Curious about the Bristol Renaissance Fair but don't know where to start? Our guide offers exclusive tips on how to get there, tickets, accommodation, must-see shows, delicious food and much more! We lower the drawbridge for a Ren Faire experience you will never forget!
What is the Bristol Renaissance Fair?
oBristol Renaissance MesseRanked the number one Renaissance fair in the United States. It takes place every summer in Bristol, Wisconsin, just a few minutes' drive south of Pleasant Prairie. This 30-acre site transforms into Bristol, England, on the day Queen Elizabeth visited the city on her summer tour in 1574.
Rain or shine, the Bristol Renaissance Fair features comedy acts, acrobats, adventurers, puppeteers, belly dancers, magicians, music, games, great food, great beer, craft vendors and much more. The fair is fun for everyone and a unique opportunity to leave modern life behind and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere!
Fecha y hora of Bristol Renaissance Faire 2022
The Bristol Renaissance Fair is open from July 9 to September 5, 2022 on Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday from 10am to 5pm. m. to 7 p.m. m.
before you leave
Do you know the schedule?Vendors and entertainment change throughout the season. Entertainment Stage SchedulePosts online every Wednesday nightbefore each weekend. just lookthis year's cardand know the terrain. You can pick up a free printed map at the fair entrance gate.
PRO-DICA:There are four special offers.theme weekendsthroughout the 2022 season, including RennCon™, Marketplace Weekend, Pirate Weekend and Steampunk Weekend.
Buy tickets online.with yourAppetizerBeing ready when you arrive at the fair means you'll skip the long ticketing lines and save more time to enjoy yourself inside the festival gates.
Ticket prices for the 2022 season
Adult Ticket - $30
Senior (62+) - $28.00 (ticket only)
Military with ID - $28.00 (ticket office only)
Child (from 5 to 12 years old) – US$ 15.00
Children up to 4 years FREE!
Season Pass (all ages) - $200
Friends of the Faire (VIP Garden) - $100 Season Pass
PRO-DICA:Receive discounted tickets (adult: $26, child: $13) when you attendMenardor get FREE tickets at Visit Pleasant Prairie'sFacebookoInstagram(multiple chances to win!).
Perfect your Elizabethan vocabulary.One of the most fun parts of attending Ren Faire is conversing in the kingdom's language so that you too can speak like a local in the 16th century. Here is a short list of terms to know and use at the Bristol Renaissance Fair.
good morning= good morning/good morning
Bye= goodbye
See you soon= See you later
Please= please
Gramercy / Thank you= gracias
until= son
Sim= Sim
no= no
Private= toilet (not to be confused with "prithee")
you you= of
chica= A girl is a special type of woman, usually the object of affection for many young men. Queens, princesses and nuns are not whores.
I'm thirsty= I am thirsty
Huzza- Viva
DICA PRO:Get some serious style points by knowing how to properly address people of rank and nobility.
Your Majesty / Your Grace= If you see a king or queen, greet them with "Your Majesty" or "Your Grace".
Your Highness= Use this to address a prince, princess or another king who is not a king or queen
Señor = When you go to the jousting tournament, remember to put "Sir" in front of the knight's name.
My Lord / My Lady= Someone of nobility or good family
Master / Mistress= Children and common people can be called lords and ladies.
Start hydrating as soon as possible.You'll be walking around all day and sweating a bit (it can get a bit hot under all those layers of costume clothing). The professionals at Ren faire recommend starting your hydration a few days in advance to ensure a fantastic weekend with plenty of energy for a hot and muggy day in Bristol.
PRO-DICA:If you haven't already, starting Wednesday, have an electrolyte drink (Gatorade, bulletproof vest, etc.) before going to Mass. Trust us, your body will thank you later!
Stay in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Visit from outside? Make the most of your time in Feira by reserving a room in one of the many pousadas (or villas) for the weekendHotels) in the town of Pleasant Prairie. Many are right off I-94, within five minutes of the fun and action of the fair!
