Entertainment

Adam Crack: Fire Whip (all season)

Holder of NINE Guinness Book World Records, Adam Crack’s skills are unrivaled anywhere. Adam performs sophisticated, high-energy routines, featuring his own dry humor in spoken material, anecdotes, historical or educational stories. And yes, there is always room for audience participation, so come prepared!

AERIAL SILK FANTASY (Aug 1-16)

Lauryn Murray graces the floor and nimbly climbs the precarious heights of silk, appearing as though gravity were merely a suggestion, not reality. Lauryn’s beauty, grace, and skill will awe the young and old alike as she floats effortlessly 30 feet above Shakespeare’s Meadow near the RenQuest™ encampment.

NEW! Amanda Kitchens (Aug 22 – Sept 7)

Amanda Kitchens is thrilled to be making her solo debut at the Bristol having performed there with various bands since 2013. This accordionista sings in 10 languages & writes haunting melodies that will compel you to dance.

ARNE PARROTT (July 11 – 19, Aug 1 – 16, Aug 29 – Sept 7)

Whimsical, wonderful, and always witty, Arne Parrott’s music captures the simple enchantment of the faire and encapsulates it within a myriad of musical mirth.

Ars Novis (July 25 – Aug 30)

Ars Novis, meaning “strange art” in Latin, are an ensemble dedicated to creating constantly evolving and engaging progressive music. Featuring Michael Huebner (percussion), and Armando Wood (bass) from The Freestylers of Piping and continuing in the tradition of their previous group, Ars Novis have a dedicated mission to present original compositions alongside creative arrangements of music from a multitude of genres.

Audience with the Queen (all season)

For those who live in the Faire city of Bristol, this is their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Her Majesty. Will they bring joyous song and comedy as a gift or a serious matter that can only be settled by royal decree? Join us on Saturday evenings at the Nobles’ Glade. No two audiences are ever the same!

Barely Balanced (all season)

Bristol’s favorite masters of acrobatic comedy have come home to roost, climb, balance and amaze! Performing acrobatic feats that you will see nowhere else, as well as their end of day fire show, Barely Balanced must not be missed!

Bess and Marley (All Season)

This quirky best-friend duo brings you beautiful folk music featuring tight harmonies and acrobatic vocals, along with playfully interactive sketch comedy. Come for the original musical arrangements, and stay for the carrier pigeon!

Bounding Main (July 18, 19, Aug 8, 9, 29 & 30)

Bounding Main is a Great Lakes based acapella vocal group that sings richly harmonic versions of traditional and contemporary maritime songs. Their shows are filled with spirit, humor, and harmony and their arrangements of nautical-themed music bring the listener into the world of fellowship, adventure, and romance.

Breakfast With The Brass (all season)

Start the morning entertainment off with an infusion of music that will carry you throughout the day. Bristol’s Royal Brass is a team of master musicians who play their way through a morning set that both provokes and invigorates. Awaken the dawn and have a cup of Breakfast with the Brass.

The Bristol Buskin’ Frolic (all season)

The Bristol Buskin’ Frolic can be found dancing and singing throughout the city.  Whether they are at the Maypole or in the city streets this group is the life of the entertainment party!

BROTHERS BLACKQUILL: IMPROVISED PLAYS (July 11 – Aug 30)

Join Johnathan and Quentin in their quest to write the greatest play ever written. With their trusty bag of scrolls and suggestions from the audience, watch as the Brothers Blackquill create a brand new hit play on the spot. A completely improvised show where you, the audience, get to influence the story, create the characters, and tell us what happens next!

BROTHERS Dymm (Aug 29 – Sept. 7)

Join this comedy duo as they cross words and blades while attempting to make sense of their story. Come for the promise of a good show–stay in case this time it happens!

Chalk Artist (all season)

Bristol’s own Magdalena da Vinci celebrates her 10th season! Join the incredibly talented and self-taught chalk artist as she creates massive works of art!

