Renaissance festivals can be found throughout the country, in nearly every state. They usually take place from spring through fall, during the best months of weather, and only on weekends. Some of the largest renaissance festivals have permanent residences where the "town" or amusement park buildings and stages remain set up but vacant for 10 or more months a year when the festival is not taking place.
You would think vegetarians would have a difficult time finding food to consume at such festivals, yet the variety of food and drinks at medieval festivals are numerous. From giant turkey legs to chocolate-dipped strawberries and bananas, foods are available for nearly any palate. Soup in a bread bowl, kebabs, roasted corn, pizza, fries, sandwiches, pasta, baked potatoes, chocolates and ice cream are available at nearly every turn. Coffee, soda, frozen lemonades, juices and a variety of alcoholic drinks are available to quench your thirst.
Most festivals will have a schedule of shows available throughout the day. Laughs can be had at comedy shows and jaws will drop when the variety of daring acrobatics, tricks and stunts are witnessed. Some shows are more suited for kids and families, while other shows' hosts will warn audiences that the content is rude, crude and not meant for kids. Fire, acrobatics, puppetry, dance, song, drums, juggling, glass-blowing, jousting, duels, and audience participation are just a few of the sights that attendees might witness at these entertaining events.
From custom and handmade shoe shops to herbal tea stands, garlic oil and candle producers to walking sticks, shopping is a main attraction at medieval festivals. Shops are filled with costumes for rent and sale, drums, books, tarot cards, jewelry, fairy wings, swords and trinkets of nearly any kind. Water flasks, mirrors, knick-knacks, decorative umbrellas, corsets, puppets and toys entice visitors walking along any avenue.