St. Louis Renaissance Festival — Local services in Wentzville

I attended the St. Louis Renaissance Festival on Sat. 10-26 from approx. 12:30 pm till 5 pm, and while I’ve enjoyed this event in previous years, this time around left much to be desired, especially in terms of public safety and organization.

Limited Water & Food Vendors: With the large crowds, I was disappointed by the limited water and food options. Many food vendors had massive lines, yet there were plenty of alcohol tents, creating an imbalance in refreshment options. Shockingly, the main turkey leg vendor near the jousting area never appeared to have turkey legs, even though a sign indicated there would be more available at each event time. This was confusing since I did see patrons with turkey legs later on, but they were nowhere to be found at the booths.

Lack of Directional Assistance: Staff presence was sparse, making it difficult to find directions or assistance when needed. Navigating the grounds was frustrating. Maps could only do so much, and it would have been helpful to have more people stationed around to assist guests.

Yellow Jacket Issues: Yellow jackets were a significant issue throughout the faire. I was even stung while simply standing at a booth. While it’s understandable that outdoor events have some natural pests, the sheer number of yellow jackets made the experience uncomfortable. They were highly aggressive, and would constantly flying into people’s faces.

Cash-Only Policy & Unattended Rides: In 2024, it’s surprising that the event booths and services were cash-only. This policy feels outdated, especially for a popular event with diverse visitors that most were able to accept cards. Additionally, there were a few unattended attractions, such as a giant rocking horse ride. Without staff oversight, this seems like an accident waiting to happen.

Atmosphere & Entertainment Quality: The overall atmosphere was notably less lively than in years past. It lacked the charm and energy that usually makes the faire special. The dull atmosphere was a letdown.

Petting Zoo Conditions: Again, it's 2024. Why is there such a poorly cared for petting zoo? I hope these animals get the care and actual attention they need.

All in all, the faire missed the mark on essential elements that make it enjoyable, safe, and convenient for guests. I hope they make efforts to address these issues next year, as it would be a shame to see a beloved event lose its magic due to...

An absolute dud. Not worth the drive, the time, or the ticket money. It looked and felt like they were not ready for their own opening weekend.

Folks who own and run this place need to invest more and raise the standards. Find qualified people who care and pay them well.

SAFETY CONCERNS Parking team look like regular people in street clothes - I thought a regular patron was directing us to park. Need lanyards, staff shirts, neon vests, SOMETHING. Gates to backstage and employee camping were WIDE OPEN with no signage or security to keep patrons out. And where are your safety service people and first aid??? These should be obvious and clearly marked in case of emergencies.

ILLUSION RUINED BY MODERNITY Cherry pickers and go carts and forklifts out in the open and driving around. Lots of tent vendors had their coolers, folding chairs, electronics, etc. sitting out instead of stowed or hidden. Pallets of beverages and boxes of supplies sitting at refreshment booths or piled near walkways just waiting to be unloaded. Benches stacked instead of out in neat rows ready to use. Felt like walking around a warehouse instead of a magical faire.

Closed shops and closed stages - why not give these spaces to the vendors and stage acts who ARE there? Makes the festival look rundown and empty, as if you planned it to be bigger but only 50-60% of employees actually showed up. Lots of cobwebs, sticks, leaves that needed to be cleared away for a more ready and welcoming look. Large branches and large rocks in walkways make a constant tripping hazard. Poor signage taped over with masking tape instead of neat, legible marker or paint.

NO PROGRAM or list of showtimes on the back of the map, it was totally blank. This is a huge waste of space from both a marketing and logistical standpoint. Cell signal is poor so the only way patrons know when and where a show is, is to just happen upon it or read the small signs at every stage. A listed program on the back of the map would be so much more convenient.

Other festivals we have attended (Carolina, Georgia, West VA, Bristol) are leaps and bounds better than this: more immersive, more safe, and better...

12/10! Because why stop at 5 when joy demands more?)

Hear ye! Hear ye! I have trod the muddy paths and cobblestones of the St. Louis Renaissance Festival every year for seven grand years, and by Merlin’s beard, this fair still enchants me and my young squires!

From the very moment we cross the threshold into Petite Lyon’s winding streets — the music, the laughter, the smell of roasted meats and sweet sugar — I am transported. My children squeal with delight, I grin like a fool, and we are all swept up in this festive magic. Truly, it is a blast each time, and I pray it never fades.

My favorite parts: • The “Roy Koi Boy” free area for the wee ones — bless the folks who made that space. My kids adore it, and I adore their joy. • The free area for young children in general — expanded this year, which warms this old heart. More space, more wonder, more happy little handholds. • The petting zoo — oh, the animals! The fuzzy, the friendly, the snorty, the bleaty. Watching my children meet goats, sheep, and other barnyard companions is precious.

A teeny quibble (because all good tales must have a dragon to slay): It’s getting more “show me the coin” than “share the wonder.” Policies like “$10 to touch the owl” make me miss the days when there were more animals included in the experience, more spontaneous encounters, less pay-for-every sense. While I understand the cost of magic ain’t cheap, that part does grate a bit.

But! All in all — this festival is an amazing experience. If you’ve never been, put on thy boots, don thy fanciest garb, and come see folk dressed in chainmail, smell foods you cannot pronounce, and be amazed. I hope for all time that this fair continues, growing, laughing, delighting generations yet unborn.

May the jousts be thunderous, the meade ever flowing, and the crafts ever wondrous! 12 stars,...