My husband and I, along with friends, attended the Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur this weekend. The festival was in its 42nd year and runs eight weekends, from June through the first weekend in August. Every weekend the festival takes on a different theme, influencing many of the performances, costumes, food, drink, art, shops, contests, and games throughout the festival grounds. We had attended the New York Renaissance Faire ten years ago, held in upstate Tuxedo, New York--click here-- to read that blog post--and we were curious to see how they would compare. (All photos and photo collage in this post will enlarge if clicked on)
Click here to see the festival grounds map.
A parade of performers passed through the grounds--photos above, and in this video from my Mille Fiori Favoriti facebook page. Click here to go directly to the video on my facebook page if you can not see the video here.
In fact, I enjoyed seeing the creative costumes of the performers and festival guests...
...most of all!
In addition to costumes, there were over 200 craft vendors selling many different period products both practical. decorative and fun. Click here to see this year's artisan's marketplace list.
There were plenty of different rides for children to enjoy at the festival...
..as well as games of skill to play,,,
...and lots of good food!
These two gents were enjoying the delicious large turkey legs. Click here to see the extensive menu of foods available at the festival.
The entertainment was top notch and lots of fun! From jousting matches, juggling, acrobats, comedy skits, fire eaters, dancing, and so on. Click here to see a full list of entertainment performances.
All in all, we had a wonderful time at the Colorado Renaissance Festival and we're looking forward to going again next summer!
All in all, we had a wonderful time at the Colorado Renaissance Festival and we're looking forward to going again next summer!
I'm linking this post to the following blog events:
Amaze Me Monday, Mosaic Monday, All Seasons, Blue Monday, Through My Lens Monday, Inspiration Monday, Blogging Grandmothers, You Are the Star Blog Hop, Good Random Fun, Nature Notes, Grand Social, Travel Photos, Photo Tunes, Happiness Is Homemade, Tuesday Treasures, Pictorial Tuesday, Our World Tuesday, Ruby Tuesday, Tuesdays With A Twist, Party in Your PJ's, Wordless Wednesday, Oh My Heartsie Girl's Wonderful Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday, Whimsical Wednesday, Wednesday Around the World, Wonderful Wednesday, Share Your Cup, Little Things Thursday, Travel Photo Thursday, Thankful Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Friendship Fridays, Friday Photo Journal, Skywatch Friday, Sweet Inspiration, Weekend Travel Inspiration, Pink Saturday, Over the Moon, Happiness Is Homemade
Thank you for your comment -- I read them all and appreciate each and every one!
ReplyDeleteMy gosh, that Festival is huge!! I have never been to a Renaissance Festival, and I think there is one in Florida near us during the season -- now I really want to go (although I am sure it isn't as beautiful or as extensive as this one -- I know that there are not permanent grounds). This is quite impressive!!
ReplyDeleteIn September and October, a Renaissance Fair opens nearby. After looking at your photos, I'm leaning more about going to the fair when it comes. It's been over 45 years since I went to one.
ReplyDeleteHello, wonderful photos form the Renaissance Festival. I love all the costumes. I think we have the same one here in Maryland in September. They are fun! Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great way to spend a day out.
ReplyDeleteImagine finding Merrie Olde England in Colorado! What a fantastic spectacle, did you hire costumes for yourselves and take part in the fun?
ReplyDeleteHappy MM.
Just like landing in a fairytale! It looks completely charming…
ReplyDeleteFabulous mosaics. A happy Monday to you
ReplyDeleteMuch💟love
Wow! Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful event
Have a great week!
That looks great fun - the majesty of it all
ReplyDeleteI have never been but have always wanted to attend one of these fairs. Look like so much fun. Found you on Grandma's Briefs Link Party.
ReplyDeleteI would truly enjoy attending this, but might get a little tired. So interesting.
ReplyDeleteWow! Wonderful photos from the Renaissance Festival.
ReplyDeleteEverything is so colourful, especially the costumes.
All the best Jan
It has been such a loooong time since I visited a Renaissance Fair . . . thank you for sharing with me . . . happy, happy, happy.
ReplyDelete...these festivals sure are popular, we have one in this area. Thanks Pat for sharing, enjoy your week.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun event. I hope to be able to get to one of these sometime in the future.
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous costumes!
ReplyDeleteWow, 8 weekends - not that's an event! But the variety of all these costumes are amazing! That's what I thought I saw - turkey legs:):) Looking, rides, and food is probably what you did all day, eh? Not to forget, even bag pipes! Terrific, Pat - many thanks for sharing this large festival with All Seasons! Have a beautiful week!
ReplyDeleteGosh that looks like so much fun. I'm surprised you didn't take the grandkids.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to attend one but never have. Your post gives me a good flavor of it. I wonder what happens the rest of the year to that area? It sits silent waiting for the next year?
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I'm hearing about the Renaissance Festival and it sounds like an exceptional event. I love such colourful, lively, and interesting happenings!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun occasion. Beautiful costumes....and photos!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so lively and fun I had to look up the Ren fairs around here and discovered two different festivals. Of course you've got to have a giant turkey leg! I bet those costumes are hot and if I dressed up it would have to be as a beggar or whoever wore the least amount of clothing. I'm thinking October is the time to check it out. You covered an amazing amount of ground, great photo story, I love that giant horse with the shade cover.
ReplyDeleteI meant to go this year but didn't quite make it. It looks like it's still fun!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such a fun festival. I love attending things like this!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
A great Post for WatW. I like the fantastisc captures.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
These are terrific photos, Pat. YOu really captured the flavor and energy of the Renaissance festivals. I've always enjoyed gonig to these and haven't in ages. Now I'm thinking...
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! A festival with lots of red!
ReplyDeleteLooks quite big.
ReplyDeleteI've been to Renaissance festivals before but have never been to one with permanent grounds. What a wonderful idea! That really does seem to transport you in time.
ReplyDeleteWe go to the New York Renaissance Faire every year. It’s nice to see photos from other faires. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou really captured the fun. And costumes! So colorful. Thanks for your blog visit!
ReplyDeleteEvery year, I say I am going to go to our Renaissance Festival, and then something comes up. I think I need to put it on the calendar now. The kids would get a hoot out of it.
ReplyDeleteThose costumes take you back in time - so intricate! I'm wondering how hot it was? Looks like a fun time for all ages.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good time was had by all. I love all the costumes and color. Beautiful job capturing the spirit of the festival!
ReplyDeletePat - it has been several years since we attended a Renaissance Festival - it was in Ohio and my daughter and I dressed up … so fun! Whenever I go to an event like that I am so tempted to buy a full get-up. And then my practical side jumps in …
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the Colorado Festival is much more extensive than the one in Ohio, although they certainly share many aspects in common - what's a Festival without those massive turkey legs???
Those costumes are so colorful. I know that you had a wonderful time, there is so much to see and you feel as if you are actually in a renaissance village.
ReplyDelete