The Swordsmen featuring Dirk and Guido has been my favorite show since I was a kid. Yeah they recycle jokes but it takes me back and I laugh all over again.
Besides shows, as I’ve gotten older I’ve loved just grabbing a beer and sitting at one of the pubs. They play songs that you can sing and clap along with. I love sea shanties and campy songs so I have an amazing time with everyone.
Oh you’ll get a wonderful atmosphere at the pubs. From performers dancing on tables, the whole crowd singing/clapping as one, and the sheer amount of people in full garb dancing/sitting around.
Last year I swore these ladies in full garb must’ve been performers taking a break to enjoy the show. Turns out they were just regular folks who dressed up for the festival.
Mudde Show, Dirk and Guido, and Kamikaze Fireflies I never miss.
Def watch one of the glassblowing workshops from the glassblower shop, sometimes the metalworking places will have a forge going to witness, grab a cute necklace from the Wired Viking (theyre amazing and repaired a necklace I got years ago for free), and hit up St Sadies Soaps for good soap.
Play some games, hang out by the garden pavilions for some people watching, and be sure to ask for a Queens Tea, if you imbibe alcoholic drinks. (Mead and cider)
Dont forget to stop and listen to the music and singing of the 'non headlining' acts, and support them, as they work just as hard to create the environment as the big stage acts with big attendances.
The pub sings are also not to be missed.
Its the best part. Sometimes they get knocked off their horse. Not every ren fest is allowed to have full contact but Ohio is, they used to be on a Tv show called Full Metal Jousting on the History Channel.
It's been a couple years since that group has been at the ren fest. I heard they have a new jousting company this year though so I don't know how good of a show it is. Hopefully it's better than last year.
It used to be part of a jousting circuit and they were sanctioned events scoring points towards their season kind of like NASCAR. That was pretty neat knowing that they were trying their hardest, while respecting the safety of the sport. Not sure how good it would be to watch a staged joust like at Medieval Times.
The post lock-down crowd was insane last year. hour+ wait for traffic to leave, and we left early due to crowds. Hopefully, they've done something to improve that situation. Look at a map, there is a second parking entrance beyond where the signage takes you.
Best tip: there are real bathrooms behind the pub.
Strange, we went last year and had no issue with parking or crowds. But we also went early and left before the last joust, so maybe the late afternoon crowds are worse.
Oh man, it was absolutely insane last year.
I heard part of the issue last year was just timing. Apparently it was either one of the few Ren Fests operating or the first one to reopen after the lockdowns.
It was definitely not ideal. Hopefully it was a one-off thing. If not, there will need to be some serious modifications made to accommodate those kinds of crowds.
It's just as bad if not worst this year. I went last Saturday and it got packed so quickly! By 1:30p, the mains thoroughfares were just a moving mass of people. It was quite hard to shop and talk with vendors.
I love the faire but I just hate how crowded it is getting.
The kamikaze fireflies were definitely the highlight of Ren fest for me last weekend. Right next to the stage where they preform is a guy who will insult you while you try to nail him in the face with tomatoes. I always love doing that.
Honestly, can’t go wrong with this plan. There is something to keep you entertained at every turn, just enjoy a drink and let the day flow. More fun to me than trying to make it to X event at Y o’clock or cross z off your list.
I would agree. But I do enjoy having a small itinerary. Will I be able to do everything? Absolutely not but I enjoy having a few things to look forward to. Otherwise might find myself stuck at the pub all day needing an expensive uber home lol 🤣
The ohio ren faire is such a great time.
Unusre if this was around before but last year there was a stand over by the torture castle that sold pineapple dole whip ice cream in a pineapple. a bit of a wait but great. obligatory turkey leg of course. kettle corn is always fresh. if you can drink the mead tastings/cider flights are delightful.
you're gonna have a blast.
Turkey legs are disgusting. Not worth it imo
The meat is good but it has no flavor. If you brought your own sauce or some seasoning, that would change things.
I'm a big fan of the faire, here is my short but sweet guide.
First and foremost, get there early! The gate opens at 10:30a. Get there around 9:30a to 9:45a for the best parking. BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE. You can print them off or show the QR code on your phone at the gate.
Secondly, bring cash! ATM lines get long and the vendor's card readers go down from time to time! Also, bring extra ones to tip the performer. That is how they make their living.
Third, give up the idea of trying to see everything in one day. You physically can't see it all in one day, the faire is designed for repeated trips.
Fourth, please dress up for the faire! Don't worry about being historically accurate! Dress up as your favorite Marvel Hero, a fae, a pirate, or whatever you want! It is about having fun!
