Curiosity and the Kat

“Spend the day in the spirit of imagination and play!”

Every year, from August to October, a 65-acre plot of land in Tuxedo, New York, transforms into the Majestic Groves of Sterling Forest with the arrival of the New York Renaissance Faire. For those unfamiliar with the concept of a “Ren Faire,” it is an outdoor gathering recreating an earlier time period, where guests are able to interact with characters, watch shows, shop at themed merchants, and have some delicious food and drink. The New York Renaissance Faire in particular transports you into 16th-century England under the rule of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I.

Tickets can be purchased online, with the opportunity to also purchase round-trip bus tickets from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, which is what I did as I was staying in New York City for the weekend. Watching everyone in their costumes for the Renaissance Faire was quite a fun activity in itself! There are several add-ons that one can purchase along with their ticket, including the Pub Crawl and a VIP Seat at the joust, which includes covered seating, a pennant for one of the knights, a non-alcoholic drink, and even a pickle! While I didn’t have a chance to go on the Pub Crawl this year, getting a VIP Seat for one of the day’s jousts was a great way to take a break from walking around all day, and getting to have more interactions with the knights. 

As someone who loves going to the theatre, I always try to see as many shows as possible at different Renaissance Faires, though it is impossible to catch them all! This year, I made sure to catch one of my favorite acts, Cirque du Sewer, which features rescused cats and rats (and an assistant!) trained by Melissa Arleth. Even though it was raining, it was still a fun performance to watch, especially the infamous “Flaming Hoop of Doom!” Another theatrical highlight was Dungeons & Shakespeare, a show by Shelby Bond that combines the game Dungeons & Dragons and the works of the Bard and creates an epic, interactive performance. There are also games and rides, including the classic Ren Faire games of archery, axe-throwing, and tests of strength. 

If you’re going to be at a Ren Faire all day, you’re going to build up quite the appetite! Luckily, the New York Renaissance Faire is prepared for this, with plenty of places to get food and drink through the 65-acre property. I particularly enjoyed Dave’s Mini Donuts, which had an incredible selection of not only donuts but grilled cheese and tater tots. Of course, if you’re a fan of pickles, you can’t miss the Pickle Priest, who got his started at this very Faire! One of the drink highlights of any Renaissance Faire is its mead – fermented honey – and New York is no exception. The company they work with, the B. Nektar Meadery, has some amazing flavors, with my favorite being the New Wave Lemonade-Mead.

There are over 100 merchants at the New York Renaissance Faire, and it would take one the entirety of the Faire season to see them all! Whether you’re looking for a new piece of jewelry or a shiny sword, there is truly something for everyone. Some shops I enjoyed include the Imagination Adoptorium, which sells gorgeous “Drabbit” puppets, Saga of Antler and Bone, which offers stunning carved bone jewelry; Global Scent Travels, which offers an incredible number of perfume oils, and Belrose East Costume Rental, which allows guests to dress up in Ren Faire garb for the day without purchasing a costume of their own. 

As someone who has been going to Ren Faires for over a decade, I was interested in seeing this particular one from a fresh perspective, so I brought along my friend, Sarah. Here’s what she had to say about her first time at a Renaissance Faire: 

“My first Ren Faire is in the books! I didn’t entirely know what to expect going into the day, but the energy there was incredible—it was like stepping into a fantasy world. The whole day was fantastic, but the highlights for me include getting a pickle from the legendary Pickle Priest, catching the Dungeons & Shakespeare show, and the joust (shoutout to Bob, our knight’s horse – who was the real star of that tournament). I then proceeded to lose all self-control going shopping – but I’m happy to have walked away with a new goblet, some dragon ear cuffs, a fairy door, and more. No regrets! I had the best time, and am already planning my outfit for next year.”

Ultimately, the New York Renaissance Faire is a fantastic way to escape from the modern world for a day, exploring the world of Elizabethan England at your own pace. Whether you’re a seasoned patron or have never said the word “Huzzah,” you’re sure to have a wonderful time. 

The New York Renaissance Faire runs from 15 August to 4 October on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.