh wow I didn’t know they had a 3 day weekend. That is definitely a time I would like to attend

[@starpenta]

@@justlanchen just to clarify, when I said 'cooler', I meant the weather. Usually. One year when I went, I was dressed for overcast weather (bad forecast) but the sun came out and I was a little uncomfortable (too warm). Normally it's around the 60's (a little warm for most of the country but down there, it feels great! 😉) and at least, a little cloudy. My husband said he went a few decades ago at the end of hurricane season and he & his first wife caught a massive rain storm and he had a miserable time. However, when I made him go that weekend, he had a much better time. He was less reluctant the following year...FF to now, he looks forward to it 😁

[@Asthinus817]

I'm so late to this video, but love to see this so much! I work with the Global Dance Theatre in the Agora section of the camp, the belly dancer performance. We would absolutely love to see you come back out this year!

[@mrgreene3290]

IF you want a longer weekend experience, the last weekend is Thanksgiving weekend and a lot of folks don't reaiize that the Faire is open all day Friday as well as Sat/Sunday., something to consider. As for weather - Welcome to Texas... you said 87 during the day - that's not hot, not in Texas. But yes, the humidity can be high here and that does make it feel uncomfortable even at 87degrees. Later you said temps would drop to mid-50's (at night) - yep. Again, Texas, if you don't like the weather, then wait 5 minutes, it will change. Just have to plan for multiple temp changes in one day.

[@stephenwilliams7505]

best and busiest weekends are pirate and barbarian .. the latter most seem to prefer because its later in november .. its just downright hot in october here .. the girl that you videod playing the violin by herself has been all of the texas shows .. and believe it or not she is only 12 years old .. im happy to see yall coming from far away to see our fair .. you definitely did it justice by camping .. its not the same if you only go into the fair grounds .. and you did a great review .. huzzah

[@sarahgibbons1362]

Highly recommend a portable fan that doubles as a charging station for your phone. Can find ones that you can set on a timer and it literally saves my life when I go. Allows me to fall asleep comfortably and charge my phone throughout the weekend.

[@TacticalPoppins]

Hey! We were there that weekend too! Absolutely loved it! We RVed. Great time.

[@justlanchen]

no way!! it was so hot, I legit thought I wasn't going to make it haha I wish I could've hung in your RV!

[@rexpowercolt885]

I am good friends with the Smokey bandits and camp right next to them in my own clan! Good people and good time!

[@jimamos7984]

The tea room is where they have the Queen's Tea; that's the reservation only part.

[@junluo4381]

The Elf ears😍

[@justlanchen]

madhousefxstudio.com 😘

[@holeymcsockpuppet]

I highly recommend that if you are tent camping in Texas to bring an air conditioner. Sure, it's an extra 60 lbs...but you'll thank me.

[@liapotter4369]

My jaw dropped when i saw that you went to the Texas Ren Faire again!!!!!!!

[@justlanchen]

hahaha I had to try the camping!!

[@DerMalus]

You really should visit some faires in Europe. They are way smaller but much more immersive. :D

[@justlanchen]

Yes I've been looking into it! From what I've read they do more historical reenactments which is something I'd prefer more

[@ejstrawberry9659]

Hi-- are there any faires in Europe you would recommend? Thanks.

[@tweak991]

Lol, we've camped for years and there is nothing like Naked Jenga, lol. Just wandering the woods of the campground at night can be an experience, you never know what you're going to see (or wish you hadn't seen, lol).

[@jshadows6684]

Great video. My name is “Everest” and I’m part of the Call of Booty clan. At 22:12 you can see me in front of the karaoke. I’m the tall hooded guy.

[@justlanchen]

omg no way!! so cool that you found yourself. love your name and clan btw!

[@jshadows6684]

Thanks! See you next year!

[@behdew]

Nice vid! I’ll be going to my first ren faire this year !

[@acescher9011]

Just came across this. Have to say the campgrounds have changed a lot since I moved out of state. Used to go back int he 70's and 80's, and the campground was just as fun as the Faire.

