Renaissance festival in the rain?

[Garga]

Anyone ever gone to a ren fest in the rain? We want to go this weekend but it's raining. The entire grounds are outside in the dirt--no paved roads at all, not even the parking lot which is just a huuuuge field.

 

Do they close down all the acts? I'd imagine juggling a rain-slicked bowling ball would be dangerous, or the horses would slip in the mud during the joust. The website says rain or shine, but what does that really mean?

 

It would be the Maryland festival.

[JessReplanted]

That does not sound fun to me. Those things usually stick around for a while. Can you just wait for a nice day?

[Dandelion]

Doesn't sound like fun to me either.

 

We've been at our Ren Fest before when it started raining. Many of the acts were postponed as a result. If it's already raining before you even go, I'd skip it.

 

ETA: they do stay open "rain or shine", because the vendor booths don't close down, and some acts can still go on in the rain. Our Ren Fest is all dirt roads too - terribly muddy when it rains.

[Garga]

This is the next to last weekend. The last weekend (next week) will be Packed. The last weekend is usually too packed. So, it's either rain and ponchos and normal lines, or it's possibly better weather and standing in line forever for food and having to get to each act extra early to get seating. I'm trying to figure out what's worse.

 

The rain could be fun if we all have good attitudes and turn it into an adventure. Or we can forego the rain and stand in lines with wiggly kids.

 

Ugh. Rain, rain, go away!

[bettyandbob]

Maryland? I think the rain is supposed to clear out of the DC area Saturday night. Maybe go on Sunday in boots.

[Guest inoubliable]

We went to the one in Spotsylvania VA in the rain. Nothing changed except for the jousting bit - they didn't have the horses do the entire bit in the sloppy fields. Instead the horses did some games. 

 

Wear boots.

[Spryte]

:)

 

We were just debating going on Sunday, in the mud.  We'll obviously wear boots.  I suspect it will be a mud pit though.

 

I would not want to go on Sat, with this weather.  I think they will cancel some of the acts, and it won't be as much fun.

 

If you go on Sunday, wave at us!  We may be there, too!

 

 

[BrookValley.]

We're debating the same thing, same Ren Fest! I think Sunday looks more do-able. Regardless, it's going to be super muddy, as much rain as we've had all week. Ugh.

[Kebo]

We went in a light rain last year -- no crowds, it was great. We did leave a bit early, though, because it looked like a serious storm was moving in (we saw hail as we were leaving). It was a risk -- no refunds for weather -- but I would chance it again and just be sure to dress warmer, bring umbrellas.

[catz]

I would totally go if I had good rain gear. I've gone to ours in the rain more than once! Especially if you're crowd averse (like me). Just be prepared for mud! Some of the performers seemed extra fun and frisky on these days. :)

[Bug's Mom]

I remember being at one in the rain. (light rain by then, but had rained a lot overnight) One guy, in costume, was walking around and jumping in puddles while shouting out what number puddle that was. LOL 

[sparrow]

I think 3 of the 5 times I've been to a Ren Fest, it has rained! It is definitely muddy, but doable, if you're prepared.

[KungFuPanda]

I would never do the MD RenFaire in the rain unless I had outdoor gear that kept me comfortable when muddy. Even then, the porta potties would be even scarier than usual. MD has a great Faire, but that hillside would be a serious mudslick in this rain.