Children’s Knighting Ceremony

Does your young one (age 12 & younger) demonstrate the knightly virtues and deserve to be elevated by the Queen? Join us to review the manners knights/ladies/guardians are expected to demonstrate, and then meet Her Majesty!
(Please check the stage schedule and arrive on time for this limited event as we may not be able to accommodate late arrivals.)

photo: Gretel M Hansen

Country Dancing (all season)

Can you hear the beat of the drums? The sweet melody of the violin? Perhaps the soaring notes of a flute? It must be time for country dancing! Join us to celebrate the Queen’s arrival in Bristol by dancing with our family, friends, neighbors, and even travelers from distant lands. You can come to watch, or even better, grab a partner and join the dance!

Court of Common Pleas (all season)

Laugh your way to the stocks as the Sheriff of Bristol hears the many zany crimes committed on this festival day and hands out their special brand of justice. No crime, however small or obscure, will be ignored while the Queen is in the city.

Courtly Fashion (Sundays only)

Have you ever wondered how many layers the nobles are really wearing? Why do certain nobles wear certain items? How long does it take to put all that stuff on? All these questions and more will be answered! If you are lucky, Her Majesty the Queen may stop in to display the current style. photo: TG Davison

Courtly Life (all season)

You’re invited to rub elbows with your noble cousins in the Nobles’ Glade all day, every Faire day! Highlights include…

Present the Nobility: First impressions are everything. Will the nobles meet with Her Majesty’s approval this day?

Music & Dance: Before taking their meal, the court works up an appetite with music – the food of love! Witness the stately dances and the swirl of jewels as the nobles woo one another on the dance floor.

Court Feast: Bring your lunch and join us for a picnic in the shady glade. We’ll provide the finest entertainment for Her Majesty and you, her guests!

The Queens Privy Council was a group of government officials she appointed along with great magistrates (peers) who could not be ignored. And a few favorites. They did the work of government in the Queen’s name and when the queen would leave London to go on progress they were expected to follow. Come join us to see what business will be presented to the queen while on progress to Bristol.

THE CRAIC SHOW (AUG 8 – 16)

The CRAIC Show is a wild and powerful musical experience. Performing traditional Medieval, Renaissance, and Irish tunes on ancient instruments to thunderous drums, they are a band you will feel as well as hear. Get ready to rock and join the fun with The CRAIC Show!

Craig of Farrington (all season)

A wandering minstrel, specializing in love songs and bawdy songs. Craig of Farrington has been a fixture of Bristol since our inaugural season and continues to delight lovers and sweethearts with songs to bring them closer together. This delightful balladeer can be found wandering the lanes throughout the festival. Stop, listen, and learn to love.

NEW! Crannog (Sept 5, 6 & 7)

Crannog cordially invites you to visit their ‘island’ of song and revelry, with fun Irish songs, dance-worthy jigs, and epic ballads of love and death, featuring English concertina and vocals (Gabriele Decker) fiddle (Franco Gara), guitar (Tyler McCallip) and hearty drums (Mike Huebner).
Crannog (named after man-made islands made by medieval Celts in lakes throughout Ireland and Scotland) distinguish themselves with unique arrangements of Irish songs and Celtic ballads. Their first time ever in Bristol, the band has been performing at major Renaissance festivals for over 25 years.

DAN THE BARD (July 11 – 26, Aug 8 – Sept 7)

Teller of tales, singer of songs, and master of musical humor Dan walks the land, singing songs, telling tales, and doing good deeds. Listen to the tale of the “Drunken Gnome Illusionist.” Learn why a mouse, a bird, and a sausage are doomed to death! Be sure to look for Dan near the RenQuest™ encampment and ask about this one time… at Bard camp…

Dirk and Guido: The Swordsmen! (All Season)

Blades flash in the sunlight and the cry of “What ho!” echoes through the air. Dirk & Guido: The Swordsmen, return to Bristol for another season of flashing steel, daring-do, and the wooing of women. Bold and Stupid Men at your Service!

Dora Viellette (all season)

Dora Viellette will take you on a musical trip through time armed with her trusty hurdy gurdy. From medieval melodies to traditional tunes, her array of music will captivate you from the stage to the lanes. Dora has family-friendly facts to share, but if you’re looking for the sassy side of it all, be sure to catch her dishing out Drunk Music History when you have the chance!

