So, you’re thinking of going to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale for the first time?
Or maybe your group has already locked in plans and now you’re Googling “what to wear to Ren Faire” and “should I bring cash?” (Yes. We’ll get to that.)
Whether you’re ready to channel your inner elf, peasant, pirate, or bard—this guide is for you.
Let’s get into it.
What Is the Renaissance Pleasure Faire?
Picture a living, breathing medieval village—but with turkey legs, Shrek cosplays, jousting, and craft vendors who stay perfectly in character.
It’s chaotic. It’s whimsical. It’s dusty. It’s so much fun.
The LA Ren Faire takes place each spring in Irwindale at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area. It runs on weekends, and each one has a theme—Pirate Weekend is always a fan favorite. Think of it as an immersive outdoor theme park for fans of fantasy, cosplay, fairytales, and historical(ish) fun.
How Much Are Tickets?
Here’s a quick summary of ticket prices (and yes, fees are a thing):
🎟 Adult Single-Day: $44 at the box office ($48.66 online)
🎟 Child (5–12): $22 at the box office ($25.78 online)
🎟️ Seniors & Military: $39 (Box Office only)
🎟 Kids 4 and under: Free!
🎟 Season Pass: $250 (or $262.90 online)
Parking:
- VIP Parking: $25 + service fee (must be reserved online in advance)
- General Parking: The Santa Fe Dam charges $12 per car to enter the area (that’s separate from your Ren Faire ticket). Bring cash or a card—they accept both. But cash is always King.
Extras You Can Buy:
- Tea With the Queen
- Pub Crawl (about $70 per person)
First-Timer Tips for the Ren Faire
🎭 Dress Up (Seriously)
About 90% of people wear costumes—so go for it. Whether you’re in full knight armor or just a peasant skirt and fairy wings, dressing up totally adds to the experience.
We saw everything from fairies to Game of Thrones to “Sir Shrek” (10/10, no notes). Group costumes? Always a hit.
Just one thing: Wear comfortable shoes. It’s dusty, the grounds are huge, and the parking lot alone is a hike.
💰 Bring Cash
Cash is still king at the Faire. Some booths take cards, but many are cash-only, especially food and drink stands. You’ll want cash for:
- Parking fees
- Food stalls
- Artisan shops
- Drinks
- Tips (yep, even in fantasy land)
🕰️ Arrive Early (Especially With Kids)
The earlier you get there, the better. It gets PACKED by midday.
If you have young kids: come early so they can do all the fun activities before the crowds hit. By 2 PM, it was stroller chaos.
For older kids or adults: arriving early still helps if you want to catch the joust or snag shaded seating.
🌞 Hydrate, Shade, Repeat
It gets hot. There’s little shade, lots of walking, and the SoCal sun doesn’t play.
Bring:
- Water bottles
- Sunscreen
- A hat or parasol
- A bag or backpack to carry everything (plus your souvenir goblets and gnome hunt prizes)
Things To Do at the Faire
Honestly? So much. Here’s a breakdown:
- 🏇 Jousting Shows (the big draw—earlier ones are easier to get into)
- 🍗 Food Stalls (giant turkey legs, mead, and more)
- 🎶 Live Entertainment (musicians, circus acts, comedy, and more)
- 🧚 Themed Weekends (Pirate Weekend is legendary)
- 🏹 Games (axe throwing, archery, and all things medieval)
- 🍻 Pub Crawl ($70 per person, includes drinks and entertainment)
- 🧙 Gnome Hunt (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—and the kids love it)
- 🛍️ Shopping (artisan jewelry, costumes, handmade leather goods, even dragon eggs)
Going to Your First Ren Faire
It’s dusty. It’s loud. It’s a lot.
But it’s also one of the most magical, silly, unforgettable experiences you can have on a spring weekend in Southern California. Lean into the chaos, don’t overthink it, and say yes to play. (And mead.)
Oh, and if you’re going with friends—group costumes are the move. Just trust me on that.
Need more info or want to grab tickets? Head to RenFair.com
And if you’ve got a Ren Faire tip I missed, drop it in the comments! Huzzah! 🏰🍗⚔️
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of the Ren Faire and beyond!
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