Ranking Every Renaissance Faire I've Visited! ⚔️

[@GlitterBug]

I feel like you would LOVE the Maryland Ren Faire! Tons of shows, booths, jousting, a designated food court and almost everyone was dressed in fantasy costumes!

[@SPR-bk3tf]

I agree, love the MD Faire.

[@auricmerciless7307]

Yes, they are in Crownsville MD and it's one of the best I have seen:)

[@SPR-bk3tf]

@@auricmerciless7307 It was the first one I ever went to, so it holds a special place in my heart. It is also a greta mix of the things she reviewed.

[@JustCallMeMeghan]

Came here hoping she was ranking the MD Renn Faire. Lol. I sense a road trip in her future!

[@SPR-bk3tf]

@@JustCallMeMeghan We need to advocate for her to check it out.

[@jef2247]

Went to the colorado Ren faire for the first time this summer. Absolutely loved it. I went alone and met SO MANY amazing kind people. Seriously everyone was so nice and 90% of people dressed up at least somewhat. They take their costumes SERIOUSLY at this faire. I do think the joust was underwhelming sadly. The wisconsin joust was much better.

[@calynnlock6774]

If you ever want a renn fair in Texas in the spring I recommend Sherwood Forest fair. My friends and I hit Texas renn fest in the fall and Sherwood Forest fair in the spring. Similar ticket pricing and vibes we always try to get 15 plus people to get the discounted tickets at each fair. Both fairs I have had people walk up and hangout and handout little trinkets ♥️ It is a wonderful time, I highly recommend! :)

[@kpopismygaypop2045]

I remember going to the Texas Ren Faire so many times as a kid. My mother was an actress there. She would teach people how to spin Fire Poi, Belly dance, and swallow swords (And fire swords. Fire was her thing). I've always loved going. I distinctly remember the man who'd very passionately yell "MEAT ON A STIIIICK" as hes flingin them around lmao. My mother was friends with the Fairy Queen so of course I'd go with her whenever my mother was performing! I had my own set of wings that I was magically gifted, and vials of pixie dust! I have so many fond memories as a child of going to Ren Faires, and I love that I get to go to them every year. I live in CO, and so far, I like the relaxed vibe that this one gives. My mother would've loved this one for sure, so I'm super happy that it was 2nd! I hope to see you next year! You seem like such a fun person to talk to!

[@justinhoward957]

Excellent, I will follow your taste on this. Clearly you are the QUEEN of this Knowledge ! Oh How the Turns Have Tabled !!!!

[@John_Conner222]

Ill have to try the Texas Renn Faire but I still like the Georgia one and I think you would like it too. Although I haven't been in awhile so it may have changed. They used to have not only reenactments but they also had an overall RP theme event, like the Queen being kidnapped and the guards are walking around asking people if they have seen the Queen. I actually saw her get kidnapped (her guards got ambushed and killed by bandits, they grabbed her by the arm and took her away behind one of the stores and through an employee door) while other guards came and saw the downed guards and dragged them away. I told the guards what happened and I got a ticket for a free turkey leg as a reward. The only way they got her back was that a knight had to step up and be her champion and win the joust tournament. They have tons of animal shows, a birds of prey show, and for the kids they have petting zoos and horseback riding. They have crafters on sight too, from blacksmiths, to leatherworkers, tailors, and glassblowers. Plus they even have classes at certain times. The food is neat as not only do you have the standard food but you have weird stuff like flying pickles. Where a guy literally screams flying pickle and halfway across the park another guy screams flying pickle and the first guy chunks it like a football as hard as he can while the second guy catches it in a large napkin. Its wrapped in the napkin and placed in a paper cone and served to you as an official flying pickle. Its honestly just a large dill pickle out of a store bought jar but you get the idea. Regardless shops come and go but some stay. Plenty of general boutiques but also handcrafted stuff. There is a giant broken pirate ship that is a storefront for one of the bigger stores that sells tons of swords, and all things pirate. The Faire itself is a huge figure 8 shape and alot of side stuff so while there are a ton of people there is plenty of space to move around and sit. Lots of Pine and Oak trees so plenty of shade. I feel like its similar to the Texas show as its pretty big but its a lot more on the fantasy side. You will see tons of girls dressed up as various amalgamations of fae (Dark and light) and anime. Its rare to see a girl in a dress NOT wearing horns and elf ears.

[@justinhoward957]

OMG that certainly is a beautiful view ! my goodness, amazing !

