A great faire day is a long day. You'll walk, queue, watch shows and shop, often in full sun and far from your car. This checklist covers what to bring, how to carry it when your garb has no pockets, and what to leave at home.
In short
- Pack light: phone, card, a little cash, keys, water and sun cover.
- Carry it in a belt pouch. Check its size if your phone has to fit.
- Wear shoes you have already walked in, and bring blister plasters anyway.
- Check your faire's rules on bags, food, drink and props before you go.
The essentials
- Your ticket, or your phone with the e-ticket
- Phone with a full charge, and a small power bank on long days
- A bank card and a little cash. Most stalls take cards, but small stalls, games and tips for performers often run on cash.
- Keys and ID
For comfort
- A refillable water bottle, if your faire allows one
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Blister plasters
- Hand gel and a few wipes, because portable toilets rarely have enough
- Any medicine you might need during the day
How to carry it all in garb
Most medieval and Renaissance clothing has no pockets. That's what belt pouches are for, and there's a size for each job:
- Phone: the Tall Viking Belt Pouch is 15 cm wide and 24 cm tall, enough for most phones standing up. The Wide Faux Leather Belt Pouch (17.3 × 15.8 cm) takes many phones lying sideways.
- Coins, cards and keys: a small drawstring pouch such as the Leather Drawstring Coin Pouch or the Clip-On Leather Drawstring Pouch, which clips straight to your belt.
- Keys you need often: the Embossed Belt Key Ring hangs them from your belt the way a chatelaine does.
- A bit of everything: the Embossed Waist Bag Belt with Potion Holder carries a bag and vials on one belt.
Still choosing? The belt pouch guide compares sizes and styles.
Shop pouches and belt gear
For the weather
- Sun: a hat, sunscreen and a light layer for your shoulders. See staying cool at a summer faire.
- Cool or wet: a cloak or a warm layer for the evening, and a thin rain poncho you can wear under it. See cold and rainy faire outfits.
For shopping
A foldable tote or a basket for what you buy. Many stalls will hold larger items until you leave, so ask.
Leave at home
- Real or sharp weapons, unless your faire's rules allow them
- Glass bottles
- Large bags, if your faire limits bag size
- New shoes you haven't broken in
Questions people ask
Do Renaissance faires take cards?
Most food and craft stalls do. Bring some cash too, for small stalls, games and tips.
Can I bring a backpack?
Usually yes, but some faires limit bag size or check bags at the gate. Look at the rules on your faire's website.
Will a coin pouch fit my phone?
No. Coin pouches are around 10 to 12 cm across, which suits coins, cards and keys. For a phone, choose a taller flap pouch.
