Yesterday, I made a snap decision at 11AM that we should attend the New York Renaissance Faire. Normally, I’d plan this sort of thing ahead, but the weather was beautiful, we hadn’t gone in a couple of years, and it had been in the back of my mind for a couple of weeks now, anyway, so off we went!
Driving down Route 87 in New York, you’d probably whiz on past Tuxedo without blinking. This quiet community of about 3600 people in the Southern part of the state isn’t normally a draw for visitors. But in August and September, every year since 1977, crowds flock to this small town, eager to transport themselves back to a time of queens and fairies, pirates and kings, and mugs of beer to accompany their turkey legs. That’s because Tuxedo, New York, is home to the New York Renaissance Faire.
The New York Renaissance Faire, adjacent to Tuxedo Ridge Ski Center in Tuxedo, NY, features over 125 performances on 20 stages, with over 100 craftspeople set on 65 acres of fields and forest.
Actors spend 2 months preparing for their roles, expertly setting a scene from many centuries ago in which you can completely immerse yourself. It’s quite magical.
This weekend was our third trip to the NY Ren Faire: my first was when my brother was only 11 or 12 years old. My husband (then-boyfriend) and I brought him on the 2-hour trek to Tuxedo not knowing what to expect. At 26, he still talks about that trip! My kids are now hooked, as well. It’s a fantastic family outing.
It’s best to arrive early. Free parking fills up fast and if you end up in the auxiliary lot (like we did this time), it’s a long walk to the entrance. There are shuttles, but it’s still a haul to the stop. There is preferred parking available right at the entrance for $10.
Costumes are not required, but, being the Drama Club geek that I am, I find they enhance the experience. It’s not too often you can run off somewhere to be someone else entirely. My son agrees wholeheartedly. He was angry that I wore my heart-shaped sunglasses (I gave them up to his cargo pockets, the little hypocrite that he is) and brought my camera, as they ruined the authenticity of my attire. Yup. He’s my kid. 
You can purchase pieces to build your own costume from the many merchants scattered throughout the property. All of them are quite willing to assist in fashioning you in whichever era suits you best. My bodice? I bought that at the first NY Ren Faire I attended, 14-15 years ago, and it’s still going strong! Don’t want to invest in one of your own? There are costume rentals available on site and they’re fairly reasonable, with children’s costumes ranging $8-$25 and adults’ costumes being $18-$65. The most important thing? That you’re comfortable for a day full of fun–because you’ll want to allow yourself a full day to see it all! 
Buy your tickets online to save yourself from waiting in line. Or, if you made a last-minute choice to visit the village, like us, you can sign up for the NY Ren Faire’s email list to receive coupons, and you only need to show the image on your phone to knock a couple bucks off your entrance fee.
Stuff #newyork #nyrenfaire #nyrf #huzzah #wherefantasyrules A photo posted by Carrie Vibert (@poetinthepantry) on
Walk in and find yourself in a small hamlet in Europe, sometime in the 16th Century. A shop on your right boasts their “stuff” for sale. You can try your hand at removing the sword from the stone–are you the true king? Maybe your kids have been brats–lock them in the pillory! Shops line the street, luring you in to the center to investigate further. 
I suggest perusing the stage schedule before your adventure. While you will happen upon a multitude of exciting and interesting performances around each corner, you can plan your day better armed with this information. I highly recommend the jousting and if you stick around after, the kids can pet the horses. There are 2 pub crawls a day (for an additional fee), as well as wine tastings (also an additional fee). My kids especially enjoyed watching the May pole dance this year, something we haven’t stopped for before. {click on the image below to watch a short video of this demonstration}
#nyrf #nyrenfaire #huzzah #wherefantasyrules A video posted by Carrie Vibert (@poetinthepantry) on
Studying the map will also help. Usually, I print it out and bring it along, but, seeing as this was an impulse trip, we went without. Which resulted in the serendipitous discovery of Heathen Hearth Gathering, behind Queen’s Glade. There, a Viking encampment was spread out, and we were invited to play 2 rounds of kubb, a Viking lawn game. Our host made us feel most welcome, despite the good-natured taunting. (Mental note: must locate a version of this to play at home…)
In addition to the regular performances, each weekend is themed. We attended during time travelers weekend, which found us in the midst of characters from throughout time and space (and fantasy)!
September 12-13 will be pirates weekend–I wish I could return! My next costume most definitely will be piratical. Be sure to check out The Dread Crew of Oddwood while you’re there–they’re a folk-metal mix of pirates spreading their merriment throughout the park.
The Dread Crew of Oddwood performs at The New York Renaissance Faire
Food is plentiful at the NY Renaissance Faire, and meets a variety of dietary needs. It’s a little surprising what you will encounter, when you approach the event thinking that it’ll be like your typical county fair. Hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, and schwarma are offered alongside typical favorites, like baked potatoes, steak on a stake, fried mac and cheese, and cheese fries. The full menu can be found on their website. Please note that no outside food or drink is allowed. I broke my rule I made many moons ago and drank a glass of mead. It did not disappoint (and I survived the transgression, unscathed!). Make sure you bring your ID if you want to be served alcohol.
While many of the merchants accept credit cards, the food and drink booths are strictly cash only. Luckily, there is an ATM on site, if you left your paper money at home (or spent it all, which is easy enough to do).
Leaving at the end of the day, the light dwindling, the crowds carrying us out in their wave of mass exodus, I was left with a feeling of disappointment. Did I really have to return to the real world? Couldn’t I escape for a little while longer? I hadn’t yet had my fill of mead and bawdy ballads. I didn’t get to watch the Chess Board game or see Robin Hood wed Maid Marion. We arrived too late. Which leads me to believe that this will not be my last Renaissance Faire visit this year… it has become an addiction. And while some flock to the county fairs for their fill, I will continue to call the Ren faire my home away from home. We all need to escape, once in a while.
Have you attended a Renaissance Faire before? What did you think of it?
So glad you stumbled upon our little village. I was the the one teaching Kubb. Here is a video explaining the rules
https://player.vimeo.com/video/90462459” width=”500″ height=”234″ frameborder=”0″ webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen
As craftspeople and owners of Medieval Productions (hand crafted pewter figurines) at the New York Renaissance Faire we would like to thank you for posting such a wonderful entry about our lovely village in your blog. It’s our second home and I know I speak for us all – crafters, acting troupe and management – when I say we are so pleased that you found us and hope you visit again soon.
The MEAD!!! Love the Renaissance Fair! I’ve been to the one here in Huntersville, NC, as well as the one in Sterling, NY. It’s a super good time! Love all your photos 🙂
Looks like a lot of fun—I do enjoy some mead every now and then. I’ve been the the faire that is held in Hebron, CT, but that is smaller than this one, still fun though.
Oh my gosh Carrie, I saw you post this on instagram & Facebook and flipped my lid. This is the coolest thing ever. What a fun experience. I have to attend when I visit.