[@texasbeast239]

TRF does have reenactments of blacksmithing, processing wool into yarn, and weaving clothing. I didn't know, either, until my posse just stumbled across their areas one year. There is so much to see there, but only so much time to see it.

[@songgirl751]

You should definitely check out the Minnesota Ren Faire! It’s another one of the largest ones in the US, it has a cute hobbit house and forest you can walk through, lots of cute shops, booths, shows, etc. lots of actors and people dressed up, would love to see what you think of it! 🥰

[@jp7585]

Minnesota Ren Faire rocks! It's future is a little shaky though.

[@ericlaird1745]

I'm glad you liked Texas Ren Fest and I do agree it is like EPCOT. I tell people it is like the amusement park of renfests. I've gone for nearly 20 years and it always has surprises and something new. If you want to shop, or see shows or explore the food and bars you have to pick one because you can't do all in one day. Texas does have several renfests, Sherwood Forest near Austin starting in March which is more like your tradition fest with a Robinhood theme, Scarborough near Dallas starting in April which is like TxRenfest but compressed in area. It is too hot in Texas to have them in the summer but a few festivals are starting up in the winter that are more themed. Sherwood has Celtic festivals in the off season and the Viking festival is near it and a new one is spinning up near Palastine. We like our renfests in Texas

[@jeffreyallen1290]

I've been going to the Colorado Fair since the 80's and have enjoyed it almost every year since. You clearly went on an unusual day, most days the crowds are crazy thick, elbow to elbow until later in the afternoon. See ya next time.

[@shaunOG91]

I love your Ren Faire content! It’s very fun and informative. I live in continental Europe and we don’t have Ren Faires per se here, but we have festivals that take place at historical medieval sites like castles and ruins and you can see some reenactments, shows, and get food and do shopping. I guess they might classify as tiny Ren Faires, haha, but visitors don’t dress up to attend (sadly). My friends and I are into fantasy/D&D/larping, though, so sometimes we just drive to a nearby castle that has a medieval themed restaurant in one of the buildings (it’s amazing), and we have a feast while in costumes, it’s great fun. In the evenings there are activities as well, and once I won a swordplay competition wearing an outfit inspired by Ciri from The Witcher 😂🖤

[@strawberrymango8655]

I've only been to the Arizona Faire so far, but I'm shocked that you said there was no shopping. I spent pretty much my entire day just in the various shops. I still have some Apple Pie whipped honey I've been saving from one of them for the fall time.

[@ericepperson8409]

TRF is a good one if you are young and can take part in all the "extracurricular" activities. For a family, especially with young kids, it's exhausting and a frankly mid experience. Ticket prices aren't bad though. But then you have to pay for parking and getting into the place is a nightmare unless you show up well after the day starts. The Colorado Ren Fest is now our home Faire and it's by far the best I've been to. Especially taking into account we have a young family. It's size is perfect for a day of activities. The ppl are fantastic. They pull many great show performers. Shopping is ok. Lots of great food options. We go at least several times each year.

[@richardmarriott-smith9517]

Thanks so much for this video. This is a great review of the top Ren Faire’s in the US. I love how you broke them down. Thanks!

[@justlanchen]

You are so welcome!

[@taylorbrown8329]

I grew up going to the ren fair in Bonner Springs, KS. I highly recommend checking that one out Tomorrow I will be going to the one in Larkspur, CO for the first time!

[@miabills1663]

You need to visit Michigan renaissance festival. The vibes, the people and food are just amazing! Truly transports you

[@amandadowney953]

Enjoyed this video very much. Love The Renaissance Festival's very much. We have some good ones up here in Michigan. Particularly the one in Holly, Michigan. Hope to make it to the Texas Renaissance Festival one day. Thanks for sharing. ✨️

[@japre8]

I have only been to the Texas ren fairs (there is a smaller one outside of Austin). After watching your videos I thought Colorado would come in first, just seemed like you had a lot more fun there. But as you said, going with your friends who are into it absolutely makes a difference on the vibe. One of my biggest gripes of the TRF is that more and more people going dont bother dressing up at all. They also do a super hero weekend which I will never go during that time again because its more like comic-con then ren fair. I would really like to check out the Colorado fair, it really seemed to have more engagement from the crowds (based on your video). That said I do love TRF, its an annual tradition for me and my friends, and about the only time of year I truly unplug myself from the outside world. Make sure to check out the pirate bar (its pretty close to the jousting collisium), the band that closes is awesome and a ton of fun with everyone in the crowd singing along and drinking mead or ale. And of course the after party in the campgrounds is absolutely lit. Glad I found your channel as I have been wondering what ren fairs are like across the country and have been trying to convince my friends to do some road trips to visit some others.