To book a hotel.nice meadowDoubleTree de HiltonmiFairfield de MariottBoth are official hotels of the Bristol Renaissance Faire. They each offer special Bristol Renaissance Fair hotel packages that include fair tickets, free shuttle service to and from the event, and more.
PRO-DICA:Whether you're from out of town or a local looking for a fun stay, booking a hotel package is fantastic as you don't have to worry about drinking and driving or parking on site, making your day at the show much more enjoyable. less stressful.
go there
The Bristol Renaissance Fair is centrally located between Milwaukee and Chicago in Kenosha County in southeastern Wisconsin.
Ride.The fair is easy to get to, but traffic to the parking lot is often congested if you don't arrive early. We always recommend arriving early to secure a good parking space and avoid long lines to enter the festival grounds. Share the car if you can! Parking fee is per vehicle, not per person.
Map:12550 120th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53142
Around. Driving times:
Pleasant Meadow: 5 min
Milwaukee: 30 minutes
Chicago: 50 minutes
Rockford: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Madison: 2h15min
Green Bay: 2h20min
Public transport and shared car.Unfortunately there is no public transport to take you to the fair.UpmiLyftBoth operate in the area and are your best bet for taking a ride to and from the festival site.
sponsor.There is a free shuttle service for guests.DoubleTree de HiltonoFairfield de Mariottin Pleasant Prairie (with package purchase).
Where to parkPaying for parking isn't fun, but trust us when we say it's worth it. If you can swing it, we definitely recommend treating yourself.vip parkingfor $20/day(Ella you need to buy a parking pass online in advance).
VIP Parking: $20 (must be purchased online)
Preferred parking: $10 (cash only)
General Parking: $5 (Cash Only) - First Come, First Served
If you don't mind a bit of a walk, there is free parking at the north end of the site.
PRO-DICA:If you intend to park in the general park, the earlier you arrive, the closer you will be to the entrance.
what happens if it rainsThe Bristol Renaissance Fair is open rain or shine.see how the weather will bebefore you go, but don't let that stop you. Sometimes rainy days are the best fair days.
What Brig
Don't know what to bring to the fair? Pack these essentials to ensure you have the best day of your life when you play at the Bristol Renaissance Fair in Elizabethan England.
Money🇧🇷 Cash is king at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. All food and beverage outlets are cash only. Most major vendors accept credit cards, but using cash is usually faster, giving you more time to enjoy the fair.
PRO-DICA:Get your money in advance! There are ATMs on site ($4.00 transaction fee), but they often have very long lines and often run out of cash.
Empty water bottle.Hydration is key! You'll want your own water bottle (or hydration container/horn) so you don't have to stop at water fountains
DICA PRO:Bring your own water container that can hold ice. We prefer something like a thermos that will keep our water cold all day. Stop at BlackFriar's Tavern (next to The Globe Stage) to fill your bucket with ice, then fill it with water from one of the water fountains next to the latrines (toilets).
Sun protection and insect repellent.There are many trees in Feira, so it is easy to find shade, but we still recommend using sunscreen. Fair sprays for mosquitoes, but you'll be a happier, less itchy and irritable person if you add an extra layer of protection.
handbag or backpack.There are no lockers available, which means you have to bring everything you buy. Bring a bag big enough to hold a few new items to take with you when you go shopping at the fair. If you plan to have a lot of stuff, you might as well bring a cart!
PRO-DICA:If you are going to make big purchases, get the VIP parking pass so you can leave your belongings in the car. That way, you won't have to lug around all your great new products for the rest of the day.
Phone battery charger.The service can be a bit patchy, which tends to drain your phone's batteries. Bring a power bank so you don't have to worry about breaking your phone before taking a picture with your favorite wrestler or waitress.
what to wear
While a Renaissance costume is highly recommended (and much more fun), dressing up for the Bristol Renaissance Fair is not required. This fair does not limit participants to a specific fantasy theme. So if you like pirate, trekkie, goblin, furry or any other cosplay, go for it. You might even find a Where's Wally?
