Ready to party like it's 1599? Well you're in luck: the Bristol Renaissance Faire opens this weekend and runs every weekend this summer through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4.
Since 1972, The Ren Faire has offered visitors a trip back to the 16th Century during a visit by Queen Elizabeth I to the English port city of Bristol. However, the Faire offers so much more than a page from a historical novel; there are proverbial chapters of family fun, sass talk, mud, the occult, a dash of danger and, as stated by Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Sternberg, "more beer and bosoms than you'll find in all of Disney World."
Here are 5 reasons to check out at the Faire if Sternberg's quote didn't already convince you:
1. Turkey legs 'n' mushroom stew
Ren Faire food is some of the finest festival food available and the massive turkey drumstick is a dark-meat classic for carnivores. More into mushrooms than meat? No problem, we recommend the garlic mushrooms served hot from a gigantic cauldron. Be sure to get extra bread sticks for broth sopping.
2. The muddiest show on earth
The Mud Show is a must-see at the Faire. It's performed multiple times per day and is, literally, the filthiest event on the grounds. However, both lords and ladies alike need to be prepared to get a tad dirty if they choose to sit in the front row.
3. Interesting, interactive characters
The Spider Lady, The Man In the Box, The Queen, The Death Paraders and faeries galore populate the gorgeous grounds with unexpected, meaningful – and sometimes downright bawdy – interactions. The staff of the Faire is truly its greatest asset.
4. The spirited, end-of-day drum circle
Arguably, the Faire's finest feature – and feistiest freak show – takes place when festival-goers meet at the end of the day (around 6:15 p.m.) in the heart of the fairgrounds for a farewell jam. Approximately a dozen drummers bang on bongos and congas, led by a masked Tibetan man playing the tympani, blowing a whistle and leading a call-and-response chant over the drumming.
5. The love
More than 100 couples have been married at Bristol over the past 30 years. And every summer, there are dozens of pre-arranged marriage proposals at the Faire. Hence, love is definitely in the air. Not only from the betrothed, but from the devoted cast as well as the fairegoers – some of the most authentic, passionate and quick-to-have-fun folks in all of the land.
For everything Ren Faire go here.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
