When our office manager, Dani, shared that she was heading off to the Renaissance Faire, we knew it was an opportunity to share the knowledge. Learn how you too can go back in time and enjoy Ren Faire for the weekend, or even as a day trip.
Where and what exactly is the REn Faire?
We went to the PA Ren Faire in Manheim, PA. It’s about a 1.5- 2-hour car ride, which of course, is made more enjoyable by a curated themed playlist.
Many people come in costume, be it a queen in full regalia or a druid elf (raising hand!). There are shows, food, vendors, and a whole lot of walking. Everyone is super friendly, chatting and making friends, commenting on the costumes. It feels like a safe place for the LGBTQ community and families (kids under 4 are free!), and you can even bring your dog!
The Faire runs every weekend from the end of August until just before Halloween in October. Each weekend has its own theme, from Wizards to Vikings. It opens at 11 am and closes up at 8 pm. Tickets include admission to the grounds and all shows throughout the day. You can add on packages such as glass blowing lessons or a themed breakfast for an additional cost. Parking is totally free!
Did you stay over?
You can absolutely go for the day (many do), but we wanted to make an adventure of it. There are hotels in the area, however we planned well in advance and were able to book an Airbnb in nearby Lititz. It was a perfect setting; it even had a charming arched hobbit door that really tied into the weekend. The hot tub was welcome at the end of the long day.
We loved that we got stuck behind a horse and buggy on the way from the Faire to our accommodations. There were nearby restaurants that we took advantage of for brunch and dinner. And on Sunday we popped into the town that had an adorable Main Street with a sweet bookstore, pretzel bakery, antique shop, and all sorts of charm.
Photos Instagram @parenfaire
Talk to me about costumes
It’s so fun! We all dressed up. In fact, we got to the parking area early specifically so we could get ready. There’s a whole vibe; everyone is getting ready, doing their makeup, playing music. It’s like daylight tailgating with a cosplay crowd and coffee!
The crowd was probably 50/50 in costumes vs daily streetwear. Some people went Ren Faire light and just wore a flower crown, while others were dressed to the nines. It may feel strange as a grown adult to dress up, but you are in a safe environment, and everyone is having a blast. I say do it! No matter what, though, wear comfy shoes because there is a lot of walking!
What is a typical day at the Ren Faire like?
We hit up the vendors in the morning when the park first opened. Vendors feature anything from handcrafted goods to real leather corsets, custom hats, and all sorts of unique things you wouldn’t find and can’t get outside of this event. It’s sort of like an in-person Etsy!
All that shopping made us hungry, so we grabbed lunch. There are some veggie options (baked potato bar, veggie burgers and fries); vegans may have a harder time, but not impossible. Meat eaters will walk around with a turkey leg and feel like royalty.
There are ales and ciders if that’s your thing. You can purchase a metal stein and have it refilled, or you can BYOS(stein). They also have a ton of non-alcoholic options, including a questionably themed slushy drinks (but so welcomed on a hot day!)
After lunch it was all about the shows! There was jousting, comedy shows, dance lessons, and even a group sing-along. We were surprised when all of a sudden it was 7 pm and time to head home!
Any hot tips for future Faire goers?
As I mentioned, skip the uncomfortable shoes and go with something you can walk in. Bring your own water bottle, as there is a refill station; otherwise you’ll have to shell out for bottled water.
Bring a bag! I forgot one and bought a bunch of stuff; I was wishing I had a big bag to keep it all in one place. And you know, maybe a couple more cash dollars for browsing the vendor wares.
If you’re looking to avoid crowds, arrive on the early side. We were in the parking by 10:30am and inside the gates at 11:15 am. As the day progressed, the crowds grew, but it was still manageable.
And above all- Go! It’s a lot of fun to escape to this fairy world where everyone is having a great time together. I will be heading back once the weather is cooler, and I am going BIG with my costume!
Our Marketing Manager, Bonnie Wisnowski calls this neighborhood home. Here she tells us what she loves about Port Richmond and why you should become her new neighbor (or at least come to visit).