Escondido Renaissance Faire

The San Diego Renaissance Faire that takes place in Felicita Park, Escondido biannually. Here are a quick list of pros and cons, then I’ll go more into detail:
Pros:
Great venue
Fun Shopping
Some enthusiastic and fun entertainers
Closer and cheaper than the Irwindale Ren Faire
Friendly faire folk and great people watching
A Great escape for the day/​weekend!
Cons:
Food, admission, certain vendors overpriced (I’m looking at you, clothing)
Not enough things to do/​see
Certain guilds can be cliquey or snobby (I’ll explain)
Porta Potties.
First thing I’ll say is that the company you are with will determine the time that you have. If you come with someone who is snobby about the Ren Faire/​history, or isn’t enthusiastic about it, you probably won’t enjoy it. If you come with someone who is down to earth, is into it, or is new and open to it, chances are you will have a good time. Second, the vendors and guild members can sometimes make or break your experience, but try not to let it. They will interact with you and will be quite verbal about your outfit, appearance, etc. For the most part they are quite friendly, engaging and make you feel like you are a part of the experience. There are a couple that will give you a side eye or a smirk if you are wearing a «non-​authentic» costume or not speaking Elizabethan. Just forget them! Enjoy yourself.
The vendors are always a fun part of the faire. The crafts and weapons are probably the most reasonably priced items of the faire, while the clothes are sadly the most overpriced. Every year I want to buy an outfit for next year, but I do not want to drop $ 300 on an outfit I’ll wear once a year. The food is also very pricey. I recommend going to the one stand that sells hot dogs, sausages, chicken and fish and chips. Sure it’s all generic, but you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck. The Thai and Greek places are rip-​offs. $ 12 for a gryo and fries? Puhleasse. If you’re 21+ don’t miss out on going to the beer garden, and get some cider. They always have an upbeat performance going on in there.
Speaking of performances, I gotta give all those performers credit. Every single one I saw– the Fool, belly dancers, Irish band, juggler, gypsies, the parrot show– were all so enthusiastic and engaged the audience (which trust me, was not an easy feat at some times.) We were there on a Sunday evening and they performed a couple times that day and they still had their energy. Kudos to them all. I feel some of the comedy shows though you have to be drunk or a kid to appreciate, which to be honest, most of the audience is: p
In conclusion, I like the Escondido faire because of its picturesque forest venue and its proximity (beats a 2 hour drive). I do wish there was more to do, like some rides, more activities, more vendors (that are affordable perhaps?!). If you have a love for history, the Renaissance, dressing up, getting tipsy in the woods, hanging with fellow nerds, getting hit on by drunk older people, then come on down!
PS: Bring cash in case their credit card machine is down. Don’t wanna pay a BS ATM fee.

My first Ren Faire and I’m hooked. I had a blast. I loved the variety of things to do. Lots of performances to enjoy, the people are all so friendly, and the atmosphere was so inviting.
There were booths filled with awesome things, a little pricey for myself, but truly beautiful items. From clothing and jewellery, to apothecary needs and leather goods. Pretty much anything you would need for your renaissance costume.
Sadly the food vendors didn’t have many vegetarian options so I didn’t eat. But for you carnivores, I mustOK say it smelt fantastic. Lots of food options for the entire family.
There seemed to be plenty of activities for kids, as well as the parks play structures.
I really would recommend this to anyone who’s been thinking they want to go. And definitely dress up. It just makes it that much more exciting!

