The 2021 Bristol Renaissance Faire has come to a close, but we managed to visit for our first time this summer. It’s held every Saturday and Sunday during the summer and closed Labor Day weekend. It’s about 40 minutes from the Chicago area and makes a fun family outing.
We purchased our tickets online for $24.50 per adult and $10 per child 5-12 years old. Our 3-year-old’s admission was free, but you still need to select that option when purchasing tickets. With mobile tickets you receive a QR code in your email to scan at the entrance. While there is a stroller entrance to the far left, if you have a mobile ticket you should enter at the main entrance even if you have a stroller. You are not able to bring food, according to the website, unless needed for medical or dietary restrictions. (No picnic lunches!) One water bottle per person is allowed.
You’ll need to bring cash for food because none of the food/drink vendors accepts cards. There’s an ATM on site, but we pulled out cash ahead of time instead. Many if not all the other vendors did accept cards though.
Kids will enjoy the human-powered rides around the faire. Some have height restrictions, and the attendants accept tips.
For lunch we enjoyed pizza for about $6 a slice and cheese fries for $7.50. Our lemonades on a hot day were $5, and we also had other treats. There’s so much to choose from, including the classic turkey legs! Vegetarian options are available as well.
If you want to see any of the jousting shows, it’s recommended you get to the stands about 20-30 minutes early to grab a seat. Otherwise you’ll have to sit in the grassy sections on the ground. There’s some shade available.
While the pandemic is still among us in 2021, masks were not required. The website states: “Unvaccinated individuals, including children, are encouraged to wear a mask where social distancing is not possible (lines, show seating, etc.). Masks are a personal choice. They are not required.” Wisconsin does not have a mask mandate in place. We chose to wear our masks because the Ren Faire become quite crowded in the afternoon.
Besides eating and the attractions, shopping is the main theme. We purchased flower crowns for the girls for $15 and $25 each, plus a parasol for $40. Be prepared to spend.
Have you attended the Bristol Renaissance Faire? What did you think?