Bristol Renaissance Faire 2025: The Ultimate Family Guide

Kenosha, Wisconsin | July-September 2025

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, Wisconsin into an authentic English village festival where knights are noble, maids are merry, and families create unforgettable memories. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for a perfect day at Wisconsin's award-winning Renaissance festival - from money-saving ticket tips to must-try turkey legs, themed costume weekends to kid-friendly activities.

What: Immersive 1574 English village festival celebrating Queen Elizabeth I's visit to Bristol
When: 9 weekends, July 5 - September 1, 2025 (Sat/Sun + Labor Day Monday)
Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Where: 12550 120th Avenue, Kenosha, WI
Size: 30 acres with 16 stages and 125+ artisan shops

Admission Tickets

• Adults: $40 (Box Office) | $46.91 (Online) | $36 (Menards - Best Deal!)

• Children (5-12): $15 (Box Office) | $19.48 (Online) | $13 (Menards)

• Children 4 & Under: FREE

• Seniors (62+)/Military: $38 (Box Office only)

• Season Pass: $225 (Box Office) | $249.89 (Online)

2025 Themed Weekends

July 5-6 (Weekend 1)
July 12-13 (Weekend 2 - Steampunk & Time Traveler)
July 19-20 (Weekend 3 - Marketplace Weekend)
July 26-27 (Weekend 4 - Cottagecore Weekend)
August 2-3 (Weekend 5 - Pirate Weekend)
August 9-10 (Weekend 6 - RennCon™)
August 16-17 (Weekend 7 - Monstracon)
August 23-24 (Weekend 8)
August 30-31 + September 1 (Weekend 9 - Labor Day Monday included)

Parking Options (Cash Only)

General: $5

• Preferred: $10

• ADA: $10

• VIP: $25 (pre-purchase online, closest to gate)

• Free Drop-off/Pick-up: Available near red barn

💡 Money-Saving Tips

• Buy discounted tickets at Menards stores for biggest savings

• Bring exact cash for parking

• Use hand stamp to exit for car picnic (saves on food costs)

• Budget extra for rides ($4-10 each), games, and food

👗 Costumes & What to Wear

Costume Guidelines

• Not required but highly encouraged

• All themes welcome: Renaissance, pirates, elves, fairies, steampunk, sci-fi

• No costume rentals available on-site

• Prop weapon rules: Must be peace-tied and sheathed

Family Costume Ideas

• Lord of the Rings characters (hobbits, elves, wizards)

• Classic fairy tales (princesses, knights, villagers)

• Pirates (especially popular during Pirate Weekend)

• Simple peasant/cottagecore (long skirts, vests, poet shirts)

Essential Clothing Tips

• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (boots or sneakers - NOT sandals!)

• Layer for weather (Wisconsin summer can be hot/humid or cool/rainy)

• Hat for sun protection

• Breathable fabrics for hot days

🍖 Food & Dining

Must-Try Faire Foods

• Turkey legs - The iconic giant drumsticks

• Garlic mushrooms - Fan favorite

• Cheese fritters - Fried Monterey Jack with dipping sauces

• Pickles on a stick - 3 varieties available

• Sassafras - Renaissance root beer

• Monkey tails - Chocolate-covered frozen bananas

Dietary Options Available

• Vegetarian: Portabella sandwiches, spinach pie, mac & cheese bites

• Vegan: Falafel, vegetable tempura, fruit ice

• Gluten-free: Turkey legs (with GF sauce), tacos, bowls, nachos

Food Policies

• No outside food allowed (except baby food, medical needs)

• One reusable water bottle permitted (empty or factory-sealed)

• Water fountains available at restrooms for refills

• Hand stamp allows re-entry for car picnic break

🎭 Entertainment & Activities

Must-See Shows & Performers

• Jousting Tournament - Unscripted, full-contact competition (arrive 1 hour early!)

• Cirque du Sewer - America's Got Talent performers with rescued animals

• The Accidental Acrobats - Comedy and stunts for all ages

• Children's Knighting Ceremony - Saturdays at 4:15 PM (ages 12 & under)

• Dungeons & Shakespeare - Interactive play with audience participation

Kids' Activities

• Kids' Kingdom - Dedicated play area with pirate ships, slides, sandboxes

• Fairie Glen - Silent, magical fairy interactions

• Kids Quest - Live-action RPG for ages 4-10 ($5)

• Treasure Pit - Dig for treasure (low cost)

• Human-powered rides - Barrel of Bedlam, Da Vinci's Flying Machine, Butterfly Ride

• Petting Zoo - Gentle animal interactions

Games & Skills

• Archery and crossbow ranges

• Knife and axe throwing

• Various carnival-style games

• Most activities cost $4-10 each

🗺️ Getting There & Navigation

Directions

Address: 12550 120th Avenue, Kenosha, WI
Important: Do NOT use GPS routes through 128th, 116th, or ML streets
Correct entry: From Frontage Road via Route 45 (IL) or Route 165 (WI)

Arrival Strategy

• Parking opens: 9:00 AM

• Best arrival time: Before 8:45 AM to avoid crowds

• Peak arrival: 9:30-11:00 AM (most crowded)

🎒 Essential Packing List

Must-Bring Items

• Cash - For parking, food vendors, games, tips

• Credit/debit card - For ticket booth and some vendors

• Reusable water bottle - Save money and stay hydrated

• Sunblock and hat - Limited shade available

• Hand sanitizer/wipes - For cleanliness

• Comfortable walking shoes - Terrain is dusty and uneven

For Families with Kids

• Rugged stroller or wagon - Standard city strollers struggle on terrain

• Snacks for car picnic - Use re-entry stamp for budget break

• Small first aid kit - For minor scrapes

• Extra cash - Kids will want rides and games

🏆 Pro Tips for the Perfect Day

Crowd Management

• Arrive early for parking and popular shows

• Locate restrooms on map before needed (can be hard to find)

• Take breaks - Use re-entry stamp for quiet car time

Shopping Smart

• Souvenir shop near entrance will hold purchases until departure

• Watch artisan demonstrations - Glassblowing, blacksmithing, pottery

• Popular kids' items - Wooden swords/shields, flower wreaths, face painting

Making Memories

• Photo opportunities everywhere with costumed characters

• Interactive experience - Performers mingle freely in streets

• Embrace the fantasy - The more you participate, the more magical it becomes

⚠️ Important Reminders

• Rain or shine event with minimal shelter

• Terrain is uneven - Dirt, gravel, grass with exposed roots

• Admission includes all shows and performances

• Additional costs for rides, games, food, and marketplace items

• Season runs 9 weekends from July 5 - September 1, 2025

Ready to step back in time? Huzzah and enjoy your royal adventure! 👑