While the Renaissance Pleasure Faire may conjure images of medieval minstrels and Elizabethan ruff collars, visitors to the Irwindale event will find the costuming possibilities far more expansive this spring. The beloved Renaissance Pleasure Faire is bringing back its popular “Theme Weekends,” inviting guests to suit up for a series of immersive experiences that extend well beyond the traditional.

Themed Costumes Expand the Experience
Creative costuming has always played a starring role at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. Staff, volunteers, and attendees alike often appear in historically inspired attire, from bright tights to frilly shirts. But not all costumes must be era-accurate. Theme Weekends allow guests to explore looks from across time, genres, and fantasy realms.

The Faire’s organizers encourage playful and imaginative outfits throughout the season, with specific weekends highlighting styles such as pirate garb, steampunk fashion, and storybook characters. For fans of swashbuckling adventures, Pirate Weekend will take place April 12 and 13 at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, the Faire’s home venue.

Pirate Weekend Sets Sail in Irwindale
Pirate Weekend will include more than nautical fashion. Visitors can participate in a themed treasure hunt and enjoy performances and photo ops tailored to the weekend’s adventurous spirit. Attendees are welcome to dress in maritime costumes — tricorn hats, cutlasses, and all — even if the sea is far from view.

Following Pirate Weekend, the Faire will host “RENNCON,” a celebration of pop culture cosplay that invites guests to dress as favorite characters from movies, comics, and anime. Later weekends will feature themes such as “Cottage Core,” with programming focused on herbalism and folklore, and “Myths and Legends,” offering a nod to fantasy and fairytale attire.

Renaissance Tradition Meets Creative Expression
Though rooted in a historical period, the Renaissance Pleasure Faire is known for blending authentic performances and vendors with light-hearted fantasy and fandom. These themed weekends allow returning guests and first-timers alike to express themselves creatively while enjoying jousting matches, artisan markets, and hearty food and drink.

Tickets, full theme schedules, and additional details can be found at renfair.com/socal. The Renaissance Pleasure Faire runs weekends through May 19 at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale.

Whether you’re dressing as a pirate, a princess, or something in between, the Renaissance Pleasure Faire offers a welcoming space to revel in imagination, camaraderie, and celebration.