Bristol Renaissance Fair Review

Overall 3.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

Jolie
Chicago, IL

Whips, chains, corsets, & more. Where was I again?

seeker of fun and interesting places, appreciative of other cultures, an art lover

Pros

$1 parking, something different to do, true to form, good people watching, interesting costumes, authentic games, large village

Cons

pricey, nickel and dime you after entering, no shade!!

SEP

2007

Bristol Renaissance Fair —

While heading to Wisconsin for a recent trip, we stopped at the Bristol Renaissance Fair. It is located right on the border of Wisconsin and Illinois. You cant miss it! I think it is seasonal, so it is only open during certain times of the year.

As we were driving there, my husband warned me-- "Jolie, they give discounts to World of Warcraft members! Do you understand where we are going? Are you sure you want to go?"

"Yes," I told him. I love new and interesting experiences. And, why not check out something a little different?

We were both game and so were the kids. I have to admit, though, my husband was smirking the whole way there.

We pulled into the Bristol Renaissance Fair and were pleased to see it was $1 to park. Great!

Then, we walked to the entrance. Wow! Kids were free that weekend and we were about $15 to get in. Not bad. I felt good about our outing. After-all, it many only be people watching...

And, that it was. I looked around. We were surrounded by women in corset tops, men in chains, ninja costumes and even some dragon ladies. Okay. Our khaki shorts and polos really didnt fit in. (smile!)

We kept walking. Directly in the door, we saw a mudpit with guys shouting, a few people powered rides (literally, "slaves" powering the rides), a drumstick food station and a guy walking on stilts made to look like a horseman (he looked awesome!) Interesting.

I have to give Bristol huge props for making the village completely authentic looking. It was quaint, yet huge, cobblestone streetish, and full of wandering characters. They had many "free" shows, parades, and activities for the kids. At every corner of the park was something interesting to see or watch.

The downside to Bristol was there was so much to do but you had to pay $3 for nearly everything once you entered the park. And, generally kids were not allowed to do a lot of the kid stuff alone. So, we had to pay $12 for each activity. Before we knew it, we had spent well over $150 or $200 in just a matter of a few hours.

The other downside is that it was like 97 degrees the day we went and there were NO SHADE TREES IN SITE. Major bummer!

Overall, the Bristol Renaissance Fair is fun to do. It is great people watching and pretty authentic. But, be prepared to spend a lot of money while you are there-- because they nickel and dime you for everything.

Oh, and stay clear of the age old pop-- rootbeer with a hint of black licorice. Nasty. Simply nasty.

Bristol Renaissance Fair is recommended by Jolie

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Comments about Jolie’s Review

I am very excited to read your review. I will be going to my first Ren. Faire in a few weeks and can not wait! I have hand sewed my costume and everything. I will def. write a review when I get back.

Yes it is seasonal - usually 8-10 weekends in July / August. There are various fairs all over the country. Part of the 'nickel and dime' is that the shop owners have to rent their shops from the Fair, most of the people there work for nothing, or a gate pass, or improve experience, or tips. I worked Bristol for about 5 years - a friend had a booth out there. Now I goto the one in Kansas City

I have always wanted to do there, but either we are busy when it is going on, or I completely forget about it, and then by the time I remember it is over.

I have to say, I love renaissance fairs! I'm a bit of an addict. I'm excited for the one coming up soon in Austin!

Great review. There's a renaissance fair in Sterling, NY which is not too far from me, that I've been trying to go to for the last like 5 years but something always comes up. Knights and dragon ladies are right up my alley. Do they really give discounts to WoW members? lol.

Great Review! I saw that title and HAD to come check it out! lol

We have one of these close here, but I've not had a chance to go. I really should. Just hope it's not 97 degrees. You'd think I'd be OK with that from NC - but whew boy. I'm ready for some cool.