Dungeons & Shakespeare (July 11 – Aug 2, Aug 29 – Sept 7)

Welcome to a world where you can see the greatest characters from Shakespeare possibly killed by horrific monsters.
Inspired by the Bard, determined by dice, brought to life on stage.
Join in an epic adventure that is different every time as the audiences’ choices and the roll of giant dice decide if the heroes live or die.
All the world’s a game… Come be a player!

Fantastikals (All season)

The Fantastikals bring magic, wonder, and surprise to the town of Bristol! The Queen’s visit loosens the boundary of the enchanted realms, and fairies, elves, elementals, and spirit archetypes materialize, their supernatural energy swirling through the town, and manifesting a magical forest right at the heart of everyday Bristol. Humans both young and grown who are gifted with “second sight” (maybe just for this one special day) may find themselves seeing and even communicating with these wordless beings– be ready for goosebumps!

NEW! The Flaming Ginger (July 11 & 12)

Jon Norton, The Flaming Ginger, performs a fast and fun family-friendly fire danger comedy show. From juggling fire to seven-foot unicycles and nonstop jokes along the way, you’ll laugh, cheer, and come back for more!

Fortress Dwellers (Aug 8 – 30)

Fortress Dwellers are a unique family band of high-energy performances that will have you on the edge of your seat or dancing in the street!

How Not to Die! (All season)

Whether it’s succumbing to disease or getting three feet of steel thrust at you, health and wellness in the 16th Century can be hard work! Join your Bristol Trayn’d Bande in an entertaining look at health, and swordplay, and learn the most valuable lesson of How Not to Die!

NEW! Iris the Shrike (Aug 29 – Sept 7)

Iris has spent far too long as a shrike, after a spell gone awry. Join your local bird-brained witch as she rediscovers what it means to be “human” again through the magic of comedy, music, and a well-told tale.

IVANOVICH! (July 11 – 26, Aug 8 – Sept 7)

Ivanovich the Impossibilist, master of prestidigitation, brings his own flavor of magic, mystery, and illusion to Bristol.

NEW! Jim MacKenzie (July 11 – Aug 2)

Jim has been keeping vaudeville alive since 1985 and continues to add new original routines to the act. He learned to juggle at a young age from his dad. He picked up sword swallowing and other skills along the way, taught himself violin, and put it all into a comedy show that has become a favorite with audiences around the country. Experience in-the-moment comedy and amazing original feats!

The Jousters (all season)

The Jousters are excited to bring their fully armored, hard-hitting and wholly unique style of jousting to Bristol. This is a true sport – every lance break and shield shatter achieved is done in an authentic quest for victory! Come cheer for majestic steeds and noble knights as they compete for The Golden Chain of Bristol!

Lady Ettie – Lady Ettie’s “Me Playce” (all season)

Join Lady Ettie for her version of tea-time as she takes a well-deserved break from her self-appointed position as Bristol’s welcoming committee. Bring the whole family to what is truly a mad tea party, filled with games, stories, and laughter.

The Langer’s Ball (ALL SEASON)

The Langer’s Ball is a two-piece Irish Folk-punk band that has been writing, touring, and performing for well over a decade. Playing their own brand of traditional drinking songs and original material, their sound is harder-hitting and bigger than you’d expect it ever could be. With a thumping beat and a flurry of notes and harmonies, you’ll dash to refill your drink and cheer for more.

Lynx the Sword Swallower (All Season)

Lynx the Sword Swallower is a unique blend of magic, sword swallowing, and comedy. Lynx is a veteran when it comes to performing at Renaissance festivals across the country. Not only is there audience interaction and participation but a strong positive message at the end. From death-defying feats of amazement to bewildering moments that just can’t be explained, Lynx the Sword Swallower is sure to thrill you! So, don’t miss out and be part of the fun!

Marhaba (all season)

Celebrate the hypnotic rhythms of dance and drum with Marhaba!

Ménage À Moi Comedy (Rated R)(all season)

Hello Lovers! Join Ménage à Moi Comedy and experience immature comedy for mature adults. Every show is a celebration of the fact that no matter how old we get, we’ll always be kids trapped in adult bodies.
Parental Advisory: Explicit Content

MooNie the Magnif’Cent (all season)

With very few words, but a LOT of action, MooNiE returns! Whether you watch his award-winning clown and stunt MooNiE Show, or his stand-up/story show MooNiE Tales,  get ready to be surprised. You may think you have seen it before, but it’s never the same twice. Thank you!

