The Renaissance Pleasure Faire is much more than an authentic medieval experience, its complete immersion into the past. Every scene encountered is a painting being created in front of your eyes.
The best part about it is that there’s no definitive way to enjoy it. Cosplayers and spectators all take part, either dressing the nth degree or just merely marveling at the characters roaming the faire. Even before you walk through the hallowed gates you’re greeted by a sea of bandits, bards, butchers, troubadours and royalty.
Revelry abound, tastes from around the globe congregate in the heart of the fairgrounds, with purveyors providing cuisine from all over.
Fill your satchel with hand-crafted wares, artisanal confections, or try your hand at archery. Truly the faire is a cornucopia replete with activities fit for any age.
Watch as the familiar and the bizarre all come together in one place to make you feel strangely at home.
With every corner you turn there is a sight to behold.
Wizards put their magical mastery on full display leaving spectators in awe.
Daredevils draw collective gasps while juggles blades, flames, and whips with exceptional dexterity and great wit.
Where the line becomes hazy between role-playing and lifestyle is when it becomes easy to let go and be swept up in this atmosphere of community. Everyone at the faire treats you like one of their own.
It’s a welcoming tone that can’t really be replicated, you become enamored with the world that you’ve crossed into, a parallel dimension rather than an excursion into the past. It’s a place where the fantastical intertwines with historical.
Dedication is the crux of the faire. The heart beats as one, as the community thrives from the hard work and immaculate personas that the cast takes on.
Nary is there a moment when you can distinguish between the attendees and the cast members themselves. The aura is infectious as you get whisked away in the frenzy of the jubilant atmosphere.
With each role assumed, an impeccable vernacular is adopted, from the smiths to the knights, the wenches to the Queen’s royal court, you are thoroughly convinced that these people are of another realm.
With the coup de gras of the faire being the enthralling jousting tournament, and the queen’s procession to round out the end of the day, it is a most satisfying experience to partake in firsthand.
Be sure to make your way to the faire and celebrate with a one-of-a-kind family!
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or on-line at www.renfair.com
The seven-week Faire is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 in the morn, ‘til 7 eventide April 6 – May 19 at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 Arrow Highway, Irwindale, CA. A Vehicle Entry fee of $10 is charged by Los Angeles County. For more information, visit www.renfair.com.
