Bristol Renaissance Faire 2026

Bristol Renaissance Faire 2026 takes place near Kenosha, Wisconsin, from July 11 to September 7, opening on Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Held just off I-94 at the Illinois–Wisconsin border, the faire offers armored jousting, Queen Elizabeth I and her court, stage performances, artisan markets, food, games, music, comedy, and interactive entertainment across a large outdoor faireground.

The event recreates the atmosphere of an Elizabethan marketplace inspired by Queen Elizabeth I’s visit to Bristol, England, in 1574. Visitors step into a setting built around a summer day in that period, with costumed characters, craftspeople, merchants, performers, and street entertainment creating an immersive Renaissance experience.

Those planning a seasonal route can also explore other Renaissance Faires in July 2026 and Renaissance Faires in September 2026 listed on Medieval Agenda.

Tickets: Buy tickets online

🎟 Admission

General admission prices listed for 2026 include:

• Adults: $48
• Children ages 5–12: $23
• Children age 4 and under: Free
• Senior and military discounts: Available at the box office

⚔️ Renaissance Entertainment and Marketplace

Bristol Renaissance Faire is one of the best-known Renaissance fairs in the American Midwest, drawing visitors from both the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. Its appeal lies in a complete outdoor setting where entertainment, shopping, food, and performance unfold throughout the streets and stages.

Guests can watch armored jousting, meet Queen Elizabeth and her court, browse artisan marketplaces, enjoy period-inspired food and drink, play games, and interact with performers as they move through the faireground. Music, comedy, crafts, stage acts, and street performances all contribute to the atmosphere of an Elizabethan market day.

The event also forms part of the wider calendar of Renaissance Fairs in the United States.

📍 Kenosha and How to Get There

Kenosha is located in southeastern Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Michigan and close to the Illinois border. The city has a population of about 99,986 residents and developed from an early settlement associated with names such as Pike Creek and Southport before becoming Kenosha in the 19th century.

By road, the faireground is especially accessible from I-94, making it a practical destination for visitors arriving from Milwaukee, Chicago, Racine, and other cities in the region. By train, travelers can use rail services in the Chicago–Milwaukee corridor, with onward travel by road to the faire site near the Illinois–Wisconsin border.

🧭 Approximate Road Distances to Kenosha