Shopping Opportunities at a Renaissance Fair

Have you ever wondered what it was like to go back in time? While we can’t time travel, you can experience what it was like to live during the Renaissance when you visit your local renaissance fair.

Before you go, you should know about all the shopping opportunities at the fair. After all, you’ll want to come prepared with enough money if you spot the perfect gift or finishing piece for your outfit.

Here are some of the most common types of items you can shop for at the renaissance fair.

Clothing

While you don’t have to attend the fair in period-appropriate clothing, it’s more fun if you choose to do so. Bodices, tunics, puffy shirts, long skirts, boots, muffin top hats, flat shoes, and sandals are all common clothing you’ll see around the fair. Dressing the part can make you feel like you’re a part of the whole experience.

If you don’t have anything at home, you can find plenty to buy at the many booths. In some instances, you might even find renaissance fair costumes for rent.

If you want to create or complete your renaissance fair outfit, there really is no better place to find all the accessories you’ll need than at the fair itself.

Weaponry

Yes, you can get real arms and armor at the renaissance fair! Find historic replica swords, armor, daggers, axes, and more when you browse the arms and armor booths.

Make sure to check the fair’s rules on weapons. Weapons will likely need to remain sheathed or “peace-tied” (kept from being used) as sharpened steel is often not allowed. Similarly, bows will need to remain unstrung, and arrows may need to be tied together.

You can also often find various types of armor at the fair, such as chainmail shirts.

Jewelry and Metals

Renaissance fairs often have a wide assortment of booths that sell handmade jewelry. You’ll likely find one-of-a-kind pieces here that you can’t find anywhere else! If you’re looking for historically appropriate jewelry to add to your costume, you’ll find everything from hair adornments to rings and necklaces and much more.

The renaissance fair is also the perfect place to find unique metal projects and art materials.

Leather Goods

Expect to find plenty of handmade leather journals, sketchbooks, books, and more at the fair. You can also find leather belts, purses, bodices, armor, and other accessories perfect for adding to your costume.

These handmade leather goods will likely last you a lifetime. You can also find various sheepskin products, tanned hides, and skins.

Musical Instruments

As you walk around, you’ll notice music plays a big part at the fair. You can find plenty of musical instruments to buy such as tambourines, drums, flutes, and more. If you’ve always wanted to be a bard, now can be your chance!

Specialty Services

Not all shopping opportunities involve purchasing goods and items.

When exploring the fair, you’ll probably come across a few booths that offer artistic services. These can include elegant hair braiding, henna tattoos, body painting, tarot readings, and more.

Make the Most of Your Renaissance Fair Trip

These shopping opportunities are only the beginning of what you’ll see when you visit the renaissance fair. You’ll also find plenty of places selling delicious finger food, miscellaneous goods such as pottery and gifts, and much more! Experience it all for yourself when you go, and make sure to bring plenty to spend.

For more tips, advice, and news, be sure to check out some of our other articles before you go.