[@mikea1714]

Appreciate your content. You really turned me on to TRF. Hoping they have Barbarian weekend next year as I’m growing my beard out and developing a character for it!

[@bukharagunboat8466]

I'll probably run the few miles up to the Fair in Bristol, WI tomorrow. The weather forecast is beautiful. I mainly go for the music, which sadly is not as good as it used to be.

[@valerielake-Vanahto]

Hi Lanchen! I am going to the Texas Ren Faire the first weekend of 2024. If you want to go with people who are fun come join me and walk around! we will have a blast!

[@Prairie-Tales]

As a Texan I can't say I'm surprised ;)

[@lisdmon6538]

going to the texas ren fest for the first time this year! lived here all my life but never had the courage to go since im going by myself 😂 lets hope i can make some friends!

[@glf001]

You should go to some of the East Coast Renfairs. Maryland has a rather large one. There used to be a good one in the Tampabay area, but it is not so good anymore since they keep having to move further and further out of town. When it was in Largo, it was pretty good. I have been to the Colorado Refair and thought it was great.

[@GlitterBug]

Yes! The Maryland Ren Faire is incredible!

[@loconius]

Also east of the Rockies that are verifiably good is the Louisiana Renaissance Festival and the Georgia Renaissance Festival!

[@SteveJacoby-by5fr]

I've been to Texas And Maryland... Texas reigns supreme, although the Wheel of Death was cool.

[@evelynthompson755]

The company that owns the Arizona Faire, owns the Carolina Renaissance Festival and the town name is the same, but Carolina is the best. I love the Carolina Ren Faire and I live nearby, so I try to go every year. The people are the best, the atmosphere is the best, and I have a wonderful time there everytime.

[@jonathanmanh]

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!

[@justlanchen]

!!!!

[@jonathanmanh]

@@justlanchen I’m going to Texas 1000% now Already was planning it from your review before so thank you!

[@Caramel4life]

If you ever get the chance you should definitely go to the Maryland Ren Faire!! It’s huge (can still get crowded..) but it’s very well laid out. The vibes are amazing too. So many people are dressed up and nearly everyone is friendly. The joust is also sososo good.

[@robertneal4244]

I have been to Colorado, Black Hills, Kansas City, St. Louis, Arizona, and Texas. Your rankings are fairly good. I will have to take your word on California since I have not been there. Texas is by far the most expensive. I know several of the entertainers and vendors personally and the fair charges 20% of the vendor's income right off the top. So the same vendor in Colorado has to charge more in Texas just to make up for it. Food and beverages are also quite high. The Washing Well Wenches can be found at several festivals and are always fun. The Craic Show is also a good time. Jaques the Whipper is top notch.

[@thomw551]

For the AZ Ren Fair, there is enough clothing stores that I get very bored while my wife shops in one after another. So personally I think we have more than enough. 😊

[@tonyachaves8322]

I think you’d like the NorCal ren fair in hollister, ca. it’s not as big as Texas but it does have all the other things. Huge participation, decent prices for California, lots of activities, glass blowing demos, chain mail making, axe throwing, etc, free jousting show, lots of shops, a food court, swings, shows, and after party for campers.

[@tstymctst]

Your glowing review of the TX faire is going a long way to convincing me to hit it up in the next couple of years. I've been to the one in Muskogee OK, and the small one in Hot Springs AR, but I'm traveling out to visit a friend in DC this October and go to the MD fest, so that's my big trip for this year. I also want to go to the one in NM, because I love being out there where my mom's family is from.

[@nicki7919]

This is what I was looking for! Thanks 🎉

[@jennifercoolidgeislife6760]

For Irwindale I went on a gloomy Sunday and it was a great crowd level ! Thank you for the breakdown !

[@spectreranger8997]

The Connecticut reb faire is awesome! Great scenery, actors, and shops.

[@jamesreese4170]

The office rankings are brilliant.

[@leedogg6120]

Iem on the east coast & have been to both the Pa. & Md. Ren. fests several times. The Maryland was the best. I was in pyrate garb & people thought I was part of the Fest.

[@leedogg6120]

I'm

[@aimeekitty]

I super love that you did this video Thankyou. So helpful ❤

[@grandmastersunnyd3209]

Texas represent ✊

[@loconius]

I think it would be awesome to do reviews of all Renaissance festivals!!

