Year after year, the far corner of southeast Wisconsin is happily stuck in the Elizabethan era. The Bristol Renaissance Faire was founded back in 1972 and it’s as wonderful as ever, with vibrant entertainment that takes you someplace special.
The award-winning festival is located right on the Illinois border in Kenosha County. It sprawls across 30 acres and has open-air stages featuring sword fighters, minstrels, and jesters. You may even spot a queen and her court!
The faire takes place every summer over nine weekends, starting in early July. The festival is held each Saturday and Sunday, as well as the Monday of Labor Day weekend.
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Rhode Island, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Maine, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Massachusetts, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
People of all ages will have fun traveling back in time at the festival. Attendees enjoy lively 16th century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, and parades. All entertainment is included with the price of admission.
A fully armored joust is a crowd favorite. It’s pretty intense – be prepared to see jousts break and shields shatter! Other entertainers will make you laugh until you cry or have you marveling at their amazing musical talent.
Attendees also have one-of-a-kind encounters with the festival's unusual cast of characters. There is something or someone interesting at every turn.
No one goes hungry at the festival. If you like giant turkey legs, you’ll be very happy here!
The festival takes place from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. each day. Tickets are available online and military and senior discounts are available. The faire sometimes holds special theme weekend events like steampunk and pirate-themed weekends. Interested in more weird and wonderful festivals? Here are some of the strangest, wackiest, weirdest, and most fun reasons to get together and have a good time.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!