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The Temple of Geek Podcast dives into the world of Renaissance Fairs! Join hosts Lacey Bond and Nick Williams as they geek out about all things Renaissance Faire. In keeping with the theme, their guest is a Ren Faire veteran and vendor, Molly Conway of Krakenwhip. Lacey, Nick, and Molly will provide the ultimate beginner’s guide to conquering the Renaissance Faire.

So, whether you’re a returning listener or a new friend, come along for a little adventure into the world of Ren Faires. Good morrow and welcome, Faire Gentles, to a very special information-packed episode of the Temple of Geek podcast. We’re geeking out about all things Renaissance Faire, whether you prefer to call it a Renaissance Festival or a Ren Faire – the season is upon us!

A Beginner’s Guide to Conquering the Renaissance Faire

Renaissance Fairs are immersive experiences where attendees can dress up in period clothing, shop for handmade crafts, enjoy food and drinks, and participate in activities. These events transport you to a bygone era, filled with costumed characters, handcrafted goods, delicious eats, and fun activities.

What to Expect

• Shows: Be entertained by Shakespearean plays with a twist, bawdy comedy routines, and jousting tournaments.
• Vendors: Browse through unique shops selling everything from handmade crafts and leather goods to food and drinks. Some fairs even have adult-themed areas with stronger drinks and performances.
• Immersive Experience: Many fairs are designed to resemble a real Renaissance village, with costumed characters and period-specific demonstrations.

Tips for Attending a Renaissance Fair

• Dress Up (Optional): Enhance the experience by dressing in Renaissance clothing, but comfortable clothes are also a must.
• Arrive Early: Parking can get crowded, so plan to arrive early to secure a good spot.
• Hydrate: Bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day, especially because it can get hot and dusty.

• Pace Yourself: It’s a long day, so plan for breaks and find shady areas to rest. Fairs often have shows with seating, which can be a good opportunity to relax.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: There will be a lot of walking on uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are essential.
• Bring Cash: While some vendors may accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand.

Accessibility

• Uneven Terrain: Be prepared for uneven ground, which can be difficult to navigate with mobility aids.
• Compassionate Community: The Renaissance fair community is generally very accommodating and helpful to people with disabilities.

• Ask for Help: If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask a vendor or staff member. They’re happy to help!

Pro-Tips for making the most of your time at Renaissance Faire

• There is no historical accuracy requirement for costumes, but most people wear something related to the Renaissance era.
• If you have dietary restrictions, it can be challenging to find food options. Talk to fair staff about bringing your own food if necessary.

• Be aware that weapons sold at Renaissance Fairs are real and not toys. Children especially need supervision when handling these items.
• Some fairs offer rentals for costumes.
• Many people build their fair wardrobes over time, acquiring a few new pieces each year.
• Tightlacing bodices can be dangerous, especially if you plan on drinking alcohol.
• It’s a good idea to pace yourself throughout the day and stay hydrated.

Overall, a Renaissance fair is a unique and fun experience that offers something for everyone. With a little planning, you can have a memorable day.

About our Guest

Molly Conway is a classic product of the Theatre Kid to Ren Faire pipeline. She and her husband Win Wallace are the co-Captains of Krakenwhip, an Oakland-based leather goods company helping adventurers of all sizes and styles up their carry capacity. She hopes you create more occasions in your life to play dress up.

Temple of Geek Podcast

The Temple of Geek Podcast has been around since 2012 and is hosted by various geeky people from the Temple of Geek team. Here we cover all manner of geek and pop culture news and events.

You can listen to the Temple of Geek Podcast directly on this page or stream it on Apple Podcasts / Google Podcast / iHeart Radio / Stitcher / Spotify and wherever you stream your podcast.

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