[@yensid4294]

HBO has a 3 part docuseries on the Texas Ren Faire. Pretty interesting. Is the Calif one you went to the one that replaced Black Forest up in Marin? Down by Hollister right?

[@pinkpandamiranda]

Hi! If you love the educational stuff so much you might like the SCA(Society for Creative Anachronism). I'm sure there's a chapter in your area. It's basically ren faires but all year around where everyone dresses up every time and it's all historical and fun :)

[@amibeingdetained]

Growing up near the California one stings because it just seems to get progressively worse each and every year. I might have to make a vacation out of the Texas one though, looked like a blast. The biggest lesson from this video though? Don't go do things with people that don't want to be there!

[@everadventuress]

I grew up with the AZ ren faire. The shows are fantastic

[@jimamos7984]

This is Texas Renaissance Festival's 50th anniversary. Waiting to see what all they're doing for it.

[@BladeMiller-qd4zf]

You should absolutely go to the Albright Ren Faire! In Hammond Louisiana...I now live MS. It's a 1 hr drive , I rank it just below TRF it's Awesome! Also you owe it to yourself to go to Sherwood Forest Ren Faire in Texas....almost as good as trf...

[@Jazmatazzzzzz]

Try the Canterbury Faire ! It’s so small and cute and tiny eheheh. Crowd is great vendors are amazing. OREGON RF is also on my bucket list !!

[@Thestickponylady]

You should try Yule Viking Festival in Gladewater TX. Totally historical based. Awesome event

[@RichardChappell1]

Have to agree about AZ. I have been going almost since it started, and it has drastically changed - both for the good and bad. It has necome far more corporate, and with that it has bocome far more of a show than participatory. I think a lot of it seems to be the way of the hobby - it's kind of shifting to other stuff. The shopping drastically dropped, particularly clothing. It got so bad that the only place I could go shopping for gear or clothing was the SCA's Estrella War. But even there the volume has dwindled. It used to be more participatory, and a lot of people did serious garb, but as it has become more consumer, it's all about watching, and paying for stuff.

[@SPR-bk3tf]

Another good Faire to check out is the NC one.

[@tomjohnson4922]

watching this I looked up the faire here in MA, as I hadn't been in a few years, and the tickets are $46... that doesn't include food and if I wanted to buy anything so..... maybe. I enjoy living museums which is partly why I go. I was surprised at just how large it is compared to most across the country, just expensive as all get out

[@Mateo-bo1qc]

Im from hollister Ca. And this year the price went down to 35 entrance and 10 parking 🤣

[@justlanchen]

😂😂😂

[@torikiraly722]

I would love it if you could cover the Ohio Renaissance Festival!

[@justinhoward957]

Really wish I could get someone super rich to start one of these in Eastern North Carolina !!!!!!!

[@Fairest1]

I don’t feel it’s fair to judge a shop that’s not a building. Most artists who sell their wares travel to a bunch of Faires across the country. Some Faires have permanent locations and some faires do not. Boothies (what we call them in the Ren Faire world) actually put in a lot of work to decorate their booths to fit in the faire. Also Irwindale park cant make the joust bigger. LA doesn’t have a lot of big parks that can accommodate the amount of people that show up (entering and parking) and fit all the stages. (Just for reference: I currently work at a Ren Faire and attend other faires. I’ve been doing faires for 10 years)

[@shlmark13]

You should try the yule viking festival in gladewater texas

[@timmick6911]

Always use the buddy system when going to the campgrounds and never leave your friend. Seriously, always stick together.

[@shanetapp]

Curious... have you ever taken part in SCA? It was through them I found Ren Faires in the first place. You learn SO much them and they do re-enactments as well The cool thing is that you are required to be historically accurate in your representation of your time period

[@Highland_Paddy]

I feel like when the Irwindale one was in Devore it was more like that circle layout ye describe in TX. But if there were many shows and things going on back then, I likely missed most of them. It was hot and dusty and freaky people that stories I must save for future copyright reasons or something, so I imagine there is less space in California now, but that's pretty much ALL of CA since 1987 or whatever when there stopped being Orange Groves in Orange County and such? Speaking of mountain backdrop: They closed the old horse trail a couple miles from Irwindale spot and put in a cul-de-sac a few years ago, too. Don't know who can afford these houses, but I guess they don't like hiking much?

