Arizona Renaissance Festival
Categories: Local Flavor Arts & Entertainment Local Flavor, Arts & Entertainment [Edit]
12601 E Hwy 60Apache Junction, AZ 85219
(520) 463-2600
- Hours:
Sat-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
25 reviews for Arizona Renaissance Festival
25 reviews in English
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Review from Karen W.
Tempe, AZ
3/11/2012
I've been going to Ren Fair since I was a little kid, and I've always had a great time. There's a plethora of shows, food, and merchant stands to go to. We got tickets to the Pleasure Feast last year, which was an entertaining show with a ton of food. I'm always a fan of the birds of prey show. You get to see fascinating birds such as eagle owls. As the years have progressed, more food options are available, such as more vegetarian options for those that don't want to nosh on a turkey leg or sausage on a stick. In addition, drink stands such as the Cappuccino Cafe offer delicious and refreshing coffee drinks and Italian sodas (with many sugar free syrups to choose from). It's always fun browsing through all the wares for sale, and it's great to see some of the same artisan craftsmen and craftswomen come back every year to sell things that you won't normally find.
We got our tickets ahead of time through Fry's, for $20 each. If you go to the Renaissance Festival website and buy tickets, you get $1 off regular admission. -
Review from Anastasia S.
Youngtown, AZ
3/31/2012
***PLEASURE FEAST***
Date: March 2012
Cost: $69.95per person, includes :
Festival Admission Ticket ($22 value)
A 5 Course Pleasure Feast
2012 Menu: http://www.royalfaires...
1 1/2 Hours of Royal Entertainment
A Selection of Beverages:
Bud Light
Budweiser
Hefeweizen
Chianti
A white wine
Soda
Ice tea
A Souvenir Special Edition Feast Goblet
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COURSE I -
DELIOZO ANTIPASTI: Basket of Assorted Breads & Flat Bread Cracker Accompanied by red pepper stuffed w/Olive Tapenade, Red Grapes, Fontina Wedge, Creamed Cheese w/Mediterranean Herbs & Roasted Pistachios.
OPINION: This was the best part of the meal. This was a well presented and flavorful appetizer.
COURSE II -
ZUPPA DI POMODORO ARROSTO ALLE ERBE e BASILICO: No wonder it is the Queen's favorite: Enjoy the flavors of Roma tomatoes roasted with olive oil & fresh herbs blended and simmered in white wine, cream & shredded fresh basil
OPINION - Rich and creamy, this soups had a great flavor, too bad you only get half a bowl.
COURSE III -
INSALATA: Caesar Salad made with Homemade Croutons
& freshly made Caesar dressing
OPINION - The smell was amazing, but the wilted romaine and the flavorless salad lacked.
COURSE IV -
del RE preferito: PRIME RIB CON AGLIO E VINO CHIANTI
The King's favorite; Prime Rib married with the sweetness of roasted Pancetta, slivered garlic, cloves, onion, Fresh thyme & Chianti wine.
OPINION - I did not eat this, it was wrapped in pancetta ( I don't eat pork), but it looked properly prepared, medium.
POLLO ALLA CACCIATORA
Boneless breast of Chicken rubbed with lemon, salt & pepper
sautéed until golden then combined with pitted oil cured olives, seasoned tomatoes, sliced onion, minced garlic, fresh thyme, sage, basil & white wine
OPINION: Flavorful, if you like olives... and I do. This was delicious, But you only receive of a chicken breast.
FARFALLE ALLA VODKA
Bowtie pasta, chopped shallots, Marinara sauce, Vodka, cream
Fresh Basil & shaved Asiago cheese
OPINION: Rarely, do I not finish the food on my plate; this was just not good. This reminded me of spaghetti sauce from a can. Not worth eating.
VERDURE ALLA GRIGLIA
Grilled zucchini wedge & braised radicchio w/balsamic glaze
OPINION: Delicious, grilled veggies... make sure to ask for a little extra if you like veggies.
COURSE V
DOLCI: Sweet surprise - Chef's selection per King's decree
OPINION: Surprise!! It's nothing special. I wanted a delicious dessert; this was a dry yellow cake with multiple layers. My 9year old son makes better boxed cakes at home.