Comfortable clothes.Whether you're wearing full Renaissance regalia or more comfortable streetwear, just make sure you're comfortable. There's a lot of walking ahead, so make sure your clothing is flexible and breathable (it's usually very hot in the summer). If you decide on a costume, be prepared for people to want to take pictures with you or you.
PRO-DICA:Try thisFrequently Asked Questions about the Bristol Renaissance Fairfor a complete list of do's and don'ts.
A hat, hood, or other head accessory.Head protection is always useful when spending a day in the sun. If you don't wear a hat, don't forget to put on sunscreen - a sunburned scalp is no fun!
Comfortable shoes.There are many potholes in the ground and exposed tree roots in places. There is often a bit of dust, so closed-toed shoes are your friend. Wearing sandals or heels is often people's biggest regret. Keep this in mind when choosing your shoes!
PRO-DICA:Treat your feet to comfortable insoles to prevent sore feet from standing or walking all day.
essential programs
To live! The fair is not just a place to go. Here you can immerse yourself in an incomparable experience. Where else can you witness a royal tournament in the streets of the town or accept a rose, a poem or a song? The Bristol Renaissance Faire's entertainment program is top-notch, but if you're only going for the day, there are some fan favorites you shouldn't miss. If you want to see a show and get a good seat, get there 15-30 minutes early.
Robust Beggars Clay Show.Better known as 'the mud show', this is an iconic experience and a must for any beginner. Get there early so you can sit in the front and get the best view. Please note that this show is rated PG-13; So if you have young children, stay out until they are of legal age for some adult humor.
Badly balanced.Bristol's most popular masters of acrobatic comedy perform acrobatic feats you won't see anywhere else. You won't want to miss this one.
Moonie the Magnificent.MooNie presents a show that combines classic slapstick, tightrope walking, and enough comedy to take your breath away. If you only see one show during your time at the carnival, do this one.
Dirk and Guido: The swordsmen.Dirk and Guido are good at a few things: 1) sword fighting 2) telling jokes 3) recklessly risking their lives for your entertainment.
bron.Broon brings a conversational style to the world of variety comedy with less emphasis on corny jokes and empty glimmerings and more on audience interaction and personality. No two shows are exactly the same!
PRO-DICA:Show times vary, as do the shows themselves, so don't plan on going for just one day. Reserve a weekend or, better yet, purchase a season pass. Completelystage planAvailable on the exhibition website.
other things to do
The options for things to do at the Bristol Renaissance Faire seem endless. Here are some of our top picks for things to see and do while enjoying the fair.
Watch the Queen's favorite sport.Cheer on the majestic steeds and noble knights as they compete for the Golden Chain of Bristol! The jousters are excellent and worth seeing if you have the time. The grandstands fill up quickly, so arrive 30 minutes early to get a good seat.
PRO-DICA:Try to get a seat in the grandstand. Looking outside on the grass can be quite dusty and not fun for the little ones.
Take a look at the historical demos.Discover the ancient arts of glassblowing, leatherwork, blacksmithing, and pottery by playing with different merchants from across the kingdom. MoneyQueens-Collegefor a variety of art history courses and demonstrations.
Entertain the children.Children love the fair and it is the place to let their imagination run wild. Stop at the children's kingdom and visit the hobbits' house. Hear a story read by Mother Goose herself, or be knighted by the Queen!
PRO-DICA:Get a free activity booklet for kids atthe queen's collegeas soon as you arrive.
Take pictures.There are so many great places to take pictures at the Bristol Renaissance Fair! Be sure to visit Noble Glade in the direction of the Knights Tournament. There you will find a beautiful lake, a garden with sundials, the Queen's Court and a central fountain. Go to the children's kingdom to the hobbit house mounds. There are also several thrones nearby for fun photos.
Throw the tomatoes.Check out Vegetable Justice, where a rude criminal hurls insults at a stockade, while festival-goers might throw a tomato or two to try and punch them in the face. Bonus points if you can get your kids involved (don't worry, they soften the insults for the little ones).
