Bristol Renaissance Faire 2026: The Ultimate Family Guide

Step back in time to 1574 and experience the magic of Queen Elizabeth I’s royal visit to Bristol. The Bristol Renaissance Faire transforms 30 acres in Kenosha into an English village festival filled with knights, jousting, artisans, music, food, fantasy costumes and family-friendly fun. For Milwaukee-area families, it is one of the most memorable summer day trips in Wisconsin.

The 2026 season runs Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day, July 11 through September 7, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Quick details

What: Immersive 1574 English village festival celebrating Queen Elizabeth I’s visit to Bristol
When: Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day, July 11–September 7, 2026
Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53142
Best for: Families, fantasy fans, theater lovers, food lovers, costume fans and anyone who wants a full-day summer adventure
Travel time: About 30 minutes from Milwaukee and about 50 minutes from Chicago, according to the Faire’s directions page.

2026 admission tickets

For 2026, box office prices are:

Adults: $48
Children ages 5–12: $23
Children 4 and under: Free
Seniors 62+: $45, box office only
Military with ID: $45, box office only
Season Pass: $275
Friends of Faire VIP Garden: $175

Discount tickets are also available at participating Menards locations beginning April 11, 2026, with adult tickets listed at $44 and child tickets at $21. Bristol notes that tickets purchased online are the same price as the box office, and warns guests to buy only through RenFair.com, Leap, the venue box office or participating Menards locations.

2026 themed weekends

Themed weekends add an extra layer of fun for families who want to plan costumes or choose a weekend with a special twist.

July 11–12: Opening Weekend
The gates open for the 2026 season.

July 18–19: Cottagecore Weekend
Dress in your best woodland, cozy or storybook-inspired attire and explore the Faire’s artisan village.

July 25–26: Marketplace Weekend
Guests who spend $500 in the Marketplace can receive two return tickets valid through August 30, 2026, with same-day paper receipts redeemed at Guest Services before 7 p.m.

August 1–2: Summerween
A new family-friendly theme for 2026, bringing playful spooky season energy into the summer Faire.

August 8–9: Romantasy Weekend
Another new 2026 theme, built around fantasy, romance, court intrigue and costume-friendly storytelling.

August 15–16: Pirate Weekend
One of Bristol’s most popular themes returns with pirates, sea-worthy costumes and plenty of “Ahoy!” energy.

August 22–23: RennCon™
A cosplay-friendly weekend where sci-fi, anime, comics, fantasy and Renaissance looks all mix together.

August 29–30: Late Summer Weekend
A good option for families who want the Bristol experience without planning around a specific theme.

September 5–7: Labor Day Weekend / Final Weekend
The season wraps up with Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day Monday dates.

What your admission includes

Admission includes the big Bristol experience: jousts, street performers, music, dancing, Queen Elizabeth and her court, Shakespeare-inspired entertainment, artisan demonstrations, wandering characters and entertainment across the Faire. Bristol says entertainment across its performance areas is included with admission, though rides, games, food and shopping cost extra.

Family favorites include cheering at the joust, watching artisans at work, joining in a Maypole dance, exploring Queen’s College activities, seeing musicians and performers throughout the village, and simply walking through the streets while costumed characters interact with guests.

Food and drinks

Bristol is known for classic Renaissance Faire food, and yes, the turkey drumsticks are still part of the experience. Other family favorites include garlic mushrooms, cheese fritters, pickles, sassafras, fruit ice, monkey tails, gelato, tacos, bowls, brats, roasted nuts, grilled pineapple, baked potatoes and plenty of sweet treats. The Faire marks vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on its food listings.

One important planning note: Bristol’s FAQ says all food and drink merchants are still cash only, though ATMs are available on site. The box office accepts credit cards for admission tickets, and many Marketplace merchants accept cards, but each merchant sets their own policy.

Can families bring food or water?

Outside picnic lunches are not allowed, but guests may bring one water bottle per person, either factory-sealed or empty. Food required for medical needs, special dietary needs, baby food and baby formula are allowed. Coolers, alcohol, glass containers and food requiring heating or refrigeration are not allowed.

This is a change worth noting if your older plan was to picnic in the parking lot: Bristol’s FAQ says there are no in-and-out privileges for the parking lots, and guests who want a picnic lunch must leave the property. Guests may still ask for a hand stamp to leave and re-enter the Faire itself.

Rides and games

Many of the rides and games are human-powered, which adds to the old-world feel. Options include archery, Barrel of Bedlam, Butterfly Ride, Catapulting Frogs, a climbing wall, crossbows, Da Vinci’s Flying Machine, the Giant Dueling Horse Slide, Giant Swing, Jacob’s Ladder, Knife and Axe Throw, petting zoo, Treasure Pit and more. These activities cost an additional fee.

For families with younger children, build in a little extra spending money. The shows are included, but rides, games, food and souvenirs can add up quickly.

Costumes and what to wear

Costumes are not required, but they are part of the fun. Families will see everything from Renaissance villagers and knights to pirates, fairies, elves, fantasy characters, cottagecore outfits and cosplay. Bristol does not rent costumes on site.

Comfortable shoes are a must. The Faire is outdoors, with grass, dirt, roots, hills and uneven terrain. Bristol requires guests to wear shoes at all times, and strollers and wagons are welcome.

If you bring prop weapons, review the rules first. Weapons must be fully sheathed and peace-tied, realistic-looking weapons cannot be carried in hand, and prop firearms are not permitted.

Parking and arrival tips

The Faire is located at 12550 120th Ave. in Kenosha, off I-94 near the Illinois/Wisconsin border. Bristol warns guests not to follow GPS routes that direct drivers to 116th Street, 128th Street or ML, because those routes will not allow access to Frontage Road. Use Highway 165 or Highway 173 instead.

Parking is in grass lots, so bring cash. General parking is listed at $10, ADA-accessible parking is listed at $10, and VIP parking is available online for $35. Preferred parking is listed differently on two official Bristol pages, so bring extra cash and check the official parking page before you go.

For the smoothest family day, arrive early. Parking opens before the Faire gates, and getting there ahead of the biggest late-morning crowds gives families more time to settle in, use the restroom, fill water bottles and plan the day.

Essential packing list

Bring cash for parking, food and games; a credit or debit card for tickets and some vendors; a refillable water bottle; sunscreen; hats; wipes or hand sanitizer; and comfortable walking shoes. For younger kids, a rugged stroller or wagon is helpful because standard city strollers can struggle on the uneven terrain.

Also consider a portable phone charger, a small first-aid kit, and a plan for breaks. Bristol is open rain or shine, so check the forecast and dress for Wisconsin summer weather.

Pro tips for families

Arrive early if you want easier parking and better seats for popular shows.

Review the schedule when you arrive so you can plan around the joust, kid-friendly shows and any special theme weekend activities.

Bring more cash than you think you need. Food and drink merchants are cash only, and rides and games are extra.

Let kids dress up, even simply. A flower crown, pirate scarf, cape or toy shield can make the day feel more magical without requiring a full costume.

Take breaks before everyone is tired. The Faire is big, busy and stimulating, especially on hot days.

Final thought

The Bristol Renaissance Faire is more than a festival. It is a full-day step into another world, with jousting, costumes, music, artisan shops, fantasy characters, giant turkey legs and plenty of chances for kids to play along. Whether you go for Pirate Weekend, the new Summerween theme, RennCon™ or a classic summer Sunday, Bristol is one of the most memorable family day trips of the season.