A First-Timer's Guide to Embracing Renaissance Faire Magic with Garb, Quests, and Tips for a Fantastic Day I've become a Queen and why not go to a Ren Faire?
- Megan Lane
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
Stepping into a renaissance faire for the first time can feel like entering another world. The sights, sounds, and smells all combine to create an immersive experience filled with fantasy, history, and fun. Whether you’re drawn by the colorful costumes, the lively quests, or the unique trinkets, knowing what to expect can help you make the most of your visit. This guide covers everything from choosing your garb to navigating tipping culture, staying hydrated, and embracing the spirit of adventure.
Dressing the Part: Choosing Your Garb
One of the most exciting parts of attending a renaissance faire is dressing up. Garb, the term for period-inspired clothing, lets you step fully into the fantasy. You don’t need to spend a fortune or have a perfect costume to fit in. Here are some tips to get started:
Start simple: A loose blouse or shirt paired with a long skirt or trousers can work well.
Nerd out. . . Get into the spirit of it. It’s fun.
Add accessories: Belts, scarves, leather pouches, or simple jewelry can enhance your look.
Comfort matters: Choose breathable fabrics since you’ll be outdoors for hours.
Borrow or rent: Many faires offer costume rentals or have vendors selling affordable garb.
Be creative: Mix and match styles from different eras or fantasy elements to make your outfit unique.
Buy Local: Buying unique pieces and accessories from local vendors who actually make what you get from them not only helps support small business, but makes your look more unique and connects your pieces to memories!
If you get into this you can make friends with vendor and swap for volunteering or buy from artists on etsy and similar for historically accurate pieces.
Be ready for weather. Consider a cape, gloves, faux fur etc. for heat layers you can lighten up on, a hat, a parasol etc
*Even as a fancier court character, I wear hiking boots for the uneven ground, and always choose linen or cotton under fabrics. In the renaissance chemises were always worn under corsetry for comfort and cleanliness. . . I also suggest woll socks. A lot of us who wear dresses wear leggings underneath like under armor that regulate temperature.
Wearing garb helps you feel part of the story and often encourages friendly interactions with performers and other guests.
Understanding Tipping Culture
Tipping at a renaissance faire is a bit different from everyday situations. Many performers, artisans, and servers rely on tips as part of their income. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Tip performers: If you enjoy a show, especially interactive ones like jugglers or musicians, toss a coin or a few dollars into their hat or tip box.
Support artisans: If you buy handmade trinkets or crafts, tipping the maker is appreciated but not required.
Food and drink vendors: Tipping is customary if you receive table service or exceptional care.
Use coins or small bills: Many faires encourage using coins or small denominations for tipping to keep it easy and fun.
Tipping shows appreciation and helps keep the magic alive for everyone.
Embarking on Quests and Adventures
Quests are a unique part of many renaissance faires, adding an interactive layer to your visit. These can range from scavenger hunts to role-playing challenges. Here’s how to dive in:
Ask at the entrance or info booths: They often provide maps or quest cards.
Join in games and contests: Archery, axe throwing, or trivia can be part of quests.
Engage with characters: Knights, wizards, and other figures may offer clues or tasks.
Collect stamps or tokens: Completing parts of a quest might earn you badges or small prizes.
Bring kids or friends: Quests are great for groups and add a sense of purpose to wandering the faire.
Quests encourage exploration and make your day more memorable. From Quests for kids, to pub crawls, many faires have special programming.
Finding and Choosing Trinkets
One of the joys of a renaissance faire is browsing the many stalls filled with unique items. Trinkets can be souvenirs, gifts, or additions to your garb. Here’s how to shop smart:
Look for handmade goods: Jewelry, leatherwork, pottery, and candles are common.
Ask about materials and origins: Many artisans use traditional methods and local materials.
Set a budget: It’s easy to get carried away, so decide how much you want to spend.
Try before you buy: Some items like hats or belts should fit comfortably.
Consider practical items: Trinkets like small pouches or water bottles can be useful during your visit.
