I’ve taken the opportunity to share why the New Jersey Renaissance Faire is my favorite ren faire but I started thinking about all of the people I’ve talked to who aren’t familiar with renaissance faires at all. People are always interested in learning ore about what goes on there. I get a lot of the same questions and I thought I’d share more, at least from the NJRF perspective.
Everybody’s favorite question seems to be: Do I have to wear a costume? Absolutely not! I wouldn’t expect you to have a costume laying around if you’ve never even been! If the mood to dress up strikes while you’re there, however, the New Jersey Renaissance Faire has a costume rentals section or several shops to piece together the perfect outfit. A lot of the little ones come in their favorite princess dresses or pirate costumes, like my kids, so feel free to encourage the kids to dress creatively! If you come during Time Travelers Weekend, you can wear a completely random and unrelated costume if you want, and not feel like an oddball! Dressing up is just additional fun but certainly not mandatory or expected. You can have plenty of fun wearing sandals and a t-shirt!
So, what is there to eat? In typical renaissance fashion, the NJRF has a big turkey leg you can nom on while you roam but they also have regular food like chicken fingers, which is a good fit for the kids. Fresh squeezed lemonade, baked goods, and snacks are available.
Can I bring my own food? No outside food or beverages are allowed but there’s a food court and several vendors to choose from. I’m a big fan of the baked goods and pickle on a stick!
Is the faire kid-friendly? It’s an incredibly amazing place to bring the kids. The games, shows, characters, and overall ambiance make it such a perfect spot to spend time as a family. There are a couple of playgrounds if you need a little break but they’re still bursting with energy.
Is there alcohol? New Jersey Renaissance Faire has a special adults only tent called the Mead Garden where Valenzano Winery wines are tasted and sold. This is where the adult-oriented shows are held, making it an awesome spot for the adults to chill kid-free but leaving the faire family-friendly. I personally love this set up and I’ve seen some pretty hilarious shows in that tent! You also may find alcohol at separate events, like the Duke’s Feast.
Can I bring my pets? Dogs are allowed with a small fee and registration form, updated shots and all of that healthy stuff. I personally love petting all of the puppies, big and small. So, I’d love to encourage you to bring your dog if you don’t mind me stopping you to ask to pet it. Because I’m gonna.
Are the faire grounds handicap accessible? My best friend rocks an electric chair and had no trouble getting over most of it, it’s just hilly. There isn’t a paved path to the Shakespeare stage in the back so you’re going over a lot of dirt, grass, and up a small hill to get there but he was pretty thrilled to have been able to see. We all love Shakespeare!
What’s the bathroom situation? I actually get asked this a lot and I think it’s because so many festivals and events have portable potties. You’ll be happy to hear that the toilets are not also from the renaissance times! It’s a regular toilet! Huzzah!
Do they sell other wares? You can buy all kinds of things from the tents at the faire! There’s jewelry, weapons, clothes, lots of different things. Last year I got a headache and bought some peppermint oil (that stuff is magical, guys!) and my kids bought beautiful hand-painted bird whistles.
What do you do there? First and foremost, interact with the characters. The games are my favorite way to do that, scavenger hunt for kids and adventurer’s game for everyone. What sets the New Jersey Renaissance Faire ahead of others is the intimacy of the interaction. The fairies are going to make your kids feel like they’re at Disney World. The wacky ones will make you laugh, the clever ones will make you think, they’ll all engage you and make it worth it.
See the shows! You’ll laugh, you’ll be amazed! Watch improv comedy and fire breathers, sword fighting, and an acrobatic ribbon climber. Play games, visit shops, and attend the joust and human chess match! Eat, drink, immerse yourself in your surroundings and just enjoy!
What questions do YOU have about the Renaissance Faire?
Tickets for the faire or after hours shows can be purchased at NJRenFaire.com.
CONNECT with the NJ Renaissance Faire:
*The Quirky Mom Next Door received no compensation of any kind for this post. All thoughts and opinions are our own only.
This does look like so much fun! Especially for the kids! You are lucky to have a nice fair like this! We have country fairs, that are enjoyable.