American Renfest History

Craigmeister • December 6, 2022

Looking for that perfect gift for your fairemily member? This book that David H. Leroy mentioned a few months ago would be a good fit under the Christmas tree. It follows the spread of Renfests from California eastward over the 20th century. It also correctly notes on Page 97 that America's 1st Renfest was at Withrow Springs in Arkansas.

It mentions the Norman Medfaire, Sherwood Forest Faire and others around the south-central part of the U.S. Before reading it, I didn't know that Penn & Teller or Jim Belushi had performed at Renfests. This book would be a good way to tide one over until the start of the 2023 faire season in 3 months.

https://www.amazon.com/History-American-Renaissance-Festival-Hippies/dp/B09NHD9FSK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3ROGAT5ENE5J&keywords=history+of+the+american+renaissance+festival&qid=1670353300&sprefix=history+of+the+american+renaissa%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1

By Craigmeister • September 29, 2026
Who would like to meet in a park in the Tulsa Metro like Bixby's Haikey Creek Park (pictured) to discuss Renfaire experiences or ideas for bringing a Renfaire back to Tulsa? Vendors: Want to bounce ideas off of someone about what kind of things to sell? Performers: Have a new song or part of an act you want to try out? Patrons: Anything you want to see at Renfaires that could be brought to their attention? If any of these things appeal to you, send an e-mail to craig@meistersrealm.com or a message on the Book of Faces to Meisters Realm. Let me know what part of town you would like to meet at & what time on Saturday, October 17th. The sooner the response, the more time I would have to see if I can reserve a shelter. If we can have a successful get-together, we can look at doing these routinely. Huzzah!
By Craigmeister • September 23, 2026
If you seek 1 more Celtic event in Oklahoma, visit Stillwater on Saturday, September 26th. The "Halfway To Saint Paddy's Day Celtic Fest" will have music, Highland Games, sheep herding & more. https://www.block34live.com/halfway-st-paddys
By Craigmeister • September 12, 2026
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By Meisters Realm • September 2, 2026
Tune in to Renfest Info And Fun Podcast 2026 25 for a musical journey to places one would hear of at a Renfest. This would be a great way to spend an hour during a roadtrip this Labor Day Weekend or any other time as well. I hope you enjoy it. You can find this podcast on Podbean, Amazon, Player FM, iHeart, Apple and/or Podchaser.
By Craigmeister • August 1, 2026
Is there a Renfaire that is wearing you out on this whole genre? Do not let it get you down! Here are some methods to overcome faire burnout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufTeKK0yZ3s
By Craigmeister • July 17, 2026
Need a Renfaire fix in the Air Conditioning this weekend? You can visit Joplin's Jomocon to visit with members of Vinita, Oklahoma's Queensferry Renaissance Festival and Joplin, Missouri's Silver Sage Renaissance Festival. Those are a couple of premiere spring events in the region. Huzzah! https://www.facebook.com/jomoconcommittee
By Craigmeister • July 7, 2026
For your viewing pleasure, Meister's Realm Public Service Announcement # 11 is now available. Want an alternative to experiencing a Ren or Scotfest in the searing heat or bone-chilling cold? Visiting such an event from the past is the next best thing... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3qjjzHFQq0
By Craigmeister • June 27, 2026
Good day! Would you like to buy fireworks & support a local Renfest at the same time? You can go just west of Sand Springs (& Tulsa) to do just that. You can probably see some familiar faces at the same time. Help the Queensferry Renaissance Festival build up funds to bring excellent acts, maintain their grounds & pay for annual administrative items by buying things that go "BOOM" in the night (& day). Huzzah! https://www.facebook.com/events/1328177275961614?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A%5B%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D%5D%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
By Craigmeister • June 20, 2026
Tune in as I re-live my visits inside the gates in Oklahoma's Renfaire offerings this past spring. I also provide a few hints on how to improve Renfaires and give some hints as to what will is forthcoming from Meister's Realm this summer. What is "Sew Unusually Knotted". It is all spelled out in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhyyMKoQ3BY
By Craigmeister • June 8, 2026
Good day! Here are 2 of my new Public Service Announcements. I do hope that you enjoy them and can put the information to enjoyable use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZM5jCOjnBc&list=PL7U5kfgxZIn58vjFlsRHsaDMUOxau1zUJ&index=9 ~ PSA # 9: How to find specific info and photos of Missouri & Oklahoma Renfaires. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COJRzpENMmg ~ PSA # 10: Where to find quality archery equipment to join the amazing world of archery.