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For $70.00 per person, I expected to enjoy every aspect of my meal. I did not.
The entertainment was centralized at one far end of the hall, performers had room to come closer to us at the other end, but they did not.
You receive 4 drinks, one at each of the first 4 courses. The Chianti was awful!!!
Not a single huzzah :( This is at the Arizona Renaissance Festival right???
Entertainment:
The king and his royal party did come to greet us.
Belly dancers
Bag Pipes
English stick dancing
Jesting between the toastmaster and his crew
The service was excellent.
Would I return? No, the food was not good enough and the price was too high.Listed in: Worst Places
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Review from Christine A.
Cerritos, CA
Updated - 2/22/2012 17 photos
It's looking like a great season already.
Picked up my $20 tickets from a Fry's Food Store (which we can also thank for the free parking) as soon as I got into town, and I just felt that shock of excitement when the clerk handed them to me. Ah, Arizona.
I had a blast this past weekend, from opening through closing. Even just walking around and looking at the buildings, checking out what other people were wearing, and what was going on in different areas was fun, and you can't help but feel like there's still tons and tons of other things to see and do.
Frankly, the few features that I don't like are out of the control of the faire -- the occasional drunk attendee who'll crash someone's performance, rude people who don't get it, etc. Thankfully these aspects are a very small minority.
Five MUST-SEE performers this season:
+ Tortuga Twins - This is one of the "Loose Cannon" acts, meant for more mature audiences. Their show is actually pretty fresh, and even if you're a bit jaded when it comes to faire humor, they still make your cheeks hurt from laughing so hard.
+ Adam Crack - Adam not only holds records for speed whip-cracking, he was recently on Conan showing Coco his way around a bullwhip. His show involves several stunts with really long, and sometimes flaming whips, in the grassy area that is Falconer's Heath, while his female assistant belly dances and he plays harmonica.
+ Hey Nunnie, Nunnie! - Who knew two older ladies dressed as nuns could be so funny? Seriously, catch their show some time. It's super quirky, they're really expressive, and if you're a recovering Catholic, they're HYSTERICAL.
+ Tartanic - Big drums, bagpipes, men in kilts. Their show fills up FAST. I've never been able to grab a seat, but it's been fun just standing and watching. This is one of those shows that drunk people show up to, jump up on the stage, and try to dance a jig. The guys are actually really good sports about it and seem to enjoy when people get into their music, high-fiving the crashers afterward.
+ Cast in Bronze - This is an extremely unique act and a real treat to get to see it in person. It's a silent and masked man playing a carillon (23 bells of varying sizes attached to a keyboard). The guy does go into a lot theatrics throwing up his arms, embracing himself, and grasping his head in anguish (if you find this cheesy, ignore it and enjoy his rendition of "Carol of Bells" or the theme song from "The Exorcist").
And those are just the ones I'm able to recommend from seeing this past weekend with there being 12 stages, all constantly running shows 'round the clock. I do warn you, though, unlike other faires where the NC-17 content is relegated to one stage, it's interspersed into different places -- so, parents, do pay attention to what show is coming next. Other than one juggling show in the middle of the day, the Boat House Stage is almost exclusively "Losse Cannon."
Food was great again. Got the pork shanks with mashed red potatoes ($5.75) and an apple dumpling with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream ($4.50). The boyfriend got the roast chicken (which also came with mashed red potatoes, and was priced at $5.75), and was given the choice of white or dark meat. Compared with other Renaissance faires (where you end up paying $8 for a slice of pizza on top of $10 for parking), this was a cheap feast.
I'm seriously dying to go again this season. Can I live there, please?Listed in: Visitable History (California…, Boom-De-Ah-Da Boom-De-Ah-Da, AZ Geeks
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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3/20/2011
I gotta call BS on those complaining about tipping at this faire. While it is true that performers… Read more »
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Review from Bao H.