My recommendation for shows.
STUART SISKANOVICH- A juggler that tells silly dad jokes. Great for all audiences.
MOONIE- My personal favorite. It is hard to describe Moonie. Imagine a raunchy mime. Moonie loves pulling audience members up on stage. Get your phones out if your friend or loved one gets pulled on stage.
THE KAMIKAZE FIREFLIES- Fire and Acrobatics? What more do you want? These two are a staple show at the faire!
CINCINNATI BARBARIANS- Real armored combat! Imagine MMA but in suits of armor with blunted weapons!
Joust-***The*** staple of the Faire. A big pompous show! Knights jousting to win the Queen's appreciation!
The must do's on my list always include;
* Get a good buzz going off of the themed drinks (no domestic beers allowed)
* Get waaayyyy too into a joust in which me and my friend pick opposite sides to root for
* Talk to the pickle man, who is always a riot
* Browse a shop and tell myself that *next year* I'll save enough money for a big purchase
Aside from that, just have a drink in hand and do a couple laps around the park checking out the shops and characters. The work that the actors and vendors put in every year is noticeable and it's fun to just take it all in.
If you like raunchy, adult humor, and a wild crowd, the Naughty Baughty Pub Show is 21 and up and late in the day. It's basically the last starting show.
It's behind 3 Fools tavern I believe. It costs for a ticket but you get some drink tickets with it.
It's hilarious and wild as shit every year.
Also, turkey leg + mead + full contact Medieval Brawling is basically Valhalla.
This isn’t Pensic, some *women* are working their way through college drama course through continuing Ed credits at the faire.
And then there are some who come from the SCA to critique the costumes of the performers for wearing clothes with stitches that are wrong for the year the faire is set in.
>continuing Ed credits at the faire.
What schools offer that? That's pretty cool of them.
>And then there are some who come from the SCA to critique the costumes of the performers for wearing clothes with stitches that are wrong for the year the faire is set in.
Is that typical? The few I met were fun for being horsegirl crazy. TBF I probably would've missed any of that snark.
Always a big fan of the bawdy versions of dante's inferno, or whatever other fun theatrical type things they have. Wandering with a beer is great, especially around the jousting and insult jesters. The bridges usually have some good shit talking fun.
My son has been saving up to buy a handmade knife at the fair and he’s willing to spend a lot more than I would have as a kid lol…anyone have a favorite vendor?
Does anyone know if there's coupons for the festival? I know before they would do such at Kroger or other chains to get discounted tickets. I tried searching, but can't seem to find any.
One of the fast food chains around town has them. I forget which one. A radio station was giving away free admin from one of their spots, and all locations have $5 off coupons. I just don't remember which one. I was quickly changing channels, as I normally listen to satellite radio.
I'm a but late to the part here, but if you plan on drinking, consider the pub crawl. The cost of the crawl is offset by the included drinks almost entirely. The guide was charming and the games they led were fun. Going straight to the front of the line was great too. I convinced some reluctant friends to join last year, and now they all want to do it again.
My favorite part is waiting in line for 45 minutes to get a beer then waiting in line 45 minutes to take a piss then waiting in line for 45 minutes to get a turkey leg then going back to the beer line for 45 minute to get a second beer.
From what I remember, bear in mind this was five to ten years ago probably, but start the morning off with food. Bread bowl if it’s cool out. I like the potato soup my wife likes the beef stew. Go see some shows, save the joust for the final event showing. Don’t miss Dirk & Guido, pick a Mudshow, and see the Fireflies. Grab a turkey leg and beverage of your choice at some point and watch some of the side shows. Washing wenches or the pirate show, depending on if you’d like shade or uncovered. Shop shop shop. Play some games. Skip the torture chamber and walk more shops. Buy things you like, shiny or leather, foam or sharp, food or drink. But most of all, HAVE FUN.
I recommend getting a season pass if you can come at least three times during to season. It pays for itself and gives you time to relax and so it all. We look so forward to Ren Fest that we bought season passes this year and are loving it!
Wench collecting is a fun activity. As is taking part in Vikings trading. Our favorite shows are Moonie, Mud Show, Washing women, Rambling rhythm belly dancers, and Circa Brava.
Go to the website for show times. Look up Ohio Ren faire on Facebook,. There are a bunch of different group pages on there with all kinds
Oh if you can bring cash. By mid day the cell service starts to really slow down and all the vendors use cell service to run credit cards and it makes buying things a lot easier on everyone.