I went to the Faire in Escondido today. I am a HUGE fan of Renaissance and medieval themes since my teens! I have had the privilege of living in Europe for a long time and frequenting awesome Faires there. But…
I have to agree with a lot of others who were not super happy about the Faire in Escondido, because it did seem a little overpriced for the lack of intensity and mileage of things to see, buy and do. I also agree with the fact that I found the re-​enactors a bit too over-​the-​top and borderline insulting and obnoxious. Visitors seemed bored out of their wits — but not as much as the vendors. Of course, there were a few smiling faces and down-​to-​earth types; but a lot of vendors seemed lethargic, too buzzed, a bit too insecure, taking things too personally, and not very, errr… friendly.
So, the food: there was a pretty-​good variety of foods available. There was no dressing on my Greek salad (which cost me $ 14!!). That sucked. N… othing like the authenticity of the food and drink that depict the time period served that I have experienced in Europe and at the Northern Renaissance Faire in Hollister, Ca. What was truly bullocks was the area where one could purchase alcoholic bevs! You’re not allowed to leave the area to eat and drink… even while still remaining WITHIN the fairgrounds… and kids were not allowed in to sit and eat alongside their parents — too prude and inconvenient. Organization, guys?
Anyways, I’m glad I went to get out on this Sunday. But, chyeah, dude… I’m still waiting for a better one to happen soon!

A variety of vendors, nearly everyone dressed up, a few events, and a well-​shaded and beautiful location. Food vendors were iffy (asian food and pizza, really?). Friendly and knowledgable vendors/​staff who clearly love what they do. Overall a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. And its dog friendly!

Probably fun for the people participating in the activities but not a whole lot going on for the general public. For the price of admission ($ 18 adults) I felt like it was kind of a rip off, not to mention their credit card machine wasn’t working so we had to get cash from the ATM that charge a $ 6 service fee! There was food, a couple of music sets, a play (there was no sound system so you couldn’t hear a thing they said), some guys doing a fighting routine & really the only thing my kids actually liked was the archery lessons. In the end I just felt a whole lot poorer & wishing we would have done something else.

Sadly the Faire this year was a disappointment. Moving the fall fair to one of the hottest times of the year is not the best choice to expect people to roam about in period costume, battle or watch a battle in the blazing sun. This was obvious by the lack of participants and vendors this year.
The price is pretty pricey for a family to attend as well. $ 18 per adult and 12 per child plus a $ 5 parking fee. Not really promoting to a family outing when one considers food, drinks, and the odds and ends things to buy.
Hope they consider lowering the pricing, advertising more, and moving the fair weekends to better times of climate.

The Kansas City Ren Fest is 200 percent better.
Here in Escondido you get workers hiding in tents… come on, you make the atmosphere please entertain the people braving the heat to be here.
Maps a $ 3 charge… really?! For a black & white copy on regular paper.
Need more activities for kids. Or maybe you had them but I didnt have a map and didn’t want to wander in the heat.
Who ever puts on the event should market better. I found out about it by accident. Should also offer ways to «beat the heat» if it is going to be hot… mist stations, fans, etc.
Overall disappointed. Feel bad for the dedicated workers and vendors.

This fair sucks! Stay away and save your money. For the real deal you would have to travel to the south, but if not possible… The one in Irwindale is better!!!

Worst «fair» I’ve ever been to! Before my family even arrived at the gate, we were thoroughly insulted! I understand getting heckled and what not, but there IS such a thing as going too far. His sexual innuendos were hugely inappropriate and obscene. Upon being warned, he became aggressive. I would have liked to sue him for what was said. He continued to call out to us every time we crossed paths. This fair is definitely not a family event.
All in all we were treated like outsiders (even getting called that). I wanted to go there and enjoy the history, shows, and admire some amazing craftsmanship. But the clans were unwelcoming and some of the shows didn’t happen. It was obvious that we outsiders were not welcome. A-​okay with us! We left after an hour and will never go back!
The ONLY remarkable things about this fair were the pirates practicing the bullwhip and a horse rider in beautiful armor. The pirates had some amazing precision and were able to snuff out the flame on a candlestick! The knight was majestic, proud, and obviously put a lot of work into the costume.

