TRAVEL GUIDE

Wisconsin Travel and the Bristol Renaissance Faire

Hear ye, hear ye... come hither to Wisconsin's own Bristol Renaissance Faire! Go back in time to a 16th century European marketplace filled with richly gowned ladies, tattered beggars and knights in shining armor! This fair is runs for 9 weekends, beginning on July 9th all the way till September 4th (including Labor Day). From 10am-7pm, you can see comedy shows, swordfights, or even a jousting competition! You will also enjoy the many merchants selling their wares in the marketplace, great food, as well as the international entertainment from the shores of Japan, Africa, Scotland, England and much more! This festival is definitely a must-visit in your Wisconsin travels!

Kid's Kingdom

Children of all ages will also enjoy this historical festival as part of their Wisconsin travels! Here they will step into a living fairy tale where they can partake in stage shows, puppets, crafts, treasure hunts and other interactive activities! There is also a huge interactive pirate ship and oversized sandboxes there children can stretch their imagination. Each afternoon, there is a daily Knighting ceremony where Queen Elizabeth herself visits the Kingdom to make knights and ladies of all waiting children! Don't miss this royal event! There are nearly 30 rides and games for kids ranging from the butterfly ride (for the littlest) to Pirate's Assault Catapult (for bigger kids). Kid friendly foods such as cheese fritters, pizza, hot wings and ice-cream will cater to every taste bud.

Market Place

The Renaissance Faire boasts 165 merchants from lands near and far selling myriad works of artistry, imagination, and skill to the Bristol marketplace! Here you will find arms and armor, eclectic handcrafts, porcelain, pottery, candles, soap, clothing and costumes, paper and books, metals, toys for your people and much more! Be sure to buy a great souvenir to remind you of this unique part of your Wisconsin travels!

Festival Food

All around the fair there are foods to satisfy every craving! Here you will be able to sample come of the finest festival foods in the upper Midwest! All food shops meet all the codes and requirements of the Kenosha Health Department. Stop by the Old Trader's wharf and try their yummy Beef Jerky, pickles and pretzels. For a unique treat, come to the Butter (near the Globe Stage) and taste their artichokes! You can have them freshly steamed, served with butter or hollandaise sauce! If you have a sweet tooth, come to the Shop Latch Lane-Black Swan Inn and ask for their Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake on a stick! Their Cornish Pasties (English form of a pocket sandwich) are also worth trying! Kids will love the snow cones at St. John's Crossing - the Queen's favorite treat!

Entertainment

There are lots of different types of shows to see at the Bristol Renaissance Faire! At the festival you will encounter everyone from romantic strolling lutenists to wild and rollicking drum and bagpipe bands. During their 19th Annual Bristol Renaissance Faire in 2006, the festival presents the International Music Stage. The headliner stage features 3 different musical and dance acts with distinctly international flair. Amongst the many great artists, you cannot miss Kaiju Daiko! Back by popular demand, this Japanese drummer will bring uniquely beautiful music to your ears as part of your Wisconsin travel experience. For a truly royal experience, come to the Queen's Parade and Progress! Each day at 12:45pm, this glittering parade begins at the front gate and proceeds throughout the Bristol. You will adore the beautiful costumes of the Queen's court! Why not join in the fun? Once you're in the side gates you're in the world with the street cast. Talk to the many Citizens of the Streets, as well as Lady Ettie, Jane the Phoole and many more! These players bring you many wonderful personal encounters while enticing you to join in the fun and spirit of the festival day in the countryside.

Miscellaneous Information

The festival is located at 12550, 120th Ave, Kenosho, Wisconsin. You can buy your tickets at the gate or online (save 16% off gate price). Gate price is as follows: Adults 12+ ($18.95), Children (5-12) ($9.50), Under 5 (free). For more information call 847-395-7773.