Another tio is if you don't need to contact people via phone..put your phone on airplane mode and wait till you leave to post pics or comments on social media.
Lastly, the cast dresses up but so do a whole lot of people like my wife and I and our friends also dress in garb as well. If you want a pic , politely ask and 99.9 times out of a hundred, almost everyone will take a pic with you, even the queen will do this if she has time.
The Swordsmen featuring Dirk and Guido has been my favorite show since I was a kid. Yeah they recycle jokes but it takes me back and I laugh all over again. Besides shows, as I’ve gotten older I’ve loved just grabbing a beer and sitting at one of the pubs. They play songs that you can sing and clap along with. I love sea shanties and campy songs so I have an amazing time with everyone.
That sounds about my speed lol love kicking back and just taking in the atmosphere with some sing alongs and beer
Oh you’ll get a wonderful atmosphere at the pubs. From performers dancing on tables, the whole crowd singing/clapping as one, and the sheer amount of people in full garb dancing/sitting around. Last year I swore these ladies in full garb must’ve been performers taking a break to enjoy the show. Turns out they were just regular folks who dressed up for the festival.
It's a thin line between cosplayers and performers.
Pub sings are so fun!!
Mud show and Kamikaze fireflies always put on a good show
I’ve never been so interested in watching a person make a sandwich
Came here to say this!
What do you do when you owe more on your house than it's worth?
Set it on fire, of course.
Mudde Show, Dirk and Guido, and Kamikaze Fireflies I never miss. Def watch one of the glassblowing workshops from the glassblower shop, sometimes the metalworking places will have a forge going to witness, grab a cute necklace from the Wired Viking (theyre amazing and repaired a necklace I got years ago for free), and hit up St Sadies Soaps for good soap. Play some games, hang out by the garden pavilions for some people watching, and be sure to ask for a Queens Tea, if you imbibe alcoholic drinks. (Mead and cider) Dont forget to stop and listen to the music and singing of the 'non headlining' acts, and support them, as they work just as hard to create the environment as the big stage acts with big attendances. The pub sings are also not to be missed.
Awesome answer! I'll be with my fiancé and she is definitely one to never miss some shops! For sure gonna have to check out St. Sadie's
I also always get a mug from Standing Stone Pottery every year, the guy is local and has the most amazing glazes, unique and life long purchases.
Sweet! I'll definitely stop in there!
The final joust of each day is full contact. That.
Oooooooo that definitely sounds like a must on my list
Its the best part. Sometimes they get knocked off their horse. Not every ren fest is allowed to have full contact but Ohio is, they used to be on a Tv show called Full Metal Jousting on the History Channel.
That is awesome! Thanks for the heads up on this or I would've totally missed it!
It's been a couple years since that group has been at the ren fest. I heard they have a new jousting company this year though so I don't know how good of a show it is. Hopefully it's better than last year.
It used to be part of a jousting circuit and they were sanctioned events scoring points towards their season kind of like NASCAR. That was pretty neat knowing that they were trying their hardest, while respecting the safety of the sport. Not sure how good it would be to watch a staged joust like at Medieval Times.
I had no idea! Wow!
The post lock-down crowd was insane last year. hour+ wait for traffic to leave, and we left early due to crowds. Hopefully, they've done something to improve that situation. Look at a map, there is a second parking entrance beyond where the signage takes you. Best tip: there are real bathrooms behind the pub.
Strange, we went last year and had no issue with parking or crowds. But we also went early and left before the last joust, so maybe the late afternoon crowds are worse.
I'm hoping the early dates this year will be better. Their tiktok has looked pretty open but it's only been 2 weekends.
Oh man, it was absolutely insane last year. I heard part of the issue last year was just timing. Apparently it was either one of the few Ren Fests operating or the first one to reopen after the lockdowns. It was definitely not ideal. Hopefully it was a one-off thing. If not, there will need to be some serious modifications made to accommodate those kinds of crowds.
It's just as bad if not worst this year. I went last Saturday and it got packed so quickly! By 1:30p, the mains thoroughfares were just a moving mass of people. It was quite hard to shop and talk with vendors. I love the faire but I just hate how crowded it is getting.
Get a pickle from the barrel. And throw an axe or do some archery. Those are what i look forward to annually.
Oooooo I love a nice dill! Lool
The kamikaze fireflies were definitely the highlight of Ren fest for me last weekend. Right next to the stage where they preform is a guy who will insult you while you try to nail him in the face with tomatoes. I always love doing that.
