From jousting to turkey legs, here's what to know about Kenosha's Bristol Renaissance Faire

Claire Reid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·4 min read

Hear ye, hear ye! The Bristol Renaissance Faire is returning to southeastern Wisconsin for nine weekends beginning on July 6.

During the Faire, over 30 acres near the Wisconsin-Illinois border are transformed into the bustling and eclectic English city of Bristol in 1574. The immersive entertainment and shopping experience is set on a summer day when Queen Elizabeth is visiting.

Faire-goers can enjoy a variety of performers, including interactive comedians, acrobats, live music, magic, Shakespeare, sword swallowing, and even authentic, full-contact jousting by knights in shining armor on horseback. Guests can learn Renaissance crafts such as basket and textile weaving, candle making and calligraphy at educational demonstrations led by potters, blacksmiths and other artisans. There are also plenty of amusement rides, games, a petting zoo and a climbing wall.

Guests are encouraged, though not required, to come dressed in costume. Costume guidelines can be found on the Faire's website. The Faire says people have come in everything from fur suits to kilts to Lord of the Rings attire.

You can purchase a variety of unique food, clothing, crafts and other items at the Faire. Try garlic-butter mushrooms, giant turkey legs, Cornish meat pies and other Renaissance treats. There are also everyday foods like chicken wings and nachos, gluten-free and vegetarian options, and a wide alcoholic beverage selection.

The Faire's Marketplace features over 125 artisans hosting historical and product demonstrations, and selling unique clothing, costumes, art, jewelry, home decor and more. Find everything from historic replica weapons to Steampunk fashion to clay dragons.

Naomi Houser, as Mary Meetagain, Queen of the May, sings with the Bristol Buskin Frolik on July 7, 2013. The Renaissance Faire features a variety of 16th century arts, games, food, music, comedy and dance.
Naomi Houser, as Mary Meetagain, Queen of the May, sings with the Bristol Buskin Frolik on July 7, 2013. The Renaissance Faire features a variety of 16th century arts, games, food, music, comedy and dance.

When is the Bristol Renaissance Faire?

The Bristol Renaissance Faire takes place every Saturday and Sunday, plus Labor Day Monday, from July 6 to Sept. 2.

In other words, you can visit the Faire in 2024 on these nine weekends:

  • July 6-7

  • July 13-14

  • July 20-21

  • July 27-28

  • Aug. 3-4

  • Aug. 10-11

  • Aug. 17-18

  • Aug. 24-25

  • Aug. 31-Sept. 2

A fairie plays cats-cradle with sting as she entertained children at the Bristol renaissance Faire on July 7, 2013, in the Fairie Glenn. The faire features a variety of 16th century arts, games, food, music, comedy and dance.
A fairie plays cats-cradle with sting as she entertained children at the Bristol renaissance Faire on July 7, 2013, in the Fairie Glenn. The faire features a variety of 16th century arts, games, food, music, comedy and dance.

Where is the Bristol Renaissance Faire?

The Bristol Renaissance Faire is at 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, just off of I-94.

The Faire park is about 45 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee and 1 hour north of Chicago.

Sir Mauldron (left) does battle with Sir Maxmillian during the jousting competition on July 5, 2014, at the Bristol Renaissance Faire.
Sir Mauldron (left) does battle with Sir Maxmillian during the jousting competition on July 5, 2014, at the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

Bristol Renaissance Faire 2024 theme weekends

This summer, the Renaissance Faire is holding five special theme weekends catered toward different sub-cultures:

  • Steampunk weekend, July 13-14: This weekend features a daily hand-made Steampunk costume contest (winners receive Faire tickets) and two pop-up Absinthe bars. Adventurous drinkers can even try a "Flaming Absinthe" cocktail.

  • Marketplace weekend, July 20-21: Spend $500 or more at the Marketplace and receive two tickets to return to the Faire. All purchases must be made on the same day, and you must claim your complimentary tickets at the Guest Services Booth before 7 p.m. on July 20 or 21.

  • Cottagecore weekend, July 27-28: Guests are encouraged to don their "best woodland attire" for this special theme weekend. Each guest will receive a map for a self-guided "Cozy Crawl," showing where to find artisan-created hand-made items to turn their homes into a cozy cottage. You can participate in the Cottagecore Maypole Dance, find the secret toadstool meetup and close out the night dancing at the Fairy Frolic Drum Jam.

  • Pirate weekend, Aug. 3-4: Get dressed up and partake in the Pirate .05K obstacle course, test your knowledge in the Pirate Trivia challenge and learn how to tie sailor's knots.

  • RennCon, Aug. 10-11: Guests are encouraged to come dressed in any cosplay outfit ― whether sci-fi, anime, fantasy, comics or other ― and mingle with the Faire's 16th-century townsfolk. The weekend will feature a Cosplay Maypole Celebration and a multi-fandom Trivia Challenge.

Costumed performers dance a Dargasen, on July 7, 2013, an English country dance in the towne square. The Renaissance Faire features a variety of 16th century arts, games, food, music, comedy and dance.
Costumed performers dance a Dargasen, on July 7, 2013, an English country dance in the towne square. The Renaissance Faire features a variety of 16th century arts, games, food, music, comedy and dance.

How to get tickets to the Bristol Renaissance Faire

Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Adult tickets are $40 each; tickets for children ages 5 to 12 are $15 each. Children 4 and under are free.

Military and seniors 62 and older can buy tickets for $38 each, only at the box office.

You can also purchase discounted tickets ($36/adult, $13/child) at participating Menards stores in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana, including in Milwaukee.

Learn more and purchase tickets online here: renfair.com/bristol/tickets.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How to get tickets and what to do at the Bristol Renaissance Faire