[@illyriabelladonna4542]

I have friends who work TRF, I do different shows that overlap so I don't work it, but TRF is amazing for patrons, and they really accomodate y'all well from what I've seen.

[@araneljones]

I live about an hour away (though really more with traffic). I sympathize with you on the weather. Its not any better if you're used to it! You need gills to survive Houston in Summer and Fall. Also, Spring. Maybe winter, too.

[@tristiantriana]

Lol, welcome to Texas! This was very insightful as I was thinking about camping or glamping whenever I got my truck. It didn't happen until after Ren Faire though 🤦, so I'll definitely consider it for this coming 2024 season.

[@justlanchen]

YOU MUST!! It was 100% worth it

[@lovelife5646]

Looked like fun! 🎉

[@justlanchen]

it was so much fun!

[@sirrex9982]

the best time to do trf weather wise is mid to late November it isnt as hot usually and the nights get very cool

[@romanpmg29]

Texas Humidity, in the fall is pretty much summer still. Swampy woods comparable to Beaumont TX. End of Oct. Being of Nov. Best time to go out there. Kinda cool but rainy. Navasota or Magnolia closest towns.

[@chuckgray7749]

when it is hot like that it is best to drink as much water as possible

[@CaliMel184]

Ya, hydration packs would have been a good idea to pack instead of water bottles.

[@echols108]

I know it’s more expensive but I think you would enjoy the experience more if you rented an RV that had A/C. You need some place to escape the heat and rest. Houston is super hot and humid most of the year. Late October and November is definitely the best time to be in this area.

[@jt1957]

got yourself a new sub. i retried from working these shows. i love watchin your videos and seeing my friends.

[@stephy6199]

Texas has down pours of rain for about an hour then stops. Flash floods though. The humidity at 87 degrees is tolerable. Come in June- September & its misery at 106'. October through April are the nicer months. Texas winters are our summers. No one comes outside!

[@moacirschneider5096]

very cool, amazing

[@passingthru4383]

That was pretty awesome. Ive been through many a gross weather weekend at events and although its rough you still have fun anyway. Sometimes you just get wet and dirty but thats half the fun, you make do lol. Also the full moon during that was awesome, as well as I love your final outfit that came together so nice. I mostly do living history events now and I have an actual camp but you guys went hardcore and showed up minimally and made it happen. Thanks so much for this vid it was alot of fun for me. Peace.

[@justlanchen]

It's funny you say that because I feel like the intense heat and humidty made the experience much more memorable! looking back, I would do it all over again even with the weather. That is so cool that you do living history events!! how do you go about being apart of something like that?

[@passingthru4383]

@@justlanchen Truth. Umm I just researched whatever time periods i was into, lately 1750 thru 1820ish, and looked for events around. Id start to just go as a daywalker, then next time bring a camp. Ive also seen people go Steampunk as a timetreveller lol. Ive not done that but it looked kind of cool.

[@TheCross219]

Great job on this review. My wife and I have gone to Texas Ren Faire for 18 years straight. This coming year is the 50th year of the Ren Faire. We are going Pirates Weekend Nov 2, 3.

[@PuApOoK]

This looks very similar to the Carolina Renn Festival. Ours is a close in size :)

[@leekwan06]

Maybe this is a dumb question….but how do you survive not showering for two days in blazing heat and 100% humidity? I would just feel so gross that I wouldnt be able to sleep. Is this something that you can get used to? Or does the baby wipe shower actually work?

[@justlanchen]

the showers were far from where we camped and it was so humid that I would've showered and walked outside and been sweating instantly so it didn't make sense haha

[@mememachine2681]

I always camp by the bonfire close to the concrete outhouse

[@TorchOnTarget]

Looks fun. I Saw the HBO special on the texas ren Faire - kinda my gateway into wanting to check out the world of ren fairs ahaha

[@lsrose]

Just found this video. I have family that lives in the deep south of Louisiana she describes the heat and humidity as the same condition of the human armpit!

[@chico6988]

I love those elf ears! Where did you get those at? They have to be the most realistic I've seen! Looks like a great time there as well!

