GEEK N OUT REVIEW
The Bristol Renaissance Faire
Reviewer Robert Southgate

This summer marks the 30th Anniversary of the Bristol Renaissance Faire. My family and I attended the opening weekend, something we have never done before. Typically when we go, it is later in the season and the Faire itself feels very lived in. We always thought the experience would be better later in the season as the performers have settled into their roles more yet this was not the case. What we found was an immersive environment that felt like it runs year ‘round. As a guest, I found every person I encountered to be fun and welcoming. It truly gave the impression that everybody there loves what they do and loves to share the experience with those around them.

We started our day by walking the grounds and did some shopping in the unique shops and carts that are found throughout. Molly, our 10-year-old daughter, remarked that she wanted to live in one of the clothing stores because she loved it so much. The three shops we spent the most time in were Mockingbird Studio Jewelry, Ravensburg Chain Maille (both located in Shakespeare’s Meadow), and East Wind Games (located in Guild Hall, Row N). As a group, we experienced RenQuest, which was a lot of fun (get a more in depth account with our RenQuest Review – only at Geek N Out!) The food is another highlight. We had the giant sausage on a stick (aka The Homewrecker), the butterfly potatoes, and of course the turkey leg. All of which were delicious.

Various stages throughout the Faire feature acts of all types. You can plant yourself at a stage and be entertained between food runs or stop and watch for a while at random stages. Since the performers work for tips, be generous. If you like the act, show them with a little cash. The acts we consider must-sees are the The Sturdy Beggars Mud Show (in the Mud Pit), MooNiE the MagnifCent (on the Globe Stage) and a new one this year, Cirque de Sewer (also on the Globe Stage). It has trained cats, need we say more? Also, make sure to catch Adam Crack’s act in the center area near the Marketplace. Adam holds seven Guinness Book World Records for his amazing fire whip demonstrations. That’s right, it’s a whip – on fire.

There are musical acts, jugglers, belly dancers, balancing acts, roaming sword fights, chalk artists, dancing, a May pole, Dan the Bard, fairies, and incredible aerial act, a hawk trainer, roaming storytellers, live jousting, and much more! With all this to do, it is also a great environment to simply sit and people watch. You can do as much or as little as you like and not feel pressured to participate.

The faire offers complimentary children’s areas that feature rides, games and other fun activities such as giant sand boxes, crafts, and a military encampment where kids can try on armor. There are activities throughout the faire (at additional costs) such as a petting zoo, knife and axe throwing, Da Vinci’s Flying Machine, a climbing wall, and The Pirate Ship Dreadnought where you can be a part of a pirate crew all day if you like. This is just a small sampling of the various attractions to participate in.

There is so much to see and do at the Faire that one day simply is not enough. Plus with the amazing Theme Weekends, you'll want to go back again and again! In fact, we’ve been to the faire many times and have still only seen a few of these things.

If you’ve never been, go. It’s better than a day at Six Flags and a fraction of the cost.