text: I have attended the AZ Renaissance Festival for over years now and love itnnFrom the moment that you approach the front gates and are greetedheckled by the crowd of townspeople you are transported back to a fantasy version of the middle ages Whether you choose to dress up in periodappropriate attire or show up in your st century duds you will feel right at home amidst the quaint shops cottages and stands that make up the milieu of the Arizona Renaissance Festival nnWhen we start early a good idea if you would like to avoid the hottest part of the day and the longest linesbiggest crowds my favoritest way to begin the day is with pastries or the freshly made crepes There are several very munchable snacks that are perfect for enjoying as you stroll cinnamon roasted almonds freshly made pretzels sold from a large rack carried over a gentlemans shoulder as he wanders the crowd heck even the famous and delicious Turkey Leg is very portable The Turkey Leg complete with crispy skin is delicious but the portion is HUGE I can rarely come even close to finishing Additional substantial mealfare items are the bread bowls my husbands favorite and Steak on a Stake all yummy nnIf you have ever wanted to try your hand at throwing knives axes or tomatoes this is the place for you There are lots of different games which have an additional cost and rides to pass the time and keep the kiddos busy a huge swanswing pirate ships spinning butterfly swings are all fanciful options to choose fromnnWe always try to make the most out of the free entertainment offered and start our day by plotting out the shows that we would like to see our favorites are Barely Balanced acrobats that are talented and are also hilarious Thom Sellectomy the Sword Swallower gross but impressive Falconry where they show off lots of beautiful rescued birds over an open green belt it is educational and interesting and of course Jousting The Jousting is a little cheesy but we typically try to catch the last show The Joust to the Death which is the best onennIt is easy to fill the gaps between the shows games and meals by wandering through the shops and browsing their wares they have lots of unique items from renaissancy clothing to weapons and jewelry to wooden toys to furniture nnThe petting zoo complete with ducks bunnies sheep dogs pigs goats and a highland cow as well as the Greyhound Rescue pavilion with their sweet pups are always obligatory stops to get in our warm fuzzies nnTips Be sure to bring cash as many of the food vendors do not accept credit cards Also if you plan on attending the shows set aside cash to give after the performance they are free but the performers live off of the tips and they do a great job so it is good to have cash handy if you feel so inclined There are ATMs in the faire but the fees that they charge get expensivennTraffic on the headed out to the festival gets really really bad Midday on a busy weekend can turn what might normally be a minute drive into hours so be prepared nnParking is well done they have taken a page from the Disney parks and have a bunch of people there to direct all of the cars into specific spaces in a very quick and efficient manner nnThe parking lot and grounds are all in a dusty dirt field so plan accordingly with what you wear If it is rainy that all turns to mud and it is a MESS nnBathrooms throughout the whole festival are clean and modern there is a restroom outside the entry that typically has long lines but the lines for the restrooms inside tend to be much shorter nnIf you are looking for something unique and fun that will transport you to another time and place definitely make the trek to the Arizona Renaissance Festival its a blast