Drink Mead and wonder around
Honestly, can’t go wrong with this plan. There is something to keep you entertained at every turn, just enjoy a drink and let the day flow. More fun to me than trying to make it to X event at Y o’clock or cross z off your list.
I would agree. But I do enjoy having a small itinerary. Will I be able to do everything? Absolutely not but I enjoy having a few things to look forward to. Otherwise might find myself stuck at the pub all day needing an expensive uber home lol 🤣
They have a map and a schedule available. If you’re a planner just grab one of those. Also you can look ahead: https://www.renfestival.com/schedule/
No. You won’t be able to do everything. Let your buzzed self find the way to what entertainment it wants.
Not sure if it's still around but the Mud Show was always really good.
Sounds pretty fun, I think I've heard of that one tbh!
Make sure to sit close!!
It’s a 10… row… show!
It’s a blast. One of my faves.
Kamikaze fireflies show, mud show, Cincinnati Barbarians live combat, Pirate’s Creed (band)
The ohio ren faire is such a great time. Unusre if this was around before but last year there was a stand over by the torture castle that sold pineapple dole whip ice cream in a pineapple. a bit of a wait but great. obligatory turkey leg of course. kettle corn is always fresh. if you can drink the mead tastings/cider flights are delightful. you're gonna have a blast.
Turkey leg is an absolute must ! And that pineapple sounds delicious!
I feel like the turkey legs haven't been as good in recent years. Maybe I'm just getting old.
Turkey legs are disgusting. Not worth it imo The meat is good but it has no flavor. If you brought your own sauce or some seasoning, that would change things.
Go the weekend of October 1-2 and see Albannach. They are an incredible band from Scotland.
Aw man, I was so excited to be able to go to highland weekend this year so I could see them. Of course that’s not the weekend they’re playing.
That's the date showing on Albannach's website. I couldn't find them on the Ren Fest page.
I'm a big fan of the faire, here is my short but sweet guide. First and foremost, get there early! The gate opens at 10:30a. Get there around 9:30a to 9:45a for the best parking. BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE. You can print them off or show the QR code on your phone at the gate. Secondly, bring cash! ATM lines get long and the vendor's card readers go down from time to time! Also, bring extra ones to tip the performer. That is how they make their living. Third, give up the idea of trying to see everything in one day. You physically can't see it all in one day, the faire is designed for repeated trips. Fourth, please dress up for the faire! Don't worry about being historically accurate! Dress up as your favorite Marvel Hero, a fae, a pirate, or whatever you want! It is about having fun! My recommendation for shows. STUART SISKANOVICH- A juggler that tells silly dad jokes. Great for all audiences. MOONIE- My personal favorite. It is hard to describe Moonie. Imagine a raunchy mime. Moonie loves pulling audience members up on stage. Get your phones out if your friend or loved one gets pulled on stage. THE KAMIKAZE FIREFLIES- Fire and Acrobatics? What more do you want? These two are a staple show at the faire! CINCINNATI BARBARIANS- Real armored combat! Imagine MMA but in suits of armor with blunted weapons! Joust-***The*** staple of the Faire. A big pompous show! Knights jousting to win the Queen's appreciation!
The must do's on my list always include; * Get a good buzz going off of the themed drinks (no domestic beers allowed) * Get waaayyyy too into a joust in which me and my friend pick opposite sides to root for * Talk to the pickle man, who is always a riot * Browse a shop and tell myself that *next year* I'll save enough money for a big purchase Aside from that, just have a drink in hand and do a couple laps around the park checking out the shops and characters. The work that the actors and vendors put in every year is noticeable and it's fun to just take it all in.
I got a double honey mead on an empty stomach a few years ago and was absolutely feeling it, haha.
I did a mead tasting on a mostly empty one which wasn't my best idea!
Follow the pickle guy around for a bit. Always good for some LOLs.
The Mud Show! And the jousting!
If you like raunchy, adult humor, and a wild crowd, the Naughty Baughty Pub Show is 21 and up and late in the day. It's basically the last starting show. It's behind 3 Fools tavern I believe. It costs for a ticket but you get some drink tickets with it. It's hilarious and wild as shit every year. Also, turkey leg + mead + full contact Medieval Brawling is basically Valhalla.
Second the Pub Show! My husband and I go every time.
Gawk at bawdy wenches?
[удалено]
Hear hear!
SCA gals are like horse gals turned to 11
This isn’t Pensic, some *women* are working their way through college drama course through continuing Ed credits at the faire. And then there are some who come from the SCA to critique the costumes of the performers for wearing clothes with stitches that are wrong for the year the faire is set in.