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had my perceived expectations of the festival. At first, it was all that I expected. On opening day, people here there were dressed in medieval costumes and of course stage actors roaming around the crowd. I can't say I was too impressed by the opening act. However, the fun started as the gates opened!
It seems the parade of jesters and shops go beyond what I had in mind. The place was huge! Our first stop was to watch the Bagpipes and drums -- definitely worth the suntan! I loved it! Jousting was cool, but it was nothing like Knights of Mayhem on the History channel. I guess it was the PG version.
Food and drinks were pricey but that was a given. I didn't get to eat the super sized Turkey Leg, but I ate and drank enough it didn't really entice me.
Overall, it was good fun and entertaining. I really appreciate cultural outings. - Enjoy! -
Review from Erika M.
Tucson, AZ
2/18/2012
You have to go to the Renaissance festival at least once. Today was my first time there and it was a great day of food, entertainment, and purchases. They had a lot of vendors who sold food, art, necklaces, jewelry, and leather goods. There were some specialty and crafts like hand blown glass, costumes, chain mail, coin stamping, custom shoes and clothes, apothecaries, and blacksmiths!
Kids will have a ball since they have a free petting zoo, camel and elephant rides, and child fun games. They had a museum and a display of how people lived during the renaissance. The music and funny comics on stage kept people happy and lifted the crowds with laughter and dancing. It was nothing I had experienced before.
There were many bathrooms located on the property but the parking was huge and packed. If you go on a motorcycle you get to park close to the gate (it's nice!). There was plenty of seating and out of several vendors in the village and only two were condescending. Over all, it was a blast and a $20 (fry's price) per adult it was worth the drive. -
Review from Todd H.
Solana Beach, CA
2/13/2012
The Arizona Renaissance Festival has been an annual tradition for 6 years. It is held during the ideal time of year in the Phoenix area, starting during Winter days with weather in the 70's and ending in Spring days that can climb into the 90's. It is located just a short drive out of the metro area in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains. It has permanent dedicated buildings and once you are on the grounds you neither hear nor see cars, airplanes or any other signs of modern civilization.
The buildings are high quality and generally authentic and spread over a large area of unpaved desert. I noted that for the 2012 festival a noticeable increase in trees, grassy areas and new permanent buildings. Expect to find a wide range of visual and sensual pleasures, from dozens of intimate entertainment venues, to carnival-style games, food & drink, craft shops selling hand-made and not-so-hand-made trinkets, and of course Medieval-themed events like jousting tournaments. One heavily promoted event (which I have yet to attend) is The Pleasure Feast, in which patrons are wined and dined and entertained in exuberant style ... although pricey at $80 per person, which includes the $22 gate admission.
Speaking of gate admission, the Arizona Renaissance Festival is one of the most reasonably priced theme parks I can think of, with the highest admission being only $22 per person. To make that even better, there were readily available half-price tickets available for opening weekend that made the price of admission a steal.
Starting with food, it appears a couple of reviewers mentioned the giant turkey legs. I had one a few years ago and wasn't very impressed with it. But there is a huge variety of other food available, ranging from items unique to the theme of the festival like pasties, beef & kidney pie, bangers & mash, etc. to foods more pleasing to the non-adventurous like pizza, burritos, sausage on a roll, chicken, etc. The best part is the food is CHEAP compared to going to a ball game or the theater, for example. Most menu items ranged in the $4 - $6 range and the portions are huge. This has got to be one of the most family-friendly events I can think of as far as food prices are concerned.
Drink is equally cheap ... sodas $2-3, beer $4-6 (for premium beers like Harp, Guinness, etc), and there are also wines and cocktails in the $5-6 range. For both food and drink every window has a clearly marked sign stating that tips are appreciated but not expected. If one does not eat or drink they could spend the entire day without spending another penny.
The huskers for the games are fun and friendly and the games were just good old family fun, as were the many live shows which ranged from comedy, to juggling, sword swallowing, magic, etc. All of the shows are contained in small open-air tents and most do not use amplifiers (the few that do keep the sound contained to the tent). Some of the shows are intended to be "adult only" and are clearly marked as LC (Loose Cannon). You will never actually hear swear words, only what can be called ribald humor. Some of the shows are quite unique, like Cast in Bronze ... a man with a bronze hawk mask and black cape playing the world's largest carillon. Quite a few of the performers, however, can be classed as not quite ready for prime time. It's actually fun to see jugglers drop the occasional ball, or comedians forget what comes next.
