what is a Renaissance Fair so what is a Renaissance Festival but simply a Renaissance Fair is a large outdoor Gathering where attendees dress up in Renaissance themed clothing and enjoy a day of immersive No Holds Barred cosplay traditionally Renaissance Fairs were inspired by the English and European Renaissance eras typically the late medieval to ear modern period although these days you can find Niche events in almost any fantasy genre from steampunk festivals to Viking themes and while costuming is a major element in any Ren Fair the immersive experience doesn't end with the tire most events will also feature stalls selling historically themed food or Artisan handmade crafts alongside performers and artists performing everything from jousting to theatric and if you're lucky you might even catch a historical reenactment