The camping is great. There is a large bonfire with fire twirlers, drum circles and belly dancers and drunk girls in chainmail. The party goes on well into the night. The fest closes at dark with a fireworks show but you can usually hang around inside for quite a while if you are in costume.
Some vendors have small apartments above their places or behind them. Most of the performers and vendor workers stay in the fare staff campgrounds. Technically, the performers are not allowed to go into the visitor campgrounds because they are supposed to remain in character, but they often sneak over because the visitor campgrounds are pretty damn crazy and, unfortunately, more dangerous than they used to be.
Just went today. It was fun, but it's basically just about eating, seeing some shows, and people watching. Most of the souvenirs are very expensive and the "rides" are underwhelming. Spoiler That's NOT what she said Anyway, the reason I quoted the pictures link is because the girl below served me some fried alligator today. She seemed to be flirting with me a little bit (more so than just being in character), but she had some jacked up teeth. For some stupid reason, it seemed that the most attractive girls were all standing behind counters serving food instead of walking around half naked like they should be
My parents live very near the renaissance fest. Like, within a mile or two. They complain every year around this time. It's horrible trying to get through Magnolia on the weekends.... Didn't someone get killed there a couple years ago? A bunch of punk kids stabbed him or something. One of them was someone I sort of knew...
Soooo... I went to the RenFest for the first time ever this Saturday. What a disappointment. I don't know what exactly I was expecting, but with all the hype so many people give this event I thought it would at least be memorable. It's basically just having to pay $25 to get access to novelty shops that sell cheap trinkets with a 100% price markup. You also see (mostly boring) shows, eat crappy expensive food, and try to avoid looking at obese women wearing far too little clothing. But this is only once you get inside. The drive up there is a mess since the roads are not at all able to handle the amount of traffic. If you're coming up from Houston, all of 1774 is a parking lot. I spent an hour on 1774 alone (it didn't help that my AC had just gone out). 249 was backed up a bit too. I will never be going back there.
I heard a big drug bust went down at the Ren Fest. Figures, bunch of wanna-be medieval hippies camping out for a month in the backwoods. Opium dens are just part of the historical accuracy, right?
The only people having fun at Renaissance Festival are little kids and drunk people. Everyone else is having miserable time.
I went this past Sunday and thought it was okay.. I was coming from College Station, so traffic wasn't so bad. It was my first time, so everything was new. My only complaint would be the prices. They are quite ridiculous, but it was a good time nonetheless. Saw a couple magic shows, and some other decent attractions. I suppose if you're into dressing up and like history, I would recommend it. Otherwise, you may as well take your money and go to a Rockets game for $9 beers.
I was there camping Saturday night and saw it all two rows away from me. It was way too cold (mid 30s) at night; didn't expect that. The bonfire was lame as well; just a bunch of drunken, shirtless Aggies bumping chests yelling "Gig 'Em!". On the plus side they don't search backpacks, so load up your beer and just carry some mugs into the fest.
I can't believe not everybody has a good time. First off, yes it is expensive, but never ever buy tickets at the door, that is just stupid. Discount tickets are available everywhere. Heck the Walgreens in Magnolia had a big sign that said "Discount tickets here" Second, get there early. Not only to try to squeeze in as much as possible, but also to avoid traffic. This past weekend was the first time I've gotten there before it opened and we were treated to the king and queen and other performers greeting us to the Highland Fling outside the gates. It was hilarious, especially when the guitarist led the performers in a very bawdry song "You've got a Fight for your right to be Scottish" (to the tune of the Beastie Boys song, of course) with lines about drinking and sex with sheep. Inside the gates I admit, the shows are hit or miss. But Arsene and Sound and Fury are worth the price of admission alone. The show we saw Saturday of Arsene was probably the best show I've ever seen of his (even though they are for the most part the same every year the crowd participants were particularly zany this time). And Sound and Fury were their usual obscene self (try to go to the 4:30 show, typically the dirtiest one) but don't bring the kids especially in what they call the "danger zone" which is 10-12 because under 10 all the jokes go over the kids heads and over 12 they know everything already. My wife loves the Birds of Prey show which is good family fun. Clan Tynker is okay and Ded Bob gets boring but the kids really seem to love him. Those are the only shows I've seen much in my last 10 years going. The rides are okay, the dragon swing is fun, if tiring and the castle maze is good one too. For more adult humor the drench a wench is fun. I once dunked her, but I don't know if it was worth it since she was really mean to me, to the point of feeling embarrassed. I've avoided it since. I love the games too, particularly the axe throwing, though in 10 years I have stuck one (yes, only one) but I consider it a challenge and even though every year they tell me not to bend my elbow when throwing the axes I always bend my elbow. I haven't even mentioned shopping. It's totally hit or miss. Almost every year we buy candles or incense. We usually one fancy item (this year it was an astrolabe, other years it was a wooden chess set, a cane and a silver medallion I get re-antiqued ever other year). I admit sometimes the prices can be staggering: My wife inquired about some leather boots this year and our jaws hit the floor when she told us price start at $625(!). Though the lady added "They are custom made and we even make a cast of your leg to make sure it fits perfectly" With so many other things to do (including eating, which I have failed to mention) the shopping, for me at least, is kinda secondary. I haven't even mentioned all the other things to still do: Joust, Fireworks, demonstrations, breast watching (I mean people watching). I have never even dressed up or drank alcohol there (which I could see add more humor to shows) and I have a great time every year. So sorry for this long rant, I just can't understand when people don't have a good time there.
