06/11/2026
We went on a Saturday during Easter weekend. We decided to go early in the season, due to the high temperatures. Last year we went towards the end of the faire season and I got heat exhaustion from the 107F hot stale weather. It was utterly horrid. I was fine for the first hour and then suddenly I wasn’t feeling so well. We barely got to see anything that day.
FYI heat exhaustion happens before a heat stroke. Some tale-tale signs includes nausea, dizziness, pale clammy skin, and headache. My husband quickly got me to sit down in the shade, drink water and Sprite. He used ice cubes and water over my neck, face, and wrist to try and stabilize my body. I struggled to get back to the car and had to rest in the AC of the car. It was scary.
So this time, the weather was sunny and in the high 80’s-low 90’s. I brought a UV umbrella from Uniqlo. There weren’t hardly any shade at the Faire.
This is actually my 3rd time at the RenFair. 1st time was with my younger brother and nephew. We all dressed up in costumes. That was fun and more than 10 years ago, in 2012. It wasn’t as hot back then, I could manage with the costume on. I high encourage costumes, weather permitting. Its fun to get into character.
The faire is one giant oval with one way in and same way out. There are no shortcuts to the exit or through ways. I think it’s best to power it to the very back and then slowly make your way back to the front. Got to stay long enough this time to have fun browsing the booths and stalls. I am always tempted to purchase something like a garland headdress, goblet, or some knickknack. Actors roaming around the ground have great energy, the Queen’s procession, ax throwing, ninja star or javelin throwing. There are booths that teach weaving baskets or some other skill. Plenty of drink and food stands. Majority of the booths are cash only, beware. ATMs are scattered around the grounds. Oh, meat pies and fruit Italian ice was what we picked for lunch and refreshments. The meat pies were delicious and the orange Italian ice in an orange peel used as a bowl. It was so refreshing in the heat. We tried Welsh Cakes this time. It’s between a biscuit and scone. The Original and the Currant flavors were my favorites so far. Do note that the foods and drinks are priced highly.
I will say if it weren’t so hot and there were thru-ways we would have stayed longer. We were there for 3 hours before we called it quits.
Shout out to the Hurdy-Gurdy player. It’s an instrument. Her musical was enchanting and really felt medieval, perfect for the Renaissance Faire.
Info: as of 2026 (The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire)
- Located: Irwindale, CA
- Ticket: $53 per person
- Parking: it costs $15 to enter the park. Parking is paid online when you purchase tickets. General parking for the faire is free, 1st come, 1st served. It is a farther walk if you come later. Long walk can be hard on a hot day. VIP parking is nice, less walking in the heat, $30.
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