Renaissance Festival season is back in southwestern Pennsylvania with the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival starting on August 26th and running through weekends in September and Labor Day. So anyone interested might want to get into their LOTR and Game of Thrones costumes, get a purse full of cash, and enjoy the fantasy! Of course, you’ll often find a mishmash of costumes ranging from medieval to 1600s which include royalty, pirates, fairies, Vikings, gypsies, mythological creatures, and others. And all in a pseudo-historical and overpriced event suited for 21st century eyes. Because had you been at a festival during the Renaissance you probably wouldn’t want to be there. Not because they didn’t serve turkey legs since nobody was settling in America at that point. Well, there was Spanish colonization and Roanoke but let’s just you don’t want to there either. And let’s just say the Renaissance was far dirtier, bloodier, and uglier than what these renfests show you. Call it a theme park version if you will since the primary aim for a Renaissance festival is entertainment. And yes, you’ll see plenty of people show up in their outfits. So for your reading pleasure, I bring you another assortment of Renaissance Festival costumes.
- It takes a little peasant to hold up a big frame.
Well, the frame is more like big for her. But sometimes size is irrelevant.
2. A satyr should always stand in leafy glory.
And we should all agree that his fall look is fabulous. Then again, fall leaves are among the most colorful.
3. You’d almost mistake this kid for a little barbarian.
The costume mainly consists of torn clothing and a fur cape. But the velcro shoes give an anachronistic impression.
4. Simple dresses and straw hats can do for peasant styles.
After all, regular Renaissance women weren’t wearing lavish gowns to show off to everyone. So these will do fine.
5. Seems like we’ve come to a magic troll in the forest.
Then again, he seems like he could be a wizard. Perhaps Merlin’s brother Elsgarth who’s known to harass woodland creatures.
6. You can always enjoy a pint in a fancy hat.
You can also have a patched skirt and leather fanny pack to match. Of course, someone in Britain is probably laughing right now.
7. Sometimes brown can really do it for you.
You’d almost mistake this guy for the Sheriff of Nottingham. Except he wouldn’t be wearing that in the 12th century save in movies.
8. You can even get a Renaissance Festival dress in an infant size.
Though in the Renaissance, it’s likely both boys and girls would wear them. But not like this.
9. A fair lady can always turn heads in red.
Makes her appear like a villain in a Tudor drama. Bet she has a dagger hidden under her skirt.
10. A winter queen always wears a resplendent blue dress.
Though this doesn’t seem like the season for it. Then again, it might be the only time the Renaissance Festival comes to her hometown.
11. A sea beauty can always go with some blue hair.
She’s supposed to be dressed as a mermaid with a jeweled seashell bra. But a blue skirt is close enough.
12. A Scotsman must stand tall with an ax in his kilt.
Not bad with the leather top. But I wonder if he’s wearing anything underneath. Because you know what they all say about men in kilts.
13. Seems like this couple wanted to dress in something that matches with the landscape.
Well, not quite. The woman wears a sky blue dress. But they both look very beige to me.
14. When it gets cold, you might want some furs.
Apparently, the people of PETA are upset right now. But the fur is fake and part of a witch costume.
15. With fall fashion, you can’t beat the forest spirits.
I see we have an elf, an antler woman, and a woman in a leafy headdress. And yes, they aim to match the trees.
16. Beware of the man in the long leather mask.
You know the old plague doctor’s mask? Sure it’s not an authentic model. But it’ll protect him from the plague as well as a real one ever did. Not at all.
17. Any girl can be a warrior princess.
This one looks more like a Viking outfit. Not as fancy as a gown but practical. Hope she knows how to handle a sword.
18. Bet you didn’t expect to see a fairy decked in green.
She even wears fishnet stockings on her legs. But you have to check out her gold and green wings.
19. A Scottish lass must have some plaid on her.
After all, what’s Scottish pride without a tam and plaid? Besides, kilts are menswear.
20. A simple smock is fine for a forest spirit.
Because no fairy wants to be held down by a heavy Renaissance dress. Still, love the purple.
21. A fall fairy can sport rather gorgeous wings.
Seems like fall fairies are all the rage. She even wears a leafy headdress and rainbow tutu.
22. Any lady can stun in an elegant green.
Comes with long, wide sleeves and golden embroidery. Stunning and will probably break the bank.