Mornyng Knight: The Solo Sword Fight (Aug 29 – Sept 7)

This Interactive Solo Comedy Stunt Show brings the heat. Lovable outlaw Mornyng Knight brings the audience along on a series of increasingly silly and scary stunts, building to a roaring finale: a Solo Fire Sword Duel of Epic Pop-portions. With each blazing strike, Mornyng defeats the audience’s shared fears, transforming the battle into a triumphant celebration of courage and self-discovery. Oh… and there are tomatoes…and puppets.

Musket Firing (All season)

Join your Bristol Trayn’d Bandes as they showcase the latest in modern military technology. Witness how black powder firearms were used historically, and the spectacle of smoke and fire!

Mythic Madness (July 11 – Aug 9)

Minerva, the powerful sorceress, is here to demonstrate her mastery of the arts martial and magical. She is accompanied by an unwilling assistant: Mythos, her human-bound fae familiar. Together, they present a hilarious swords and sorcery show- which definitely doesn’t fund a plot to take over the world- that is fun for humans of all ages and magical creatures of every persuasion. Watch this disastrous duo unleash their weapons of wood, steel, and magic upon each other in a fight for power and vengeance.

New Minstrel Revue (all season)

The New Minstrel Revue has traveled all across America sharing their unique mixture of original and traditional music to excited and appreciative audiences. With a focus on vocal harmonies and a high level of musicianship, these seasoned performers are consistently finding new ways to make you laugh, make you cry, or make you want to get drunk and start a band.

Playwrecked!: Improvised Musicals! (July 11 – Aug 30)

Ship Shape and the Brothers Blackquill join forces to bring you Playwrecked!: Improvised Musicals! These pirates and playwrights will take a suggestion from the audience to create a brand new, never-before-seen (and never to be seen again) musical! Will it contain danger? Mystery? Romance? We don’t know, but we’re excited to find out! Never dull and never the same show twice, join Frankie, Swiss, Mack, Jonathan, and Quentin for musical mayhem!

Rambling Sailors (all season)

Rambling Sailors is a new effort by performers Gregg and Susan Csikos. Both successful soloists in their own right, Gregg and Susan performed for over a decade individually. Now with a combined experience of 25 years on the circuit, a repertoire of hundreds of songs, and harmonies that please the ear and lift the spirit, Rambling Sailors is on a mission to bring traditional sea music, history, and stories to the stage, delivered in the style that inspired generations of sailors to go to sea.

THE RAVEN (ALL SEASON)

The Raven, the black feathered birdman, flies on top of a ball. He swoops down and invites the audience into his world of “eggs-traordinary” magic.

RenQuest™ (all season)

Chaos! Sylvan magic items threaten to tear the realm apart, and only you have the skills to save us! RenQuest™ is a game full of thoughtful and fun puzzles, a story where you are the hero, and a place where you can explore the magical mischief that creeps throughout the realm.

Gameplay is $20 and recommended for ages 12 and up (but we’ve had players as young as 8 with accompanying parents). Sign up at the RenQuest™ camp, located near the Cheshire Chase stage on your Faire map. Tickets are available from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. every Faire day.

Rover’s Way (Aug 1 – 16)

Join Rover’s Way to celebrate music and community as they create a space of entertainment and inclusion via the multi-faceted medium of Folk Music. This nomadic folk duo travels the lands far and wide to share their passion for folk and traditional music from around the world, as well as the threads that connect them. Raise your glasses, put on your dancing shoes, and let these emotional support bards fill your hearts with joy.

NEW! Sämäs (Aug 22 & 23)

You’ve seen them each on Bristol stages in different incarnations over the years and now for the first time, they return to perform as a supergroup with a singular goal: to uplift and transform souls of all ages with their musical magic. Built with a blend of pop vocals, folk rock instrumentation, and cinematic underscoring, sämäs performs all-original music inspired by fantasy, myth, the cosmos, and the wonders of nature. Their performances feature tight vocal harmonies and driving rhythms created by big drums and percussive tap dancing.