[@MikeBell-cb3gq]

The video was very well made, could have been used for a commercial. Halloween weekend was very hot, even at night, so glad you survived. Shame Shooters 4 Hooters wasn’t open that weekend. 😂

[@RenaNightshade8]

Wonderful video, we're going for the first time and your video was so helpful!!!!

[@justlanchen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brandilee8421]

Do you have to camp to get to explore the camp ground after the renaissance?

[@DonMaxwellPegasus]

WOW! TRF has changed! Its been almost 20 years since I was there! I miss it!

[@bobdillon7832]

Man I used to LOVE going every year! I moved out of state and haven't been to it for years =( Next time you have to see the Global Dance Theatre. The Gypsies are fantastic!

[@taleg1]

Well, camping in the heat or high moisture is hell, but thankfully there is now solar batteries powered coolers and air coolers to cool your tent down available to buy. I Learned the the issue you had during this video many years ago and decided that I wouldn't go camping again until I did have a way to cool the tent and a way to get rid of moisture. The last time I did use my tent was during a Larp meeting, it was raining for 5 days straight so that everything was wet, even the things that was inside the tent and never was touched by the dang water, it was just to must moisture in the air that you it almost felt like you were swimming outside. That little trip was enough for me so I figured out other ways to get some safe places to sleep where such issues could not happen. Either because of heating, or air condition solutions. Funnily enough, now that solar battery solutions has created tent version of heater, cooler and air contrition tech, maybe it is time to test such thing. The downside is that it would mean a lot more to drag along to where you camp.

[@jencysparks436]

If you come back for the 50th anniversary later this year and have friends that has a camper / RV. Ask them if you don’t mind crashing with them if they have the room for you too. that way, you can have the comfort of home and being more comfortable.

[@texasbeast239]

My brother and I slept in separate tents in the parallel rows under the trees. We made camp early on Thursday, and got caught in a monsoon on Thursday night. Felt like floating on air mattresses on top of waterbeds! And it also felt like it was raining inside tents, the downpour and wind were so heavy. In Friday night, it rained again, but nowhere near as bad. We grabbed grub then watched a LARP movie on a tablet under a canopy to help get in the mood. By the time the festival days rollwr daround, we felt like we had already been through an adventure.

[@justlanchen]

oh no!!! That must've been awful. I'm so happy we just missed the flooding 😅 Yea I feel that, the whole experience felt like a weeks

[@texasbeast239]

@@justlanchen During the middle of the flood, we were regretting our life choices! We talked about getting "I Survived the Fields of RenFest Flood", but that never happened. After that, everything was easy breezy. Made us grateful for the fun parts!

[@meb1982]

Great video! You can buy portable air conditioners.

[@renamoff]

I've worked renaissance festival in Florida for 23 yrs plus traveling camping in a tent in beginning of my working there in 2002. Don't stay in the tent when it's that's hot . Just a recommendation. It's cooler with wind or shade outside the tent even with the sun directly on you. If it's raining I guess that may be the best choice. Portable fans help a little. Also there's the choice of a pop up if you need to stay out of rain and out of the hot tent. I've always wanted to work at Texas renn faire. I know many who do and have worked it. That's awesome you camped out. I need to get my ass up there maybe next yr or so to work lol. It looks amazing there.

[@bartbos8529]

❤❤❤❤

[@304dalf2]

I’m convinced skidmark is a humpback time traveler, bros just to authentic😭

[@queerios9925]

I thought I recognized your man we went to ASU together 😂

[@justlanchen]

Oh no way!!! Wait what’s your name?

[@james_t_george]

Lotta fun and a lotta struggle 😂❤

[@Glenvel_XIV]

Where are those elf ears from? they look so cute and natural!

[@justlanchen]

madhousefxstudio.com they are so good and affordable but they go quick when they restock 😭

[@luciselene9970]

I'm in your video! 😹😹😹😅

[@justlanchen]

Omg no way! What’s your timestamp?

[@mohammadalmadhi3914]

appreciate this video so much

[@FranPR95]

I get blasted on mead every renfaire. It's dangerously good.