[@Highland_Paddy]

Now that I'm near the end, I already forgot much what I was think about t'word the beginny. Um... Stuff. Hot heat and pricey food a bit that ended up in lower category instead #2? Parking less a ripoff if they at least sort-of watch the cars all day? I could go on I guess.

[@Highland_Paddy]

Well, Calif still first for your MAIN interest, and then second for shopping? A lot of the extra that make TX great for you sounds like stuff I would skip.

[@Highland_Paddy]

Oh, the TX one is more near Houston than some other locations I thought might be likely.

[@jamesm9560]

Playlist could be updated with this.

[@mikeytom2991]

I wish there was a youtuber to do the East coast.

[@geodudette9741]

Ohh, is that incandescentkiki at the Colorado one? Love her videos too!

[@justlanchen]

@@geodudette9741 yes!

[@Shichiaikan]

You need to get to the Kansas City Ren Faire. Seriously.

[@alexware465]

Try Kansas City ren Faire or Minnesota ren Faire North Carolina is great and Maryland too

[@natoman123]

Go tonthe saint louis Renaissance Faire, I'd l9ve to know you're opinion. Also, if you're going with introverts, find an activity they like and or get then drunk 🥴 🤣

[@Dreamsbeds500]

Haha dope costume

[@Briansgate]

You need to come to East Coast faires. Carolina Ren Faire is my home faire. I think we are the sister faire to Arizona. But I've been to Colorado and Maryland faires, and I think Carolina is just as good as those two. I actually think ours is better than Colorado, and will admit that I think Maryland is a hair better than ours. But hey, that's my opinion.

[@BloodySkullx]

I am sorry my fair maiden! But I will have to disagree with you on the clothing for the Arizona ren fair, I've been going for maybe 10 or years and there is a ABUNDANCE of clothing shopping stores. There's a rather large one right next to the entrance (Which you did show) , a dress shop by the back near the jousting, a whole pirate shop that actually sold more modern clothes with 'wench' and other basic stuff on it, heck even one booth just selling leather shoes! Ton's of leather work for cloaks, armor, ect. A guy sells masks every year. I did not go this year but unless they made some real drastic changes I have to say you missed quite a few shops. If you ever go again very much use the map. I promise I love your videos.

[@justlanchen]

Thank you for sharing!! I know exactly what stores you are talking about, there were quite a few, but I was just comparing it to other renaissance faires 🫶

[@delaneyalusa]

As someone who used to work Colorado, IF you knew what I knew, you may rate it far lower. 1. You are right, the bathrooms GROSS. Over flowing porta-johns, 45 minute wait, women using the men's, because, who can wait 45 minutes, No one cleans then, to TP, no soap, no towels. I once saw a elderly man, lean up against a raining up near the Elephants. The rail snapped, he did a 180, landed on his head, and was knocked out. NO ONE, from the fair came to his help. I see kids and people slide down the hill and face plant and hurt themselves bad. The railroad cinder they use, ruins noble garb. I have garb ruined by that fair. The owners... If you knew the owners... They do not pay most of the court, they are Volunteer and you bust your ass and die of thirst walking up hill all the way, accept when you get to the jousting arena and you hill again, and as noble court, you stand in the hot sun at joust... no water, then you do the Death March (Yes, that was what everyone calls0 aka the parade, you about die at the speed it is dune, once again no water. OH wait, here is an Electrolyte pill 15 minutes before the march. Nope, no reenactment. There used to be a little, but not really, it was mainly done in the streets. Shopping... you have the same 4 dress shops, and some of the stuff is made... wait for it... Over seas in factories. The food... I know so many people that have gotten food poisoning from the food there. The People... some are pretty good, The acts... You get pretty sick of Celtic Legacy playing Star Wars, Jesus Christ Super Star, Tequila. The place is really a major dump if you know where to look. For many of us former staff, We avoid the place now, it really has lost magic over the years. There are days crowds are Horrid, especially where food and drink are from 11 to 3 usually, then the traffic to get home after. I have my favorite fairs that I have been to, and Colorado is near the bottom. Glad you had a good time though.

[@blurts_out]

Ohio was pretty good.

[@1005corvuscorax]

Ok, I'm gonna be shallow and focus on appearances, since I already left initial comments in the chat relay. The crown is on point, as is your hair with it. The cool kids still say "on point", right? lol Seriously though, an amazing look for you, with or without the elven ears. And I love love LOVE the (leather?) pauldron on your right shoulder.

[@notyetdeadyet]

I dont have words its so fake and hollywood...thanks