2026 Season - April 4, 2026 - May 17, 2026…read more
This visit applies strictly to the very last day of the season - May 17, 2026
As a first-timer to any Renaissance Pleasure Faire, there was a lot of anticipation on my part, having seen numerous videos on social media & YouTube. As always, I think the best policy is always to curb any & all expectations.
Parking -
Perhaps my biggest criticism of my entire experience. This is a rather specific situation that pertains strictky to ADA Handicap Parking. There is a specific lot that is designated for handicap parking - Lot 3 of the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area (where the Ren Faire takes place). However, Lot 3 is situated farther than most parking = you have to walk much farther away than most of the other guests. It's ironic in that ADA Handicap Parking should allow you to be closer to the event's entrance. Perhaps the only advantage to parking in this distant lot is that your car will not be caught in the middle of the chaos of everyone else trying to leave. It very evident that this was an oversight when faire organizers made decision to have the event take place at Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area. If there's a way to modify this for future seasons, this would be the biggest improvement that they could make.
FOOD
Tri-Tip Sandwich ($18) - 6.0/ 10
It's to be expected, but you're definitely going to be paying for more than what you receive - inflation, labor costs, etc. That said, it's fairly hard to mess-up tri-tip. It's not necessarily dry, but the drizzle of bbq sauce helps. Frankly, I wished I asked for more bbq sauce (on the side). The tri tip is served in a roll that's slightly wider than a hot dog bun. It wasn't anything to "write home about", but it's seemed like a better option than most. 1 sandwich is only substantial enough to be a snack. Granted, I walked a good 10 minutes (to the jousting arena) before enjoying my sandwich, I think it would had been helpful if it was served much warmer.
French Fries - 6.0 / 10
It's french fries. I will say that the portion is very generous. There was more than enough for me & my friend, so I'd even say it'd be enough fro 3-4 people, assuming it's being shared as a side. Again, maybe it's because I waited a good 10 minutes (buying a beer, walking over to the jousting arena) before enjoying the fries, but it might have been helpful if they could be served a bit warmer. They were still pretty crispy (more on the well-done side, which I prefer).
Just some things to note (especially as a 1st timer):
- Dress-Up. You're in the 16th Century / Elizabethan Era. So knights, nobleman, peasants, merchants, inn-keepers, plague doctors. But basically, in 2026 at least, anything that isn't "modern" (the past 100 years) is fair game. You can literally see almost anything & it wouldn't seem too out-of-pocket. Yeah, you'll get some strange looks & comments, but people get over it fairly quickly. Just dress-up.
- Try to speak "in-character". Whatever it is that you decide to go as, try to "play the part". The volunteers / workers will respond to you accordingly & will "play along". Embrace it & have fun.
- The focus of the faire is the shops. That's fine. Get your shopping-on & support these vendors. But there's also many games / activities (archery, axe throwing, dunk tank, how long you hang on a bar, etc.), manually-powered rides, performance shows, & craft activities (making chain mail, sewing, casting coins, & other cool stuff).
Like anything else, you get what you put in. Bring your enthusiasm & pack your patience. Also knowing what I know now, I'm definitely going to focus more on my next visit with more investment in my costume (granted I came dressed as a humble peasant).