Amidst it all were people having fun, many dressed in costume speaking in dialect. As custom of the era would dictate, one is expected to be genteel and lady-like, what a pleasure to experience in 2012. The attitude extends to every performer, server and shopkeeper, all of whom are friendly, helpful and super-polite, and the requisite security guards are there if you need them but at the same time virtually incognito.
Whether attending to see the shows or just simply people-watching, the Arizona Renaissance Festival is unique and only one of a few in the country that is set in a permanent surrounding. -
Review from Eli H.
Peoria, AZ
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I like going with the kiddos, yes it cost a good amount of money but you cant expect these people to get dressed like they do for nothing. We went opening weekend this year, much of this place hasn't changed over the years, I have seen many of the shows but my favorite is the falcon show with the flying birds (I watch it every time). They have a sword swallower, comedy shows, mid-evil time kid rides, ax throwing, tons of stuff to buy mid-evil, cool food, and lots of walking. Oh yeah, don't forget the sunblock.
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Review from Kelley J.
Phoenix, AZ
3/12/2011 5 photos
Love this place - I had only been to one other RenFest in Houston, TX and that was many years ago. Then got an opportunity to see this the AZ RenFest and it was a BLAST. So much to see, people watching was amazing, drinks and food where reasonable and the acts well done as well. Each one of these costumes cost well over $1,000 and it takes a lot to put on a production of this size so I was more then happy to pay my $20.
Parking was free and traffic was not too back as we got there as the park opened. Give it a try for yourself but I truly enjoyed the day and plan to go back next year. -
Review from Gregory S.
Chandler, AZ
8/20/2011
I've been going to the Arizona Renaissance Festival for years now. It's a total blast in my opinion. There are a variety of shows and events that range from family friendly to risque. They include the obligatory joust, comedy, acrobatics, music, falconry and more.
The games or extra, but the performances are included in the admission. Many do ask for donations and offer merchandise, often toward the end of the show, but from what I am told, these folks don't really get much if anything from the Festival folks and rely on donations + sales to actually live on. They're optional, but as they often say, appreciated.
I heard someone say the shops there are Chinese-Import quality junk. That may be true in 1 or 2 cases, but a majority are not only very nice quality but hand crafted. Hand made glass crafts, weaponry that is combat rated and that has a lifetime warranty, and some sweet clothing being some examples. Many items have been purchased there by myself and friends with neigh a complaint.
There is also a variety of food. If the turkey legs are not your style, there are stews, skewers, chowders, and pizza to nibbles like pickles, jerky and pretzels. For a bit more, you can get into the pleasure feast which is a usually good to great 5 course meal with 90 minutes of entertainment, included drinks (beer, wine and soda), a goblet that you get to keep, plus general admission to the Festival. That, in my opinion, is worth it at least once if you can foot the extra. It's usually been a fun experience for me.
Not sure what is up with the dissenters but, whatever. I like this place enough to give it a rare 5 stars and would very much recommend it for a day of history minus the Plague and fun added. -
Review from d t.
Surprise, AZ
2/26/2011
I have no idea what I was expecting here, but I certainly didn't have any fun. Total waste of time and money.
First of all, I don't know how you could have any event any further from the populace of Phoenix. Made the drive to Ostrich Fest seem reasonable.
People watching was interesting. All sorts of odd balls dressed up to party in 1399.
My biggest gripe is the expense. You pay $20 to get in, which is ridiculous. Doesn't include any real perks, either. Unless you consider access to a myriad of "shops" selling what essentially amounts to Chinese-import quality junk masquerading as artisan "crafts". I walked through pretty much every tent I passed and was flabbergasted by the prices and shit-quality of nearly everything I saw, save for 3-4 photo prints (which sold for ludicrous prices). Have to be a complete moron to buy anything here.