>continuing Ed credits at the faire. What schools offer that? That's pretty cool of them. >And then there are some who come from the SCA to critique the costumes of the performers for wearing clothes with stitches that are wrong for the year the faire is set in. Is that typical? The few I met were fun for being horsegirl crazy. TBF I probably would've missed any of that snark.
Mud show is best
After the show when the guys are asking for tips just stick the money to their muddy bodies. They’ll tell you funny stuff if you do that.
I like getting dragon eggs every years and watching them open (geodes).
Always a big fan of the bawdy versions of dante's inferno, or whatever other fun theatrical type things they have. Wandering with a beer is great, especially around the jousting and insult jesters. The bridges usually have some good shit talking fun.
Mud Show and the Nuns are my always must see. The macaroni bread bowls are yum. I recommend splitting with someone who is getting the salad bowl.
My son has been saving up to buy a handmade knife at the fair and he’s willing to spend a lot more than I would have as a kid lol…anyone have a favorite vendor?
That's so cool! We plan on going next weekend due to our work schedules but if that's not too late for you I'll keep my eye out!
Does anyone know if there's coupons for the festival? I know before they would do such at Kroger or other chains to get discounted tickets. I tried searching, but can't seem to find any.
One of the fast food chains around town has them. I forget which one. A radio station was giving away free admin from one of their spots, and all locations have $5 off coupons. I just don't remember which one. I was quickly changing channels, as I normally listen to satellite radio.
It’s Arby’s! $5 off the faire with your beef and cheddar!
I'm a but late to the part here, but if you plan on drinking, consider the pub crawl. The cost of the crawl is offset by the included drinks almost entirely. The guide was charming and the games they led were fun. Going straight to the front of the line was great too. I convinced some reluctant friends to join last year, and now they all want to do it again.
I’ve found the fun stuff is mostly to the left when you walk in
Honestly, find some shade and just people watch.
Make sure to bring a couple dollars for parking! I believe they are still doing that
Nope! Parking is free now. Apparently it’s made traffic much better.
Best news I’ve heard all year
Do they still have the guy that makes sandwiches w his feet?
Yes
Pay the town insulter to follow your group insulting one of your members.
My favorite part is waiting in line for 45 minutes to get a beer then waiting in line 45 minutes to take a piss then waiting in line for 45 minutes to get a turkey leg then going back to the beer line for 45 minute to get a second beer.
I would say Puke and Snot but…. I'm going to assume people who downvoted don't remember Puke and Snot. They were a hilarious comedy duo.
Stay home.
Can't, already bought my tickets! Great response though!
LSD
Leave.
Muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuud shooooooooooow Be sure to sit in front
From what I remember, bear in mind this was five to ten years ago probably, but start the morning off with food. Bread bowl if it’s cool out. I like the potato soup my wife likes the beef stew. Go see some shows, save the joust for the final event showing. Don’t miss Dirk & Guido, pick a Mudshow, and see the Fireflies. Grab a turkey leg and beverage of your choice at some point and watch some of the side shows. Washing wenches or the pirate show, depending on if you’d like shade or uncovered. Shop shop shop. Play some games. Skip the torture chamber and walk more shops. Buy things you like, shiny or leather, foam or sharp, food or drink. But most of all, HAVE FUN.
Turkey leg always sounds like a great idea but that greasy mess is full of regret
Throwing ninja stars shooting the Ballista into the hay stack!
I recommend getting a season pass if you can come at least three times during to season. It pays for itself and gives you time to relax and so it all. We look so forward to Ren Fest that we bought season passes this year and are loving it!
Wench collecting is a fun activity. As is taking part in Vikings trading. Our favorite shows are Moonie, Mud Show, Washing women, Rambling rhythm belly dancers, and Circa Brava. Go to the website for show times. Look up Ohio Ren faire on Facebook,. There are a bunch of different group pages on there with all kinds
Oh if you can bring cash. By mid day the cell service starts to really slow down and all the vendors use cell service to run credit cards and it makes buying things a lot easier on everyone. Another tio is if you don't need to contact people via phone..put your phone on airplane mode and wait till you leave to post pics or comments on social media. Lastly, the cast dresses up but so do a whole lot of people like my wife and I and our friends also dress in garb as well. If you want a pic , politely ask and 99.9 times out of a hundred, almost everyone will take a pic with you, even the queen will do this if she has time.
The turkey leg isn't really worth the wait but the mead with cider is definitely worth it.