23. A harp playing fairy is magical in magnificent purple.
Yes, these costumes can get quite elaborate. But I’m always a sucker for purple stuff. Love the skirt.
24. Not sure how anyone could play on two pipes at once.
Maybe the pipes are two different clefs. Then again, it goes with her fairy costume.
25. A peacock fairy is a wondrous sight.
Her outfit is covered in peacock feathers from top to bottom. Love it.
26. Who says a girl can’t go out in the woods by herself?
However, let’s hope the bow, arrows, and dagger are fashion accessories. Because using weapons in public shouldn’t be encouraged.
27. Apparently, someone’s a hit with the ladies.
Yes, that guy seems quite proud of himself being among women. I’m sure any of these would want him to open their bodice. Since they must be roasting in these dresses.
28. These lady pirates are always up for a beer.
Though real pirate ladies usually dressed as dudes to conceal their identities. So they wouldn’t be wearing lovely outfits like these.
29. I suppose this woman is supposed to be Mary, Queen of Scots.
If so, then I don’t think she’ll live happily ever after. Actually her whole life was a series of unfortunate events.
30. A peasant woman carries her things on her belt.
Because most 16th century dresses didn’t have pockets. And that’s why we have purses today.
31. I believe this barbarian relishes in making an entrance.
Had this one for at least a year or two. Wasn’t sure what to do with it until now. But you have to admire the guy’s mail and teeth helmet.
32. Is that a shaman or a witch doctor?
Yes, I know it looks cool. But the skulls seem to suggest a connotation with death and cannibalism for some reason.
33. Perhaps you might want to don a colorful princess gown.
This one is mostly red with loose sleeves and a yellow underskirt. The neckline is lined with gold.
34. A long black bodice stands out in yellow and white.
Though it doesn’t seem laced very tightly. Then again, to each his own.
35. A man should always wear the right boots to match his pantaloons.
Okay, he’s wearing pants. But the rule applies. Also, check out those poofy sleeves.
36. You should be careful about walking in your own bare feet.
Uh, the floor is mulch and chances are this woman will come home to feet filled with splinters. For God’s sake, we have shoes for a reason.
37. One of these pirates has a pair of goggles ready for the adventure.
Yes, pirates might seem cool. But you wouldn’t want to be around a bunch of drunk guys on a wooden ship that smells like shit.
38. Peasant dress isn’t always as simple as it looks.
I’m sure this consists of several pieces of fabric. And it’s dirtied up for a more “authentic” look.
39. A guy looks like a fighter with spiky armor and helmet horns.
Though the most this knight will accomplish is putting someone else’s eye out. Looks baddass, by the way.
40. “Interesting that you humans have these Renaissance Festivals.”
Yes, I know Data’s from Star Trek TNG and has nothing to do with the Renaissance. Still, let’s pretend he’s in the Enterprise holosuite program.
41. Looks like we’ve come to a couple of fairies.
Not those kind of fairies. These have wings and flutter. One of them is a guy.
42. This woman has mail all over her.
Yes, her outfit is made of chain mail which was once used armor. Let’s hope it doesn’t freeze on her if it’s abnormally cold.
43. This fairy loves to deck her hair with flowers.
Yes, I know I’ve featured a lot of fairies on this post. But this one kind of stands out for me. Don’t know why.
44. On cold days, you might want to bundle up with feathers.
Then again, the feathered look might be a bit too much. But I love the feather mask.
45. If you should travel to the Renaissance Fair, I suppose you might prefer a 3 piece dress.
Just consists of a shirt, corset, and skirt. You can also add a garland if you want to.
46. How about a pint with this old warrior?
Kind of reminds you of a sage from some fantasy film. Of course, he must’ve spent a lot of time on his outfit.
47. Maybe you might want to see a fairy queen with a couple of entertainers.
I guess she’s with a jester and a troubadour. Jester also knows how to juggle.
48. This redhead is her own knight in shining armor.
She even has her own horse to show for it. Hope the mail doesn’t weigh her down.
49. This red-caped woman comes with her own bull horn.
That way if she runs into a wolf, she can blow into it and call for help. Then again, that horn might be used for gun powder.
50. I’m sure nobody could resist these 3 little swordsmen.
At least they’re playing with wooden swords. They’re also dressed he same, too.
51. This centaur has an unusual hairy chest.
You can see he has wheels on the back legs. And please don’t ask him how he goes to the bathroom.