a waste of time and money. STAY AWAY
My family is pretty adventurous and we like to visit many different events and venues. This was a sorry waste of time and certainly not worth an entry fee of $ 18.00!
We were met at the gate by some pretty rude and crude characters that really set the theme for the day– rude, poorly kept people that have no skills in dealing with the public. A representation of the low lifes of the time period not the better aspects of life during that period. The guilds or clubs have little or no interest in showing the outsiders the culture and skills or chivalry of the time period. Very little effort on their part to make this a fun family day.
Exception: a guy making a cloth belt on a loom was friendly and informative. A guy with a bull whip that was trying to put out a candle was interesting. A couple of friendly people Thank you! But they were far out weighed by a general negative, lethargic and unappreciative sentiment that pervades the fair.
My advice to the fair: Improve organization, entertainment and public relations. Make it an exciting event. Use the miriad of time relative and cultural elements to educate, and entertain. Require more of the guilds than to sit around, aloof, like drunks and né’er do wells on their comfy sofas. Better yet, CANCEL THE WHOLE THING and start over
Turns out it’s a campout for nerds. As one of them put it ‘a pick up party’ (with a very poor selection)

My very first renaissance fair so i really don’t know what to expect. We really enjoyed the ambiance although it was terribly hot. Liked the people (volunteers and guests) in costumes and we were so full because the serving sizes for the food were huge (good for 2 people depending how hungry you are). Lots of shopping tents with cool stuff but expensive. Overall enjoyable and recommended for families because the kids enjoyed the shows. :-)

I love faire, I love going to faire, I love the people at faire. Management is killing this faire. The man running it doesn’t like Ren faire, he likes pirate faire. He need to sell it to someone who’s willing to put love into it. This faire will die quickly if he keeps on like he is. They’re incapable of working with you, the price for vendors to set up shop is absurdly outrages, and the food vendors are slowly leaving.
There needs to be some serious changes in management if this faire wants to keep living.

Let it be said that I’m not a RenFest connoisseur by any means. In fact, this is only the second one I’ve ever attended. So, if you’re looking for an expert opinion, this isn’t it.
However, I’m an expert when it comes to fun things for kids. And this was SO fun for my toddlers. Felicita Park has tons of shade and a playground for kids to get some climbing out of their systems. Everyone we encountered was great with my children and they LOVED seeing all of the great costumes. My three-​year-​old was desperate to try shooting a bow, so we approached the archery area and got a small lesson with an instructor who was so gentle and so patient with my son. It was the highlight of my 3-year-old’s life! My kids (not to mention myself and my husband) were enthralled with the entertainment and I didn’t think the food was horrible (as previous posters have complained), though it does take awhile to get served.
Altogether, we had a great day as a family and are planning to go again this fall.

The Good: I’ve been going to the Escondido Ren Faire for several years twice a year now in the Spring and Fall, and must say I enjoy it every time. Friendly people, dressed up and in the mood for fun. I like the location in Felicitas Park a lot with the grass and trees, much better location than the larger Irwindale Faire. There are different camps of the English Court, Pirates, German Knights, Norsemen, Gypsies, Scotsmen etc. It’s fun just to walk around and check them out. As a photographer I always come away with a lot of portraits and I always get a lot of people to pose for me. There are stands selling lots of stuff which is fun too. I think it’s an enjoyable way to spend a few hours watching people live out their fantasies and some are really good at being in character.
The Bad: Every year the parking is disorganized. The person collecting the parking fee shows up a few minutes before they open and there are always people waiting. This is really stupid. The food is horrible. The best stand is usually the one that sells fried rice and satay, etc. The rest of the food can easily passed by as it’s low quality and expensive. For that reason I’ve stopped eating there. I east a good breakfast and then go eat lunch elsewhere. Apart from the parking and food I don’t have any gripes.
Sure it’s smalleer than the large Irwindale Faire, but the venue is better and it’s less of a drive for me.

