tips to make the Most of the Georgia Renaissance Festival

Greetings, fair travelers! As you prepare to step back in time at your local Renaissance Festival, let me arm you with the knowledge I've gleaned over the years to make your journey one of utmost delight. Behold, a collection of sage advice to help you navigate the winding pathways of the fairegrounds and partake in all its splendid offerings!

"Prepare Thyself for Merriment!" | The Georgia Renaissance Festival's sign

Over the last few years I've had the absolute privilege to attend the Georgia Renaissance Festival and it is always a my favorite way to kick off summer!

Where else am I going to find an immaculate linen sleeping gown, corset, and replica of Éowyn's dagger? When is the next time I get to dress up like a shield maiden while drinking mead with my friends? Where can I peruse various handcrafted goods among other equally enthusiastic patrons? and where else will I see horse acrobatics, jousting, AND a sword fight?

If any of that sounds like an exciting adventure you'd like to experience yourself, you may be interested in learning some tips to make the most of your next trip to The Renaissance Festival.

view of the jousting area from the stands with people wearing crowns and holding "HUZZAH!" flags | The Georgia Renaissance Festival

PLAN AHEAD

When considering a trip anywhere, to get the most out of your time it is important to plan ahead. At least a little! And hey, by taking the time to read this, you are doing just that my friend! You are planning ahead!

For me, this starts with setting a budget. While most vendors accept cards, I feel that it's much easier to stay on budget when you have a limited amount on hand, therefore at the Ren Fest, cash is KING! You spend less time waiting to checkout at different merchants and can also avoid the ATM lines if you get your cash ahead of time.

If you're a die hard card carrier, just remember, HUZZAH FOR THE TIPPER!

At least bring some cash to tip the hard working staff!

jousting in the tournament ring | The Georgia Renaissance Festival

CONSIDER THE WEATHER!

Even if you don't dress up, consider how the weather will affect what you are going to wear to the festival. Be sure to check the weather around the weekend you plan to visit, including the days prior to your intended date. A week of rain could cause some seriously mucky conditions, and while trudging through rain and mud for hours would be very authentic to the Middle Ages, it doesn't make for a very fun day when you're unprepared. Just as impossibly hot, dry, and dusty days are to be expected, especially in the south. It's best to accept the fact that you are definitely going to sweat and get a bit grimey!

But do not fear, we are all stained and BO ridden peasants at The Renaissance Festival! Some choose to fully embrace it, but I like to carry body wipes in my bag along with my cash. (This year I'm splurging and bringing cooling body wipes.) My other essential items include my small cross body bag, folding paper fan, an oversized floppy hat, and sunscreen to help shade myself from the scorching sun.

"Garden Cottage. Good Clean Fun. Wet, dirty women" sign and a laundry line across some trees | The Georgia Renaissance Festival

DON'T FORGET SPF!

Sunscreen is a big "duh" I know, but it's so necessary. CeraVe's Mineral sunscreen is what I'm currently using for my face, but any sunscreen will do fine as long as you remember to reapply, Reapply, REAPPLY!

It imperative to protect yourself from sunburn, especially any exposed, sensitive areas like including your face, hairline, scalp, ears, neck, hands, and feet. Yes your hairline, hands, and feet can get sunburnt! I'll say from experience, it is not pleasant. This is when spray sunscreens can be really helpful, but not super convenient to carry around.

That leads us to my next tip for anyone wanting to save a little space in their bag while saving some coin: take a midday "Parking Field Trip" to your car.

winding through the heart of the festival | The Georgia Renaissance Festival

PARKING FIELD TRIP

You may be asking... What is a parking field trip? Well it is exactly what it sounds like: a trip to the field that is the designated parking area.

At least at the Georgia Renaissance Festival, you are allowed to go back to your vehicle and reenter the fairgrounds, so for the last few years our group has packed a a cooler or two in order to save some money on food and drinks. This also allows for us to regroup and take a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the fairgrounds.

We pack all of our favorite beverages on ice, some homemade sammies for lunch, other munchy snacks & plenty of WATER. We also take this time to reapply sunscreen and most importantly: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Even if you aren't partaking in libations, stay well hydrated to help prevent dehydration or heat stroke!

group photo during one of our "parking field trips" | The Georgia Renaissance Festival

DRESS APPROPRIATELY!

Choosing an outfit and accessories you can accept getting a bit muddy or dusty, while also being comfortable AND functional is crucial. This means things like pants or skirts with pockets, belts with extra hooks and loops to hang a coin purse, drinking horn, or sword.

Leather bags & pouches make for great Renaissance accessories! Even if you don't choose to dress up, plan what you'll be wearing to ensure comfort and walkability. Breathable fabrics are a must, just like comfortable shoes. My husband Jacob usually wears his Chacos for some extra support, but for the past few years I've kept it simple and braved the dirt and dust in my Jesus sandals. Yeah I said it, my Jesus sandals. They are comfortable enough to wear all day, go along with my wench outfits, and clean up very easily after.

hats & folding fans saving the day | The Georgia Renaissance Festival

PACK LIGHT!

You're likely to leave with a few goodies, so when bringing a bag, be sure to consider what you might buy and therefore have to carry around the rest of the festival. This year we left with two daggers, some handmade pottery and catnip stuffed cat toys

I also love using the Renaissance Festival as an excuse to wear the largest straw hat that I own; hats offer great sun protection while also adding a finishing touch to any outfit! Last year I even brought a folding fan which was really cute, while also being lightweight and practical!

Sean's map by the end of the day | The Georgia Renaissance Festival

TAKE A MAP!

They hand out maps at the entrance of the festival. I always recommend snagging one, not just because you could easily get lost or it would be a cute keepsake, but because locating the nearest restroom is integral. Having a map also helps you find all the stages and different areas of the festival such as the jousting arena and food stalls.

The Port-A-John trailers at the festival are usually decent, just a bit grimey from all of the dust and dirt that accompanies the Ren Fair. I bring a small hand sanitizer to skip the muddy lines at the hand washing stations.

my sister and her dry ass turkey leg | The Georgia Renaissance Festival

SKIP THE TURKEY LEG

(maybe)

This could be a hot take, but I think the turkey legs at the renaissance festival are only worth it for a fun photo - they're just soooo dry!

I'd rather spend my money on corn on the the cob! (seriously the corn is delicious)

a fight broke out during the final joust | The Georgia Renaissance Festival

EXPLORE!  

Be sure to check out all of the amazing shops, games, and cool live shows! Sharpen your skills with bow and arrows, ninja stars, or throwing a spear. Test your strength with a sledge hammer on the High Striker. From real jousting to jesters, games and musical entertainment abound, you're bound to see something exciting!

Additionally, don't be afraid to interact with the performers and staff! You can "boo" at the king, cheer on your favorite knight, or sing along to one of the many musical acts throughout the fair.

Well folks, that pretty much wraps up my tips to make the most of your trip to the Renaissance Festival. If you only heed one tip from me today, let it be the most important one:

HAVE FUN!

So there you have it, brave adventurers! Armed with these tips, you're now ready to embark on your Renaissance journey. Embrace the revelry, indulge in the delights, and let the magic of the fair transport you to a time of chivalry and wonder. Fare thee well, and may your Ren Fair experience be nothing short of splendid! HUZZAH!