A welcome $10 entry experience in a small, but growing, tent-style Faire with good music, deals to…read morebe had from vendors who aren't paying huge overhead for permanent structures, and personal touches that bigger fairies can't offer (like having your wee one knighted by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth!!) For those reasons, imho Virginia Renaissance Faire lives up to its Shakespearean byline --such stuff that dreams are made of--as offers something memorable for kids and adults alike.
Hosted at Lake Anna winery, a couple hours away from the DC metro area, the Virginia shindig is not the grandest Renaissance Festival you will see, but it holds its own in quality and variety of performers, vendors, and activities. Centered around Elizabethan rule in Tudor England, there is a broad variety of attendees from other European countries as well as fantasy characters from literature, magical creatures, and pirates! We go every summer and find ourselves surrounded in the big booze/music tent by wizards, centaurs, fairies of all varieties, hobbits, dragons, kilt clad Scotts, barbarian hordes and Vikings imbibing mead, cider, and ale from horns and crafted mugs.
Because it is a smaller faire, we are always able to find bargain prices on jewelry, clothing, period weapons, calligraphy, armor, and leather wares hawked by smiling vendors affecting British accents. It's nice to meet the artisans themselves and talk about how they made a particular item--and this is the Faire where crowds aren't as thick and you can take the time to do so! Although many vendors will except MasterCard, Lady Visa, and the Express of the Americas (really who carries Amex anymore!?), it is always best to bring cash if you'd like to bargain for that special item. Food vendors are paid in cash, so bring $20-$30 if you'd like to eat or drink at the festival.
Because of its location on winery tucked away from any bustling urban center, period-style weapons are allowed to be carried as long as they are peace-tied; if you have a bow, knife, or sword you may bring it as part of your attire and everyone we've observed has acted responsible with both the real and replica pieces they bring. IMHO, it's always more fun to experience Faire dressed in garb, but first timers should be mindful of the heat (this is a Spring/Summer Faire) and dress according to what they can tolerate. It's best to remember to hydrate sufficiently!
Some of our favorite events are "Dinty, the Moor" and his magic show, Token Entertainment, Jackdaws, O'Danny House Party, Scales and Crosstones and Pyrates Royale. There are also talks by Fletcher Moon on the history of beer--which are enlightening and enjoyable (there really is a measurement known as a "buttload"! Who knew!?)
I can't say enough about the turkey legs at the Virginia Renaissance Festival. Because this fair is on a smaller scale, all of the turkey legs are smoked all day before serving. The flavor of VARF is all natural (no liquid smoke) and the skin is nice and crisp with juicy, succulent meat on a huge drumstick. Adults and kids alike can't resist! Second on my food recommendation list is the delicious gyro--comes with gluten-free option or on a pita, your choice!
I greatly appreciate that this Faire honors all veterans by offering free admission one of the weekends it runs. Thank you, VARF, for this beautiful gesture and for honoring those who served.
Although VARF was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID 19 (talk about No Faire!), I'm looking forward to attending in 2021 to see all our favorite performers, vendors, and fellow Rennies!