I don’t recall where I went when I was in High School and my classmates and I went to the Renaissance Fair, but that place was great. The food seem somewhat authentic to the time back then, and the games were fun.
Sadly this place seem like it was put together in a week. Sorry guys. There were a good number of hot white girls with boobies wanting to pour out of their corset.
**Food: food was a joke. There was fried rice, chow mein, egg rolls in one stand. And the food was terrible. Panda Express puts them to shame. Another stand had shaved ice. The only stand that may have been with the times was a Meat pie. But it tasted like a really flaky Hot Pocket, and Hot Pocket taste a whole lot better and that sucker is microwaved, mine tasted like it was in the warmer for a couple of hours. Sorry lady if they were homemade.
**Entertainment (tere were 3 stages with an itinerary for the day and days it was open. Nothing really looked all that awesome. One show a guy just took modern songs and changed them into spoof pirate songs. There was a dude that dressed up in Jack sparrow costume and this little kid shouted «Oh my god I didn’t know you were real.» Cute as hell, and the costume guy was in character. Other than the big boobies that was the highlight of the trip.
**Games: There was a small spot for kids to try out the Boffing Weapons. It was cute, for kids. The adults looked geeky. Take up fencing, Kendo, Martial Arts, or Arnis. Jeez guys, you are too big to be serious with that sport.
**Shops: There were a couple of stalls that had stuff where you wouldn’t find anywere else. The weapon stuff wasn’t all that amazing. I seen sicker stuff at the Comic Con.
**Overall: If I didn’t get into my certain social circle in middle school I more than likely would have been in this set of group. I loved the D&D and Final Fantasy video games. In my heart I’m still into it, but only in my home where my GF is the only one who judges me. I had some higher standards because of my past experience. I will give them some location props tho. It did look like out of a scene from Lord of the Rings.

This event gets sorrier every year. Fewer vendors each year, the same dumb «entertainment», and fewer and fewer people attending. Whoever puts this on seems to think the remedy for that is to raise the price– $ 18! Seriously? (plus $ 5 extra for parking)
Lots of people with idiotic costumes that have nothing to do with the renaissance period at all. The food offered for sale is gross, and you get to eat it on the dirt hillside or the filthy bird-​poop-​covered cement tables. Yuck!
I won’t be going again.

The location is what makes this faire. It is generally cool so the garb is more comfortable to wear. There are some really great Indian ovens and holes ground into the rocks under the trees where long lost natives ground them to make tortillas. If you get past the encampment maze, there is a sweet little waterfall below the main acativities. The Ale garden is less than a jail since it encompasses tables where you can still view the shows on one stage. The shopping is good, better small faire prices, although there is not as many vendors to choose from as in the past. Always a good fun faire even if te price of admission is inflated and the parking is a little bit of a walk uphill.

Its a smaller Faire than others I have been to but it is still a fun experience. Great for family, friends or even a solo adventure.

If you’ve never been to a Renaissance Faire, you need to go. I went to my first one, 20 years ago and try to go every 2 or 3 years. The atmosphere is incredibly festive, the shows tawdry and the food is «fun». Nothing like eating a giant turkey leg or a 12 inch sausage whilst a fine wench fetches you ale!
Great for the kids as well. They can get face paint, learn how to sword fight, shoot bow and arrows… Definitely worth a day of family fun.

I almost gave this 5 stars. What a fun time we had! It could have been the day we went which was Halloween so they had fun trick or treating for the kids. It could have been that because it was Halloween, I was motivated to come in an appropriate costume. Whatever the case, we went here and enjoyed it immensely. It was very kid friendly. A lot for the kids to do including a treasure hunt and map (aside from the trick or treating), the usual sword fights, mock battles, vendors selling interesting costumes, chain mail etc. What was a bit different than the only other Renaissance fair I had been to was that this one also was divided into camps and guilds. They had a gypsy camp, a pirate camp, a fairy camp, and others. Everybody there was having a blast too and so fun to interact with.
I may have given it five stars, but admission was cash only (which I can understand).