Wow, we had SUCH a fun experience at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire. This was our first…read moretime ever attending a Renaissance faire, and I've wanted to go for SO long, so finally getting to experience one was really exciting!
The atmosphere was honestly one of my favorite parts. There were costumes everywhere, colorful decorations, music, shows, little shops and so many fun photo opportunities. Everyone just seemed to be having a good time, and there was so much to look at that wandering around was an experience in itself. I especially loved the fairy area, obviously. There were so many whimsical little details and beautifully decorated booths. This little wagon setup was probably my favorite. I could have stood there forever looking at all the jewelry, greenery and tiny treasures!
There was also WAY more to do than I expected. You can try archery, play games, go on multiple swing rides, watch shows, and even watch a joust in the arena. You can also get your hair braided, have henna or face paint done, and there was plenty of trinket trading going on if that's your thing. I loved browsing all the vendors, especially all of the jewelry and potion booths. There were so many fun things I wanted to take home!
And of course, there was plenty of food! We saw everything from turkey legs and pizza to pesto garlic fries and bacon wrapped hot dogs. We stopped at High Vibrations for the hibiscus rose tea and it was SO good. Super refreshing and just the perfect amount of sweetness.
This is also absolutely the place to come if you want an excuse to dress up. I got to make a giant life sized dandelion specifically to be part of my outfit, so naturally I had to bring it with me. I honestly loved seeing how creative everyone got with their costumes. It made the whole experience even more fun.
I found the faire pretty easy to navigate, especially since you can download the map beforehand. Tickets are purchased online, and they stamp your hand so you can leave and re enter. There's also camping available if you want to turn it into a whole weekend, although for us, about half a day was plenty to see a lot and have a really fun time.
One practical tip though: wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty! I wore light colored sandals and my feet were SO dirty by the end of the day. The grounds are mostly dirt and gravel, so definitely keep that in mind when planning your outfit.
For our first Renaissance faire, I honestly couldn't have asked for a more fun experience. There was so much to see, eat, shop for and do, and I loved how immersive and playful the whole atmosphere felt. I already understand why people make this an annual tradition, and I would absolutely go back!