52. This belly dancer has come to entrance you to her moves.
Interesting how her outfit goes with her pink hair. And I suppose she’s not wearing a midriff due to the weather.
53. A fairy should never go out without a flower dress.
She even has more flowers in the back. Must’ve taken her hours to get dressed in that. outfit.
54. Pardon me, or is that Captain Jack Sparrow?
Well, he almost resembles the Johnny Depp character. Even has the swagger.
55. Seems like a couple of Vikings invaded this Renaissance Festival.
Both have horned helmets which Vikings didn’t wear when on their boats. And there are obvious reasons for that.
56. She knows her way with a bow and arrow.
Helps if she wears a simple dress with a belt. Not sure how it helps her give a good aim though.
57. May I introduce you to the rainbow fairy?
She has rainbow wings and tutu. But her top is mostly white. So pretty.
58. Now this guy looks like a real lovable rogue.
He has a sword and his tunic with leather pants and boots. Simple yet effective.
59. Between these three, there isn’t much there.
Or rather on them. And yes, they’ll probably shiver at the end of September.
60. Now that’s some rather interesting armor.
Well, she has a couple of plates on her boobs. Though I particularly want to know whether she’s holding a knife or scepter in her hand.
61. You may even see an ogre or two at the Renaissance Faire.
I know the guy is supposed to be Shrek. But the woman doesn’t look like Fiona.
62. For a little princess a dress of pink and purple will do.
Of course, let’s hope she doesn’t go to the Renfest when it’s raining. Because she’s so adorable in it.
63. Nothing makes a soldier look badass like tacked leather.
Though that won’t protect you like chain mail and armor. But yes, it makes you think you’ll be great for Game of Thrones.
64. Didn’t think I’d see a green fairy in the winter.
Though she seems more suited for spring or summer. Also, how does she keep warm in the snow.
65. For this family, the Renaissance Festival doesn’t get better than this.
Yes, whole families attend this event every year. And this family came as a group of peasants.
66. My, we have a ragtag bunch of misfits.
Well, we have a satyr, two fairies, and a traveler. Love the parasol.
67. Go ahead, green fairy, try to look cute with your little wings.
For some reason, a lot of fairies wear green. Maybe it’s to blend in with the green in the forest.
68. These three gypsies have come with tambourines.
Well, at least two of them did. But you have to admire the girls’ colorful dresses.
69. Here we come to a Viking warrior woman all blinged out.
Yes, I know she doesn’t have much on her. Still, I believe she comes from the Nordic land of Las Vegas.
70. Apparently, this family of pirates are having a jolly time.
Note that most real pirates didn’t live past 30. Still, you can’t help but like their outfits.
71. These little fairies hope you enjoy the magic.
They could almost be the little versions of some of the fairies I showed on this post. And yes, they’re filled with magical cuteness.
72. You might enjoy the fun size version of the Three Musketeers.
Okay, they’re little boys dressed as the Three Musketeers. Yet, you can’t think they’re anything less than adorable.
73. Nothing can feast your eyes like a fairy peacock queen.
She has a peacock feather crown with butterfly wings. Love the feathers.
74. You’d almost think she has a face of an angel.
She’s said to be a fairy godmother. But I liken her to a living statue. Hope she doesn’t freak out anyone.
75. It won’t take long for you to recognize this jester in a parade.
After all, he’s clad in black and white while everyone else is in color. But he doesn’t seem to mind.
76. A beige and maroon dress certainly does impress.
I guess she’s one of the court ladies at the Renaissance Festival. Not sure who she’s supposed to be.
77. This noble lady has come to the faire with her own maid.
Well, as far as I can tell by the outfits. But the one on the left looks more like a cook.
78. Apparently, she came to the Renaissance Festival looking for a man.
Then again, this was what women were supposed to do during the Renaissance. Though normally it would comprise of being married off to a guy your parents wanted you to be with. This is especially if they needed the money.
79. You’d almost think a demon came to town.
Yes, he seems like the Krampus But his wings and head are surely impressive.
80. For some, you might come across this noble soul.
Yes, it’s a dog dressed in Renaissance garb. I know what you’re thinking. But at least it’s not as fancy.
The Lone Girl in a Crowd 
Looks like an awful lot of fun.
That’s quite a variety of costumes- even Data from Star Trek and Shrek! I love the dresses!