One of my favorite yearly events that take place in the Los Angeles area is the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale.
Since I love this event so much, I have put together a massive photo post to highlight the features of the event.
Table of Contents
Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale
If you wonder what the Renaissance Faire is, well, it is a reenactment of an Elizabethan Era market faire. Around 800 actors and actresses portray the dress found during the life of Elizabeth I. The costumes are not limited to the England Renaissance period. Scots, Germans, Italians, Spaniards and Arabs are also represented. In addition, there is several representation of imaginary characters (tree spirits, fairies, etc.).
The Irwindale Faire is the first and original one (other states have their own faires nowadays).
Of course there is more than costumes. Every corner of the place is filled with a piece of the past. It is a wonderful event for the entire family (and for history lovers too).
With so many actors, there is the possibility of observing the dress of many social classes and cultures. The event has grown into a big costume party. The majority of the attendees dress in period costumes too (and some do a very good job). The actors and actresses are identified with a paper badge.
Imagine entering a place where you are transported to the past. Different areas of the faire grounds are converted into typical scenes of past centuries. For example, you can find the blacksmiths, woodworkers and tailor’s areas. There are reenactments of a banquet for the queen and of a battle between English and Scots.
The place is filled with old and contemporary music acts. Faire assistants forget that is not October and dress up n their own costumes. In summary, every corner is a delight for the eyes.
Enough of words. Get prepared for a trip to the past!
Renaissance Pleasure Faire Details
- The faire takes place in the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area (located about 20 miles of Downtown Los Angeles.
- The faire takes place Saturday and Sundays from April to mid-May.
- For discounted tickets, take a look at GoldStar, TravelZoo or Groupon.
- There is not a lot of shade at the event location. Go well protected for the blazing sun.
- The event gets really crowded. The lines to enter the parking lot can get insanely long. Thankfully there are police officers and staff controlling the entire process. However, try to visit early or after 1:00 to avoid the worst traffic conditions.
- Food and drinks are expensive onsite. Bags and purses are checked at the entrance but I do not think there is any problem with bringing a bottle of water and some small snacks.
More of Los Angeles
One Day in Los Angeles: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Two Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary
Los Angeles Itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 Days in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List
Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles
Have you visited a the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale?
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image-in-ing says
Very, very cool shots – I’ve never attended a Renaissance fair, but this looks fascinating and I’ll have to look around for the opportunity!
Thanks for sharing here, and I hope you’ll come by http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/04/cat-on-ladder.html to link up.
Jen says
That looks like a ton of fun! I haven’t been to a festival like that, but it’s on my list. We have several celtic festivals that are local – they are just usually when we’ve got something else going on.
Thank you for joining us again this week!
Ruth says
I have been to Scotish Festivals and they are fun too! Hope you can attend one day. I would like to see your photos of one of those events.
Mama Herself says
We don’t have full on Ren Fairs in the UK like this. I think the people who would be interested either do historical reeanactment or live action roleplaying. I think those communities must have their ownfairs at some point and the odd local event must take place too. Shame because it looks like a whole lotta fun. Great pictures!
Ruth says
Interesting fact! I know this particular faire had origins in California. Wonder where they got the idea.
SJ says
Oh, what fun – and so much colour! Look like a great day out.
Ruth says
Yes, it was a day full of fun. And of course, I wanted to see the intricate costumes the actors and actresses use.
Jolanta aka Casual Traveler says
Ha! I know a person who will be very interested in this blog post! Looks like a really fun place, with people really getting into character!
Jess says
I love all the costumes! I finally went to my first ren faire last year, it was a lot of fun.
Ruth says
Cool! Where do you attended the faire? Was it similar to what I portray here?
Adelina says
This looks like SO much fun. I would love to go to a renaissance fair one day!
Ruth says
Yes,you should go. There are a lot of things to see and discover.
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
What a great collection of photos, Ruth! It’s been awhile since we’ve gone to this fair and we’re hoping to go next month. I love all the costumes and it just looks so fun. Thanks for all the tips and we hope we don’t wait too long.