Take A Drive To The Hamlet of Bristol in 1574

A short jaunt over the Illinois-Wisconsin border can take you far, far away – some 437 years away – to Elizabethan England.

The Bristol Renaissance Faire, near Kenosha, WI, provides an eclectic mix of entertainment that includes history, physical comedy, music, theater, human-propelled kiddie rides, a kingdom just for kids, fantasy game play with RenQuest and the ever-popular jousting.

It’s also a great place for people watching as many attendees dress for the event in garb that is sometimes quite authentic and other times just eccentric. Those who arrive at the faire in 21st century clothing, and decide it would be more fun dressed up, can rent or buy Renaissance-inspired clothing. Those who don’t care to dress for the occasion are fine, if they don’t mind being ridiculed by some of the characters for arriving to Bristol in their underwear.

A story line runs through the festivities. This year, the stage is set for the summer of 1574 as Queen Elizabeth visits the English hamlet of Bristol with her large court. Historical accuracy mixes with merriment and mayhem as pirates and Robin Hood enter into the story.

Renfaire (as regulars like to call it) is held on 30 wooded acres, and runs for nine weekends, ending Sept. 5.  Recreating the 16th century requires many trained performers – more than 1,200 artisans and performers. First-year performers are required to complete 45 hours of classes at the Bristol Academy of Performing Arts, where they learn Renaissance history, dialect, improvisation, music, and how to create their characters.

Area actors consider performing at the Renaissance Faire a great opportunity to improve their skills. See these stories about Renfaire performers:

Some fun facts about Renfaire:

• Bristol’s Queen Elizabeth is probably the best-dressed performer on the Renaissance Faire circuit.  She has six exquisitely detailed gowns from which to choose, each costing thousands of dollars to create.
• Faire-goers can enjoy more than 90 different stage shows in a single nine-hour day – many presented multiple times.
• Merchants, artisans and craftspeople travel from as far away as California, New York and Florida to display their wares at the Bristol Faire Marketplace.

The Bristol Renaissance Faire is located west of I-94, at the Russell Road exit. Regular cost for the faire is $19.95 for adults, $8.50 for children ages 5 to 12; admission is free for children 4 and younger. Discounts to Renaissance Faire are available online.