Consider ‘trinket trading’ or gifting: Some people trade little trinkets from handmade, to little special somethings (often bought in bulk) to gift or swap for. I've seen shells, acorns, brooches, tiny rubber ducks etc. I personally give trinkets to those who go above and beyond for me as a special thank you to show them they are special to me. I use them like a 'favor'. My first year of doing trinkets which were red rose pins, a security guard cut a few loose threads of my newly sewn court gown that I missed with his pocket knife. He earned that trinket and wore it proudly. It's so fun to see people wearing former trinkets on their bags or pirate hats etc. Heartwarming!
Buying local from the vendors at your festival supports the artists and gives you a tangible memory of your day.
Staying Safe and Comfortable: Sunscreen and Hydration
Spending hours outdoors means you need to take care of your health. The excitement can make it easy to forget basics like sun protection and hydration.
Apply sunscreen early and often: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Wear a hat or hood: This adds shade and complements your garb.
Drink plenty of water: Carry a refillable water bottle and take breaks to hydrate. Honestly festivals and faires have the best lemonade! Electrolytes!
Plan for weather: Check the forecast and bring layers or rain gear if needed. Like I said.
Take breaks in shaded areas: Resting helps prevent fatigue and keeps you energized. Ask faire vets for their favorite secret spots.
These simple steps ensure you enjoy the faire without discomfort or health issues.
Embracing the Fantasy and Fun
The heart of a renaissance faire is the chance to escape everyday life and enter a world of fantasy and fun. Here are ways to fully embrace the experience:
Interact with performers: Many stay in character and love chatting with guests.
Try new foods: From turkey legs to mead, the faire offers unique tastes.
Attend shows and demonstrations: Jousting, blacksmithing, and dance performances bring history to life.
Take photos: Capture moments but respect performers and other guests.
Be open to surprises: Unexpected encounters and spontaneous events are part of the charm.
Letting go of your usual routine and joining the story makes your visit unforgettable.
My story of becoming Queen . . .
So this year I've been coronated as Queen of the local Renaissance Faire. (The New Mexico Celtic renaissance festival) Our former Queen and my dear friend Laura had to retire as the Queen to help her family with health issues after years of serving. I was her Loyal Lady in waiting for 2 years. . . I had been recruited by a former casting directior from a staged play reading we were in together. (Both film actors as well).
Our former Soverign suggested to the owners that I should be next in line for the throne! It felt like such a perfect fit after serving on court. I'm also a professional actor and I'm a decent seamstress! What a fun way to pull my skills together in such a whimsical way.
I've done a ton of research. On historical garb. Reading biographies on Mary Queen of Scots. I even recruited a full court this year and got a few more on the lane actors on board. I have been training up the 4 Marys (Mary Queen of Scots really had 4 ladies in waiting and besties all names 'Mary').
I fell into the improv worlds of acting (as well as other kinds) early taking improv classes young, then being in a sketch comedy troupe in college. Later as a Pro- Princess for Children's Parties, and doing Murder Mystery dinner party shows l. I was in the famous improv/staged shows like Tony N' Tina's Wedding in Dallas and on tour combined with the NYC cast. (I played Donna Marsala). Nothing throws you into thinking on your feet as an actor like staying in character and live interacting with the public!
It is weirdly a ton of prep to be Queen. I've sewed at least 5 gowns, and am helping the ladies sew. I've made 4 French Hoods, and gifted Many brooches and feather fans.
I’m paining a cart, learning Scottish blessings, and getting my Queen’s English dialect comfy again for this year.
500 trinkets got put together with pliers for the kids and adults I’ll be knighting!
It's weird stepping up into the role of Queen has been eye opening as a Woman to see how we shrink ourselves to be liked and accepted in every day life ! I'm really having to work on unapologetically throwing my shoulders back, holding my head up high, taking up space, and speaking with authority. It's been such a brilliant gift.
Man for someone who thought they weren't sure they could be a 'Rennie' I sure fell all the way down that rabbit hole!
If you read this blog and attend the faire please mention That I must be a 'Type-Aish Queen' for a special Surprise at court!
info on the faire where I'll be holding court:
Come see us ! The festival really is wonderful and growing so much yearly! 5 stages and so many lands to explore!
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Well met and Huzzah!!!
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