The atmosphere is equally sketchy. Seems like it's the state fair or even a county carnival with the run of the mill carnies dressed up as Robin Hood and his merry wenches. Most of the workers I encountered weren't particularly friendly, and a few were quite rude and offensive. Saying you're beating off behind a piece of plywood while I throw tomatoes at you or that I should change my tampon because I don't want to throw a ninja star isn't exactly 15th century dialogue. Class acts.
I was super bummed by the elephants that were relegated to carting fat little kids around on their back in the mud. One of them shook my girlfriends' hand with her trunk while we were watching it, which was cool. I have no idea what elephants have to do with or where their place was in the Middle Ages. Talk about authenticity...
The petting zoo was equally heart breaking, though I found it a bit humorous that one of the carnies was trying to sell some very cute mutt-puppies out of one of the animal pens. Certainly on par with the rest of the experience.
Everywhere you turned someone was asking for tips or selling something at a greatly inflated price. The shows were not particularly entertaining, though the performers I saw certainly believed they deserved gratuities.
They didn't have the joust tournament when I was there because it was raining pretty good. I don't mind the rain, in fact, I relish it because you don't see it often in AZ, but it was disappointing that the weather canceled one of the biggest draws of the event.
Also, the parking lot turns into a squishy bog if it rains. Be mindful of this if it's wet out and you don't have 4WD; I pulled a guy to dry land that had gotten stuck pretty good in the deep, soupy, clay-like mud.
I guess you learn from your mistakes. I went here expecting a fun, interesting experience. I left feeling like I wasted a day and blew money on gas to drive to what amounts to be a low rent tourist trap in BFE. -
Review from Jacqueline H.
Scottsdale, AZ
6/19/2009 25 photos
It is like the disney land of old. Watch jousting tournaments where the knights battle to the death, fly in one of leonardo da vinci's flying contraptions, observe the ancient art of falconry, see how cloth was woven, buy a sword, a suit of armor, rub yourself in perfumes and oils of yore, watch live performances of music, dance, and comedy through out the day, and eat eat eat!
It is a journey into another world, another time, where all members of the renaissance experience never cease to be in character. A world of jousting, archery, sword fights, swashbuckling, goblets and shanks, heavy velvet embroidered gowns, cleavage, tights, faery tales, magic, meat on a stick, privies, and torture chambers.
It runs annually from February through March. Not to be missed are the Royal Feast, the Ded Bob Show, Tom Selectomy the sword swallower, London Broil, the Wylde Men, and Dexter Tripp. -
Review from Margaret L.
Surprise, AZ
3/4/2008
People watching + sexual innuendos = awthum.
We started a tradition every year since college to go just to eat, flirt, and gaze. Two girls out on the medieval town.
The shows are in serious need of makeovers. Just a hint: just 'cause you name it differently doesn't make it necessarily different. I'm wavering between a 2 and a 3 because of the lack of interest in the shows, but at the same time because it's such a tradition and I have such an awesome friend, we make it enjoyable and fun. And no I do not say 'thee' and 'thy' or dress up when I'm there. No Thank You. Unless I'm being paid to do it, I think I'll stay an observer.
Nothing beats the people watching, either. It's fun to see people dress up like their video games just to dress up funny. Nevermind that the garb has nothing to do with the medieval era....
There's something wrong about seeing guys older than 10 wielding wooden swords and flaunting flabby or scrawny bare chests. Ren fair, not the beach, dudes.
You can't beat the Lusty Wenches, either. Chocolate covered strawberries, ha ha you. The food has gotten better and flushy toilets make it a little more....hygenic feeling....but I'm starting to feel like I'm not getting my money's worth anymore.
Upside is I got to hang out with my girly and bask in the wonderful weather.
Oh, and a little addendum...nothing beats seeing one of the performers go to the same club you do and watching him shake his bootay in his ren fair outfit. -
Review from Rich R.
Mesa, AZ
7/31/2008
I can't believe there's only 3 reviews for this. This was the first event I attended visiting Arizona before I moved here and I've been attending every year since.
