Colorado Renaissance Festival — Attraction in Larkspur

As a frequent visitor to the renaissance fair, my return this year in 2023 was filled with a mix of familiarity and new surprises. The fairgrounds still retain their charm, with well-established acts and locations that have become part of the tradition. However, some changes were noticeable, like fresh faces in the well winches act on the pirate stage.

One of the highlights was the Kamikaze Fireflies, who, although sticking to their signature style, brought a new element with the Roomba fight, a delightful addition to their performance. Unfortunately, the big cat show was missing this year, but in its place, we got introduced to exciting new shows like Rin Tin Thom's circus, which I personally found a bit lackluster, and Jacques Ze Whipper, which also failed to captivate my interest.

Thankfully, some favorites like the Celtic legacy and Craic shows were as enchanting as ever, offering excellent music and entertainment.

Be prepared and brace yourself for the overwhelming crowds and stupidly long lines, only to find out that the item you were waiting for is unavailable. Waiting half an hour for an unimpressive $6 burrito was a downer. Bathroom lines can also be lengthy, and unfortunately, the restroom facilities might not be up to par, with limited stalls and even an open trough with ice for male attendees.

When it comes to logistics, purchasing tickets in advance online and screenshotting the QR code is a smart move, as cell service might be unreliable on the grounds. Admission the year was a little more than $28 a ticket. You can also find cheaper tickets at King Soopers.

Parking can be rough if coming from I-25. You always get stuck in bumper to bumper waiting to get in. However they have developed a really smooth operation and it isn't as bad as it used to be (but still bad).

The fair operates during the summer on Saturdays and Sundays, opening at 10 AM and closing at 6:30 PM.

It's essential to carry cash, as most street vendors offering cheesecake, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and more only accept cash payments. Additionally, there's a subtle expectation to tip these vendors, or you might find yourself waiting in line at the ATM.

On a brighter note, the abundance of unique and handcrafted items in the shops is a treat for anyone interested in medieval-themed merchandise. Make sure to allocate time for exploring the stores and maybe even start planning your outfit for next year!

Considering the unpredictable weather, don't forget to carry a raincoat or umbrella. Rain or shine, the shows will go on. Structuring your day around the various performances, interactive spaces, and shops is the key to making the most of your time at the fair.

Regarding practical tips, wearing comfortable shoes and applying sunscreen is crucial, as the fair is outdoors and walking is inevitable. Families with young kids should consider bringing a wagon to avoid fatigue, especially since the paths are uneven and potential bee encounters are possible. The fair's limited accessibility for individuals with disabilities is something that organizers should consider improving.

You can enjoy a variety of entertainment, including bagpipes, juggling, living statues, street singers, comedy, songs, and of course, jousting. There's an abundance of street performers and costumed individuals who will humorously interact with you. Feel free to have a great time and show your appreciation by tipping them.

Overall, the renaissance fair remains a festive experience, especially when shared with friends and family. The street performers and costumed characters add to the lively atmosphere, providing plenty of amusement and laughter. However, there are still areas for improvement, like accessibility and handling long lines. It's also essential to set a budget and resist getting carried away with additional activities like knife-throwing, elephant rides, and crossbows, which can add up quickly. Additionally, expanding the hours of operation could be an improvement to enhance the overall experience and accommodate more visitors.

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The Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur is a well-loved event that transports visitors back to the 16th century. Here's a review based on various aspects:

https://youtu.be/KKabXwsBKSg?si=r5slilQqxbJzq0_S

Atmosphere and Setting The festival takes place in a picturesque wooded village, designed to replicate a Renaissance-era market town. The ambiance is authentic, with well-crafted buildings, cobblestone pathways however that is only for the entrance, most of the landscape is dirt very hilly paths, and lush greenery.

Entertainment The festival features a wide array of entertainment options: Live Performances: There are numerous stages with continuous live performances, including jousting tournaments, comedy acts, musical performances, and acrobatic shows. Interactive Experiences: Visitors can engage in activities like archery, axe throwing, and medieval games. The costumed staff stay in character, enhancing the immersive experience.

Food and Drink A highlight of the festival is its food and drink offerings. Traditional fare like turkey legs, meat pies, and bread bowls filled with hearty stews are available, alongside more contemporary options. There are also various drink stations offering beer, hard cider, hard seltzer, and other beverages.

Shopping The festival boasts a large number of vendors selling handcrafted items, including leather goods, jewelry, clothing, and artwork. The quality of the merchandise is generally high, and many items are unique, making for excellent souvenirs.

Costumes and Attendees Many attendees dress in period-appropriate costumes, adding to the festival’s immersive experience. There are also rental shops on-site for those who wish to join in the fun without having to invest in a costume beforehand.

Family-Friendly Activities The festival is very family-friendly, with plenty of activities for children. There is a maze that changes every years. The worlds largest rideable rocking horse. Additionally, the festival grounds are spacious enough to offer plenty of rest areas.

Tips for Visitors Arrive Early: To make the most of your day, it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds and secure good seats for popular shows. Comfortable Footwear: The grounds are large, and there’s a lot of walking involved, so comfortable shoes are a must. Cash is King: While some vendors accept cards, it’s a good idea to carry cash for quicker transactions.

Overall Experience The Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur is a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. The combination of immersive entertainment, excellent food, unique shopping, and a lively atmosphere makes it a must-visit event for fans of history, fantasy, and fun. Whether you're a local or traveling from afar, the festival offers a memorable and...

What a unique experience, so much fun, so much to see and do! I love the beauty of Larkspur Colorado, and the Renaissance Fair here is gorgeous, such an amazing, medieval, fantasy feel all around. 🏰 I love being able to admire all the costumes around in the crowd, some people really go all out, and it's so fun to see all the diversity with all the people walking around and the many styles, seriously amazing! 😍 ❣️ The creativity everywhere is just exploding, and you're surrounded by gorgeous nature, being on a mountain! 🚞 They have a shuttle available at the big overflow parking lots. It gets very crowded, but if you wear the right shoes, it's so worth it! We didn't have the stamina or time planned out right enough to explore the whole fair, but next time- with better planning, we will catch more of the scheduled shows, wear cozier shoes for the rough terrain, and hopefully pick a less crowded day. We went the second to last Saturday of the fair, on Romance and Masquerade Day, so I'm not sure if that's a very popular day in particular, but it was more crowded than I could have imagined! We parked at the 4th overflow parking area, and had to hike it up to the entrance, thankfully, there are portable bathrooms mid way through the parking lots and to the entrance, in case you need a break and a pit stop! 🛑🧻 Once inside, even when it's super crowded, the flow moves along at a decent pace. There are soooo many shops to check out, and so many unique vendors and items to look at. I say look at because if you're in a tight financial situation and live paycheck to paycheck for the most part, then it ends up feeling like you can't afford much as far as trinkets or a memorable keepsake. The jewelry and lotions and EVERYTHING that is not just the basic food you can purchase is highly overpriced. 💰 I couldn't find a simple piece of jewelry under 30$, Anything that catches your eye is likely to be high above your (mine) price range... Regardless!! Even just buying their food on a stick and fresh lemonade, that alone makes the whole experience worth it, and those are affordable! 😊 🍗 🥩 🍟 🍋 About 6$ for a steak on a stick, 6$ for a cup of fries... 4$ for chilled water. The vendors and the performers are all very nice and friendly. We caught the Witch Trials show and it was very funny and entertaining! Great crowd interaction, all around good feels with the community that just seems open and fun. 💛 Overall, it's a great, unforgettable experience, and it leaves you wanting to come back, even if you leave exhausted, you'll want to come back to explore whatever you missed! it's worth long walks, highly...