We go every year, this year we went twice. 1) Never pay full price for tickets. This year I got ours through a sale from Voice Daily Deals. It was $16 for one Saturday ticket and one Sunday ticket. So I bought 2 of those and we were able to go twice. If you can't do something like that, go to Walgreens or Randall's and get discount tickets. I'm sure there are other places, but those are the two that come to mind. 2) ALWAYS get there early. I can't stress that enough. Coming from the Galleria, both trips this year took us about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get there. Not only do you miss the traffic, but you get great parking. If you can't get there by 9:30 (doors open at 9), then I would say to just go another day. Trust me, you'll be happy you got there early. You beat the traffic in the morning, and you'll probably beat it when you leave (unless you're staying the whole day). 3) Even though they're overpriced, we enjoy trying the different types of food and beers. Although this past year we finally figured out the best deal on alcohol is to buy a bottle of wine for $24. They give you cups, but it's just easier to drink it straight from the bottle. If you want to save even more money, just bring a flask. Also, like someone else said, they don't check bags, so just throw a 6 pack in there if that's what it's come to. 4) In order to get your moneys worth, you have to watch the shows. Ras did a great job describing them, and, for the most part, I have to agree with him. If you can only see one show, it should be Arsene. Also, everyone should see the Ded Bob show at least once. If you've had a few drinks, Iris & Rose is a good one as well. 5) Most of the vendors will negotiate. This past Sunday when we were there, she saw a ring she wanted (it was $20). I purposely said....isn't that almost the exact same ring we saw over there for $18? The guy almost immediately said he'd give it to us for $16. 6) It's kind of hidden in the back, but there's a place where you can buy tomatoes and throw them at a guy while he constantly insults you (and the others throwing at him). We've never actually thrown at him, but it's hilarious to just go up and listen for a few minutes. So many people I mention this to have never heard of it, but it's there. 7) If you're hungry, and don't want to spend, the best deal I've found is in the Polish area. A foot long Kiolbasa sausage, sauerkraut, and a roll for $6. 8) Be sure to ALWAYS get there early!!!! Overall, it's a lot of fun. Just walking around, people watching and looking at the shops is enough to please me (after I've had a few drinks). If you're not willing to watch the shows, then I don't see much of a point in going unless you're just that die hard and want to dress up. Spoiler GET THERE EARLY! You'll thank me later!
EVERYTHING pugs said x 1000 We(my group of friends) go every year, once or twice each season depending on our schedules, and we know the shows by heart since we have been doing this for years. Arsene is great....he manages to crack up the whole place without speaking a word. Ded Bob is fine if you havent seen him a million times, but he NEVER changes a thing so it gets boring after a while. Sound and Fury change their act up from time to time by adding in another parody of a Shakespeare play to their rotation...they are quite bawdy and fun to watch in general. Christophe the Insulter is fun to watch, and since he makes fun of people from the audience, it is never exactly the same. Generally, what keeps us amused every time is people watching...we go around and try different beers and ales and watch how the normals interact with the folks that dress the parts. The shops can be overpriced, but like pugs noted they do allow bargaining...since most of the vendors are artisans most of the stuff they sell is made by them...you can find stuff there that you really can't find anywhere else. You havent really made proper use of the RenFest unless you dress up...we do every time and it's always great fun messing with the other folks that dress for the occasion. and I cant stress this enough...GO EARLY. The only slow down we experience is in the last couple of miles leading into the fairegrounds.
Ras, I can't afford them but one of my friends is fairly wealthy and was springing for custom made sets of boots from the place you are talking about, after all was said and done the boots were about 1500 per set(she bought for her husband and brother in law) I was shocked frankly...they are damn nice boots and are custom made and fitted...but still. btw..great breakdown by both you and pugs. We should try to find some clutchfans who can enjoy the place and get a group thing going.