Expectations going into this should be kept to:
1)People eating ginormous turkey legs
2)People dressed as Lords and Ladies and the occasional wench
3)You will get your fair share of "thee's" and "thou's"
4)Men will be looking at the ladies wearing the corsets
5)Lots of walking
Shows play around the grounds for all ages including adults so plan to catch a few of them if you can. The knife swallower is a hoot, Dead Bob is a riot, and the Tortuga Twins might not be for everyone. The main arena holds shows all day that play into each other so it's good to catch all of them. Don't be affraid to tip either.
For you guys reading this, here is your warning: there's lots of shopping here. If your lady likes arts and crafts, your screwed. Wood working, glass blowing and metal bending are just some of the items that are offered here.
The food is really the same as a fair or basic stadium concession stand. Chicken strips and fries, pizza, and soup bread bowls taste good, but you didn't drive all that way for them. Order a turkey leg and let your medieval side out as you tear through it old school.
Parking is free as you will pay for it in the price of admission and I look forward to seeing some of you there next year. -
Review from Hilary P.
Scottsdale, AZ
8/6/2007
I am sorry to say that once was definitely enough for the Renaissance Festival and me. My experience was like one of those blind dates that you are praying will end, and the date is someone really tacky.
We went a month or two back with some friends and their daughter. I can see that it would be fun for kids, I guess. They had quite a few shows going on at the same time, a petting zoo, camel and elephant rides, and plenty of kitschy things to buy.
The humongous turkey (or whatever they are) legs are absolutely vile. I point them out because that seems to be the thing to eat.
One positive: the people watching. What a hoot! Another positive: the bird show displaying a variety of birds of prey. Just be sure you don't have any food items on you as you will get busted by the RenFaire police.
Go just to see it all, but don't waste your money twice. -
Review from Oro O.
Burbank, CA
4/5/2007 5 photos
I had a fabulous, fun and entertaining day at the Renaissance Festival! It was great to see so many people dressed up as "Ladies", "Lords", "Orphans", "Knights", and more!!
The shows were pretty much non-stop everywhere you looked. There were plenty of shops, food and entertainment (shows, petting zoo's, rides, and more!). I was really happy to see that there were wooden rides rather than mechanical rides here. It made the Renaissance experience feel more authentic. The roads were unpaved too! I really enjoyed looking at that the permanent buildings they had for stores to sell stuff in, it wasn't like a tent set up (at least for most of them... ;) ).
This is a great family, group and date experience. :) Expect a lot of walking!
Check the website on when they are open since it's only certain weekends in the early part of the year.Listed in: AZ Spotlights
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Review from Robert O.
8/10/2011
There is nothing quite so apocryphal and intriguing as the stench of a man cloaked in velvet brocaded tunics and leggings speaking victorian english under the swelter of 110 degree weather gnoshing greedily on a cartoonishly large turkey leg. The stench is one of body odor, nose gays, grease, loathing, and pretense. It's an unmistakable odor I have come to equate with bluegrass concerts, trustafarians, and the anachronistic carnies of the renaissance fair. The Az Renaissance Fair is quite a spectacle indeed. I have been to it many times in my life, as a toddler, as a sneering adolescent, and as a drunken giggly twenty-something through each prism of perspective I saw this place differently depending on my age. Im sure I gazed at the strange sights and smells as a toddler in amazement and wonder. As an adolescent I probably complained of the heat and made sarcastic comments at every opportunity. As a grown ass man, believe it or not I had a great time. If you've never been it's worth the drive out just to see what all the fuss is about. There is of course the obligatory turkey legs, the overpriced beer in tankards, the jousts, etc. The highlights for me were the wild men and the falconer. dont ask, just go.
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Review from Shannon V.
Phoenix, AZ
2/28/2011
Yummy food and lots of entertainment.
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Review from Shanna K.
3/7/2010
I've been to a few Ren Faires in various states (my favorite is in Larkspur, CO), and this is towards the top of my list.
First of all, they have their shit together. From signs all down 60 assuring you that you're going the right way, to having a specific Ren Faire lane to a plethora of parking attendants, everything was organized perfectly.