[@justlanchen]

😂

[@zippitydoodah5693]

that is a _seriously_ tiny tent for the circumstances. someone should have been nice enough to warn you of the heat/humidity of that geographical location. Glad you managed a good time anyway. thanks for taking us along.

[@justlanchen]

haha I used to live in Austin so I knew it would be bad 😅 I just love challenging myself haha

[@rikusauske]

My plan in life is to use the equity in my house to buy a tie dye school bus, rent out the house so I get some passive income, and tour ren fairs till my house is paid off

[@Catdaddy77302]

i'm one of the people that drive the carts .

[@justlanchen]

Oh no way!!

[@kiglover9078]

Where did you get the elf ears?? I’ve never seen such realistic ears ever 😂❤

[@justlanchen]

madhousefxstudio.com they are so good and affordable but they go quick when they restock 😭

[@RedWolf-hf1kb]

I was watching your video and realized you camped next to me

[@bacmilsim3587]

I’m so happy I live an hour away

[@grandmasmagic3858]

I would LOVE to attend a Ren Faire, but alas, here in Australia they do not seem to be a thing..I researched a few months back, but, alas nothing..

[@meganmindcreates]

😱 TEA ROOM!!!! Say no more Im coming!

[@BiornBear]

Well at least you weren’t alone, your gay friend looked like he had fun in spite of the weather. I bet I would love it, it looks like a blast. I love the medieval period and heard the Texas of is amazing. Loved the video.

[@leehart1498]

Thanks, another great informative video. I have to say, at those prices you might as well get a motel room and eat else where before and after the faire. Yikes!

[@anthonymartin9672]

Nice video thanks for sharing. I was there that weekend as well. It was pretty warm. I didn't dress up. My outfit is leather and hot. Did you play Jenga? lol

[@KatherineHugs]

I literally had no idea this was a thing that people did. Now I know.

[@johnoneill9785]

Okay next time if you want the real experience get someone to show you renfair road and the Copper Rose. This is where the renfair workers camp.

[@izy0321]

Um what I want to do this

[@justlanchen]

do it!!

[@ejstrawberry9659]

Yeah, everybody's doing it

[@ilikeknives1000]

dude tx is humid af i lived near brownsville and it was like breathing water at some points lol

[@holly9464]

Hi, I hope it's okay to ask, could you please add a warning for the flashing lights in this video please? Thank you so much!

[@justlanchen]

Hi!! I unfortunately can't add anything now that its uploaded but I will keep this in mind for the future!

[@The-Lonely-Nexus]

is there a job at places like this permently??? Because this is the life I want so bad! I could work in a shop

[@MossBunnies]

I don't know what is it about this ren faire but it's always prone to rain. Our tent got absolutely flooded in 2022

[@j0nnyR00k]

Ha ha ha... if you do come out for the 50th Anniversary. Come find Defiance. Ask for Knives.

[@evaempress]

Can I ask how you got from the renfaire to the hotel without a car? Did a golf cart take you back to the main road and then you ubered?

[@justlanchen]

I ubered and then the golf cart took me to my camp spot and then I walked back later!!!

[@RJay121]

Looks miserable boring and way too humid for me. Glad to see it from afar ty❤

[@mountainmagicbulldogges8453]

Did the guy you go with ever dress in character?

[@dragonopossum1441]

I’ve put so many views on this one video bc I keep rewatching it to get ready!

[@mikeg3439]

Well I found my 2025 "boys camp trip" for me, my son-in-law and my grandson.

[@heatherbaker4538]

Yeah but where'dya get the luggage?!

[@justlanchen]

I brought it haha

[@JBGecko13yt]

your actually living like real adventures lol

[@TessaOswin]

As a physical disability autistic Brit this sort of “roughing it” wouldn’t work for me and I’m not sure I could deal with the noise at the party but it look so interesting and I very nice to know you can do there events without a car (since I also can’t drive)

[@dragonslayer6717]

14 % mead 11 dollars for that holy moly we get a liter of mead for 13 euro in Germany

[@DylanYzewyn]

Hi 👋

[@JoeDoe-qr3hd]

U rock damn.......