Join the pub crawl.If you're looking for more adult fun, check out the Faire's Pub Crawl. Join the boisterous band who will entertain you personally as you stroll through the city streets to a variety of excellent pubs and restaurants, skipping the queues along the way. Choose from over 14 beers on tap or a tasty mead on the go with your own bartender for quick service. A gluten-free cider is also offered.
PRO-DICA:Buy tickets online (sold half in advance, half on the day) or stand at the front door when it opens and walk to the inside ticket booth (it's on the right as you enter). Pub Crawl tickets purchased online must be redeemed with Guest Services between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. m. and 2 p.m. m. to get your bracelet.
Enjoy tea time.Take time to visit Lady Ettie for tea at 1 p.m. m. or at 4 p.m. m. The interactivity and intimate setting create a fun family experience you won't soon forget.
Try an escape room.Need a break from the heat? Enjoy some air conditioning while you enjoyFestival Escape Adventure, including two Harry Potter escape rooms.
Participate in a mission. RenQuestis a personal RPG full of fun and well thought out puzzles where you are the main character. For those up for the challenge, there are dozens of quests that will take you through the fair to unravel ancient mysteries. The main game lasts about 2 hours (you can play at your own pace).
what to eat and drink
Whether you like a sweet treat or a full meal, you're sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds. Be sure to save room for treats like ice cream and chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick. And would it really be a Ren Faire without strong beer? Faire offers a variety of adult beverages including ciders, wines, cocktails, and frozen margaritas.
There's a wide range of dining options, but your trip to the Bristol Renaissance Faire won't be complete without sampling some fan favourites.
Garlic mushrooms.Often referred to simply as "the mushrooms", these delicious vegetarian garlic butter mushrooms are the number one recommended dish to try in Feira. Treat yourself and order the big one!
Cheese Cupcakes.Delicious fried cheese with two sauces. Need we say more? This one is great for sharing, if you can find the willpower not to eat them all yourself.
Pickles on a stick.If you're reading this, you might not want one, but trust us when we say you'll need one if you're at the fair. Plus, pickles are a great way to replenish some electrolytes. Pickle stands offer three varieties, including classic, hot, and garlic dill.
Vegetable tempura.A mix of freshly cut vegetables dipped and sautéed in a light tempura batter, served with ranch or sweet and sour sauce. Loved by many, this vegan dish is a great bargain for the amount of food you get.
Sasafras.It's root beer with a hint of licorice. It's cold, delicious, and it's only $1. Find out where they sell the mushrooms.
PRO-DICA:Watch thefull list of food and drink optionsconnected. Although it's known for its king-size turkey thighs, vegetarian, vegan, and even gluten-free options are also available. It is not allowed to bring food or drink from outside unless you have done sospecial dietary needs.
Where to buy
More than 125 artisans and makers display and sell their unique handcrafted products at the Bristol Renaissance Faire Marketplace. Stunning stained glass creations, hand-printed jewelry, incredible leather work, homemade candles, and an array of toy shops are sure to transport you into the spirit of yesteryear.
Some of our favorite providers are e.g.escobahilde(wands, brooms, sticks, etc.)grichels(leather goods with faces),Stef's Weird Beers(clay animals in teacups) andBazar Alter Egos(exclusive clothing and accessories).
The novelties in the market this year are:
the crazy magpie(Historical handmade clothing for all)
two english ladies(delicious teas, quark and vinaigrettes)
Tapestry Three Bells(European and custom tapestries)
dragon tear beads(Choose an account and more!)
curio dealer(Curiosities, Curiosities, Skulls and Crystals)
See the complete listFornecedores of Bristol Renaissance Faire Marketplacebefore knowing how much money to take.
PRO-DICA:If you've got the Renaissance bug, there's no better place to shop for your period costumes and accessories. Take a piece of history with you and use, display or play with it all year long!