Before I talk about the Faire itself, I have to say I was incredibly impressed at how disability accessible this place was. Between tons and tons of handicap park, ramps into each store, first aid people walking around with red cross flags so you knew where the first aid was, and even handicap reserved seating at the joust. I give them an A+ on that.
The shops were great; found an excellent variety of things for sale. I got a great cane, candles, incense, jewelry and more. Food was good too; lots of veggie and meat options. We got broccoli cheese soup in a bread bowl (soup was ok, bread bowl was super delicious!), falafel (good), chocolate covered nut rolls (delicious!) and a good juicy pickle. Drinks were huge for the $3 we paid, and could be found all over.
I also liked how much seating there was, both in sun and shade. We were able to stay longer because of being able to take breaks.
The staff themselves were nice, but I didn't feel that many of them were as "into" their rolls as other faires I've been to. I'd say "good morrow" and get "how are you doing?" in return. Not a big deal, but just would have bumped it up to 5 stars.
Worth the $18 the tickets were at Frys? Yes, but just barely. I hope they don't raise their prices! -
Review from Lucas R.
3/23/2010
So my friends and I came here for two specific reasons: food on a stick and people watching.
Those two purposes were well served! Steak on a stick, grilled corn, drinks....
We had fun watching people of all types (some even dressed as aliens??)
My only complaint is the price of EVERYTHING!
It was fun, but expensive (oh, and dirty). I blew through my money and got nothing to take home for it!
Oh well, I got some sun and spent time with my friends. so it was definitely A-OK -
Review from Ann B.
3/26/2011
My husband's job rocks! Not only do we get to stay in fancy hotels, we get free tix for cool events. Not to be a snob, but I can't see us spending money going to the Ren Fair. But, because we went for free, I now see the attraction. Yes, there are peole dressed up in Renny outfits and way too much old lady cleavage. But we had a lot of fun! The performances were interesting and entertaining. The food was awesome. If you haven't had a turkey leg, you really should. Next year we will return. Free or not.
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Review from Stephanie L.
Phoenix, AZ
4/28/2010
This was my first Renaissance faire and we had a great time! I was amazed at just how big it was and how much work must go into this event each year. It's easy to spend an entire day here and not get bored- there are a wide variety of real buildings and tents to browse through, and an assortment of shows throughout the day. The atmosphere is great- you can be silly and merry and not get weird stares from the people around you. . Everyone is very easy-going and there are many children and dogs running around adding to the excitement.
The admission price is a bit steep ($20), but there is a LOT to take in once you are inside. We were feeling a bit silly and went in costume for Pirate weekend- it was a fun time even though we weren't always sure how to act! (I'm just going to maintain my firm belief that pirates have very small vocabularies.)
The drive out is long, but the area is well-prepared for the event. We came across plenty of signage and cones to direct us where to go without getting lost once. The parking situation is also nicely organized and we had no trouble getting in or out.
Once you are inside, you're transported into an entirely different world. You can go in costume or not, and either way, you won't be the only one. Just be prepared to own up to what you wear! My fiance had a parrot hanging out of his shirt pocket- after buying it, we couldn't figure out how to attach it to his shoulder.. so in a last minute pinch we cut off the tail and put it in his pocket. Ironically, it bent forward to drink or eat whatever he was munching on at the time. We were asked about him more than once. :)
Surprisingly, the drinks are quite affordable here! We were delighted to see Smithwick's on tap for a meager price of $5. The food, also amazing! If you've always dreamed of gnawing on a giant turkey leg, this is the place to do it..only $6 for more meat than anyone should reasonably eat! Men walk around with pretzels hanging from large sticks, and you can even get fresh roasted corn on the cob.
We caught a few shows- I caught our knight falling off his horse on purpose and shame him for that! 'Twas a good joust though. We also saw a belly-dancing troupe while nom-ing on said turkey leg- they were fantastic and it was great to see beautiful women of all sizes putting on such a great show! We watched the beginning of the Tortuga Twins, but the humor was just a little too much *groan* for me.