Seaing Stars Productions (July 18 & 19, Aug 1 & 2)

“3…2…1… BUBBLE STORM!” Experience the ephemeral beauty of bubbles like never before with Seaing Stars Productions. With their handcrafted bubble solution and wands, magic-making siblings Nikolai and Pippa Popper transform a space with captivating bubble artistry, designed to thrill children, adults, and everyone in between.
Photo credit: John Lambert

Seraphim Arabesque Ensemble (Aug 15 – 23)

The Seraphim Arabesque Ensemble is a music and dance group based in Southern California. They blend cross-cultural music and dance from MENANHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenistic, Turkish) traditions with uniquely American art forms. They fuse contemporary sounds and movements with a historical flare.

Shakespeare in the Shire (all season)

Witness our favorite scenes, monologues, and sonnets that the Bard penned. A different cast every morning, no two shows have ever been the same. If YOU have a brief (3-minute or less) piece that you would like to perform, you are welcome and encouraged! You won’t find a more receptive audience anywhere else!

Ship Shape (All Season)

Shiver me timbers, it’s Ship Shape! Join us for a music and comedy show complete with side-splitting piratical jests and harmonies so tight that they’ll make any landlubber a she shanties fanatic! Let this cook, swabber, and surgeon entertain you while they try to find their land legs – which might have gone down with the ship – and let the mayhem commence! Join Frankie, Swiss, and Mack for a shipload of fun!

Skald’s Circle (July 18 – Aug 2, Aug 22 & 23, Sept 5 – 7)

Hear the tale of the prince saved by bees, animals living in skulls, and many more legendary tales! Mynogan and Casimir of the Skald’s Circle are happy to bring to you stories of Myth, Folklore, and Legend from all around the world! So grab a seat and prepare yourself for these wonder-tales.

Sturdy Beggars Mud Show® – The Mud Pit™ (Rated PG-13) (all season)
The original Mud Show

All we know for sure is that in 1979 The Sturdy Beggars™ first “fell” into their special “field” of “entertainment” somewhere in the rich and tasty topsoil of the Midwest. Since then the first, the only, the original Mud Show® (Reg No. 1,985,845 with the United States Patent & Trademark Office) has toured to over 22 Renaissance Faires across the continental United States. With their adage “the whole world’s a stage, just add water,” this “greatest show in earth” has left nothing but laughter and mayhem in its sullied wake.

Table Setting Ceremony (all season)

The nobility may not be present, but the household staff is hard at work preparing the feast! Learn why putting a plate down in the wrong order could be a grievous insult, and which traditions continue into the modern fine-dining experience.

Tenacious DnD (July 11 – Aug 9)

Randal Piper is back to share a glimpse into the musical mind of chaos! Join him in crafting never-before heard critical hits as he takes you on a unique, interactive and improvised musical adventure. Come rock and roll with advantage and leave with some Bardic Inspiration!

Tiny Girl, Big Show (July 11 & 12)

Experience the unhinged circus world of Stahr! Brace yourself for fire, flips, whips, and an epic finale that will leave you laughing on the edge of your seat. The pint-sized internet sensation is bringing her full-length show filled with hilarious stories, live music, and daring feats of circus stunts that inspire all ages. 4 weeks only! Catch the excitement of this hilarious one-woman circus extravaganza before she disappears!

Village Games (all season)

Join the enthusiastic and colourful townsfolk of Bristol in interactive games and sport in honour of Her Majesty’s visit!

Washing Well Wenches (all season)

The Washing Well Wenches take up residence in Bristol to earn a living by cleaning laundry… or by marrying a wealthy man. This naughty and tempestuous twosome will win your hearts with a rollicking, laugh-filled, one-of-a-kind show!

Weapons of War (all season)

Your Bristol Trayn’d Bande is ready to take on any foe! We’ll show you how to do it too, if only our Captain and Lieutenant can agree on the best soldier for the job. Comedy and violence erupt as the battle between Pike, Shotte, and Cavalry takes place!

Wiggins Faerie Lore Magician (all season)

Magician, storyteller, and human ambassador to the faerie realm. While Wiggins seems to be a human fantasy jukebox, his true agenda is educating folk in the needs of the little people and getting himself elected again. He is recognizable by his very large mushroom, the smallest stage in the shire. If you don’t believe in faeries before you have met Wiggins, you most likely will after!