13 Fun Facts & Trivia Tidbits About Renaissance Fairs You Probably Didn't Know!

🎭 13 Fun Facts & Trivia Tidbits About Renaissance Fairs You Probably Didn't Know!

Hear ye, hear ye! If you've ever sipped a turkey leg-sized goblet of mead or shouted “Huzzah!” to a jousting knight, you know Renaissance Fairs are a whole different world. But have you ever wondered why these whimsical festivals are so enchanting—or what’s really going on behind the corsets and codpieces?

We’ve rounded up 13 fun facts and trivia gems that’ll make your next trip to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival even more magical! 🏰🛡️🎶

1. The First Ren Faire Was a Class Project
The modern Renaissance Faire began in 1963 in California as a history-themed fundraiser for a local radio station. It was so popular, it sparked a whole movement!

2. It’s Not Just England
While most faires are set in Elizabethan England, some mix in fantasy, pirates, Vikings, or even time travelers. Historical accuracy? Optional. Fun? Mandatory.

3. Turkey Legs: Not So Medieval
Those giant turkey legs may be iconic, but they definitely weren’t common in the Renaissance. Still, we’ll take this anachronism with a side of mustard. 🍗

4. The Language is a Game
All that “thee” and “thou” speak isn’t period-perfect—it’s called Faire Speak, a fun blend of Shakespearean flair and creative license.

5. You Can Be Royalty (for a Price)
Some festivals let you buy your way into nobility with “noble patron” packages, complete with fancy seating at jousts and the chance to meet the Queen.

6. Jousting is Real—and Intense
Modern jousting at faires isn’t just for show. Many jousters are trained stunt performers, and those hits? They really feel them.

7. Costumes Aren’t Required—But They Help
About half of fairegoers show up in full costume. And yes, there are rentals if you want to join the fun for a day.

8. Faires Create Their Own Towns
Some events are set in entire constructed villages, complete with street names, ongoing “town gossip,” and immersive characters who remember your name!

9. Performers Work All Day
Many street performers don’t have set stages—they roam the grounds, staying in character all day, interacting with guests to make the magic feel real.

10. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is One of the Biggest
It draws over 300,000 visitors a year and has been running since 1971. That’s a whole lot of “Huzzah!”

11. Renaissance Faires Have Their Own Economy
Many vendors travel across the country from fair to fair, living in RVs and making a full-time living selling handcrafted goods and performances.

12. There Are Hidden Easter Eggs
From inside jokes between performers to secret guilds and “Faire games,” keep your eyes open—you never know what you’ll stumble upon.

13. There’s a Theme Every Weekend
From “Highland Fling” to “Wine, Chocolate & Romance,” faires like Minnesota’s mix it up every weekend. So yes, you do need to go more than once.

🎟️ Ready to Travel Back in Time?
Want to experience the magic of knights, jesters, and fair maidens for yourself? 🐉✨

👉 Check out our trips to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and let us take care of the travel while you live your best medieval life. Costumes encouraged. Fun guaranteed. 🏰💃🚌