Take some money, because somewhere in between all of the beer and shops you will want to buy something silly. My man bought me a welded metal rose that even smells like real roses! How sweet. :) There were lots of shops to buy belly-dancing or medieval clothing. I saw some I really liked but didn't want the hassle of getting out of my costume. We also stopped by a chocolate booth later in the day- unfortunately it was getting warm so we had to eat it all on the drive home.
I look forward to going back again next year. It's a long way from where I live, but well worth it for a day of fun festivities! -
Review from Carmelo R.
Glendale, AZ
3/21/2011
200 open parking spots in the front and you have to park where you are herded. I think its too money driven by expanding out of the renaissance era. Somethings are expensive, but thats controlled by each vendor. I'm not big on the ren faire but I do have a good time.
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Review from Dr. D.
Phoenix, AZ
4/4/2011
Security needs a major overhaul, I was robbed there today. Probably not going back ever again.
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Review from Matthew R.
Chandler, AZ
2/28/2010 1 photo
The Renaissance Festival is a place where everyone and anyone can venture to in order to awaken their medieval passions and expose a side of them no other place can reveal. Here people can be themselves without fear of being judged. They can dress in clothing appropriate to the era, eat as citizens of the renaissance age would eat, and live a day in the shoes of people whose lifestyle consisted of these aspects every day of their lives, all while having a merry time.
What's fascinating about the Renaissance Festival is it is an escape from the everyday bustling industrial environment known to people of the 21st century. Once you pass through the gates, you are immersed in a culture rarely seen these days. Men, women, and children of all ages absorb the spirit of the festival and change into someone only such a place can expose. Immediately you are compelled to have high spirits as people dancing, shopping, and just continuously enjoying themselves welcome you to the festival. From there the opportunities are limitless for there are twelve stages of continuous live entertainment, jousting tournaments, over 200 artisans displaying a variety of unique wares, and displays of ancient skills like glassblowing, leatherworking, weaving, woodcarving, blacksmithing, candlemaking and pottery.
One specific entity of the Renaissance Festival that stands out in my mind is the old coin striking mill tucked away and blended into in the strips of stores surrounding it. Here, a family of three (father, mother, and daughter) work to produce unique coins crafted into necklaces by means of a punch press.
The store offers some 100 different punch dyes each a symbol possessing its own special meaning. The categories range from mythological symbols, to astrological, to even ancient Egyptian. Once their customer has chosen two of their own special symbols they want imprinted on a coin, they place a blank, either bronze or silver, between each dye and clamp it to a press. Then a heavy weight is hoisted a few feet above the dyes and then suddenly dropped onto the head of one dye, eternally imprinting the symbols on the coin.
What's distinctive about this certain store is they can fulfill the needs of any customer that they are presented with by owning such a broad spectrum of dyes applicable to anyone due to the meaningful descriptions given to each symbol. Additionally, what captivates people is the fact that the coin is formed before your very eyes three feet away, making the production a very personal thing for the consumer.
If you and your family are venturing to the Renaissance Festival in Arizona anytime soon, which I would undoubtedly recommend, be sure to stop in on this special experience not attained anywhere else close by. -
Review from Carrie B.
10/9/2010 4 photos
I was expecting a complete geek-fest, I must admit. I was expecting to get harassed by medieval dorks and that sort of thing. But, I was wrong. This was thoroughly enjoyable. Buy tickets at Fry's before you go and gas up because it's quite a drive with only one city between Tucson & Apache Junction. Parking was easy. I was surprised to see actual structures making up this little town of vendors, stages & game booths. There were performers, fun and delicious food at reasonable prices and cute little shops everywhere you turned. The rides were so hilarious and ingenious. Many were powered by the riders (great for wearing the kids out) or else there were operators to hand power them and there were even elephant rides. The people visiting the fair were as diverse & delightful as the fair itself. I would love to go again and would highly recommend this fest to anyone looking to get some kicks in before the summer heat sets in! OMG-VISIT THE TOMATO THROWING INSULT BOOTH (VEGETABLE JUSTICE)!!!! IT'S A RIOT!!!!!!
Listed in: Seasonal Splendorificness
