Is this the best faire on the east coast?

[Damien Ryan]

Hey, all quick question i met some nice people at the NYRF (which was amazing) who told us that they are heading down to the MRF in october and told us how much they loved it there.  Me and my sister were thinking of comming down in october, is this faire really that great? we will be driving probably 5 hours and getting a hotel for the weekend.

So i guess the question is this faire that good? and how does it compare to NYRF and PARF?

[RSLeask]

Can't speak comparatively.  In fact, I would hesitate to compare any two Faires, because they each have their own bright spots and charms compared to others.  However, I can say that MDRF has some great activities and performances.  The musical performances are top notch, as well as performances of all types (see the entertainment schedule posted in another thread).  There's a good amount of shopping from high quality crafters, though a little higher in price compared to other places.  Most of all, we have a large following of playtrons, and a quality performance cast that makes for a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.  If you haven't been, and can afford the trip, come down and experience it, I do guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

If you do decide to come down, highly recommend you see each of the musical performances.  Ones to absolutely not miss are the Pyrates Royale (if there's a signature group for the Faire, they're it), the Holligans, the O'Danny Girls, and the Interpreters.  Even if you just hear a little bit of each... they are worth the sit-down though.

[analise]

Yep, asking if this is the best faire or asking us to compare is just...well, everybody thinks their faire is the best.

Now, I've only been to a couple of faires (VARF, MDRF, and TNRF) but that said?

MDRF is awesome. It's the first faire I ever went to and about from the moment I walked in I felt like "this is home".

As already mentioned, the music is great. I can't think of one musical performance (in the lanes or on the stages) that I ever wished I hadn't stopped to listen.

I am compelled to mention, lest I lose my groupie status card, that Fight School is the best comedy fight show to be seen and not to be missed.

So yes, the entertainment is wonderful, the shops are lovely, the food is tasty... and the people are amazing. (and if you get there early enough before the opening gate show, there's usually at least a small group of us tailgating so come have coffee and pastries!).

[kcdcchef]

yeah, comparing faires is gutwrenching for all involved. i hold all to the standard of my home faire, kansas city renaissance festival, which, is totally amazing and all.

but since i dont really have a dog in this fight, and have been to new york, sterling, virginia ( old and new ), maryland, and pennsylvania, i would say the best of all of them is maryland, hands down. just feels more like a true shire than the rest, in my opinion. and i think the music is better at maryland, and the lane acts / characters tend to interact better in maryland.

i go to pennsylvania annually, pittsburgh annually, kansas city annually, and hit the others on a rotating basis. and they all have their attributes. now taking my personal fave out of the running ( kc ) i can tell you from the perspective of someone "without a dog in the fight", maryland is the best in our region.

[Damien Ryan]

thanks kc =)

[LadySeasan]

i've been to the PARF, AZRF, and my first faire was the MDRF.  It is hard to compare because each has it's own "thing" but I enjoy the MDRF way more than any other faire, and when I try to drag in non rennies, I drag them to the MDRF first

[Blue66669]

I've been to many faires across the country (TRF, Scarby, BARF, TnRF, KyHRF) and plan on seeing a few others in the next couple of years... when I make it to Maryland, I'll let you know how it is LOL!

[xanatos]

I've been to many different faires across the country as well(Scarby, NYRF, Bristol, VRF[old and new], Ohio, King Richards in MA) and still have plenty that I'd like to see but haven't had the time yet. My first faire was MD about 20 years ago and I do enjoy many of the acts. I have to agree with others that it's really hard to label one faire the "best".
I think the only faire that I did not find to my liking was King Richards. Perhaps I didn't give it a faire shake as I was much younger then and had been going to VARF(old) nearly every day for the last 3 seasons it was open as it was literally about 6 miles from where I lived.

[Lady Neysa]

You simply have to attend MDRF in person, experience it for yourself, and form your own opinion. If you like it half as much as the rest of us do, then you'll understand.
My opinion, however biased, is that yes, it is definitely worth the trip and hotel room.  I really can't imagine any rennie being disappointed with MDRF, and I'd be honestly shocked if you were.  The only specific thing I'll say is that I've often heard that our faire boasts more garbed patrons compared to other faires that many have been to. 

Be warned though, if you come in October, first of all, I hope you already have a hotel booked, if not you might have trouble finding one close by.  There are lots of other events that take place in and around Annapolis this time of year.  Also, MDRF has it biggest crowds in October, and I DO mean CROWDED!!  I believe a few years ago, they said their attendance was over 24,000 in a single day, (not the whole weekend.)

If you do come, post here later and tell us what you thought.

[Butch]

When we lived in VA (Quantico area) from 02-07, we would always make it to the MDRF every year!  Great faire!  The crowd is great, and the shows are fantastic!  I didn't care for the one in PA, and I didn't like the one at the winery in Northern VA.

...but, I REALLY like the one in Kansas City!  The MD is a close second.

Good luck!  Every one has a different flavor/different feel.  Make the most of it!

[kcdcchef]

When we lived in VA (Quantico area) from 02-07, we would always make it to the MDRF every year!  Great faire!  The crowd is great, and the shows are fantastic!  I didn't care for the one in PA, and I didn't like the one at the winery in Northern VA.

...but, I REALLY like the one in Kansas City!  The MD is a close second.

Good luck!  Every one has a different flavor/different feel.  Make the most of it!

thanks for the kind words about my home faire!!!

i am starting to discover the pennsylvania renaissance faire is an aquired taste. most people that travel to other faires arent overly fond of it.

[Scotsman]

I have seen this topic come up just about every year and quite frankly it is an unfair question. I hate engaging in the what faire is better discussion. EVERY faire has its own texture (so to speak). Everyone takes away from a faire something different and every faire is great in its own right.

Personally I always feel like nuking these threads but I understand folks want to see how their faire "stacks up" to other. Trust me ... your faire is awesome ... as long as it is awesome to you just like MDRF is awesome because it is beyond belief to me!

My two pence!

[Scotsman]

Well said Goody.

[Damien Ryan]

See thats the thing, i didnt start this to flame any faires or anything, i started it because i heard it was one of the best faires there is from someone i met at NYRF! I just wanted to hear some opinions from people who have been to a few faires on the east coast, to let me know if they think this faire would be worth driving 4 hours and spending on a hotel for a weekend.

Its basically is this faire comparable to NYRF and PARF in fun factor or more so, as in should i travel past those faires to experience this one also.

I really don't see how people can think im flaming a faire etc, i love the PARF and NYRF and heard that this one was great, just wanted a few opinions...

[Amras Elfwine]

Hail, Damien.
I will not "hem" or "haw" about it. That is not my style, as my friends here will tell you...

I understand you question as so: Is this faire comparable to PARF or NYRF as far as the fun factor?

I can only answer thusly: "Yes, only more so".

Cheers, my friend, and hope to see you at MDRF.

[Scotsman]

I really don't see how people can think im flaming a faire etc

Fear not friend, I understand the situation fine. This is the way things go sometimes. Bottom line, people are UBER passionate about their faires and tend to equally passionate about comparisons.

Your question and inquiry is fine indeed, but these things tend to get like a weed and spread into something unintended all together. I was merely stating I always cringe when I see the question posed ...

No worries friend.

[Amras Elfwine]

Hi there, kilt boy...are we there yet??

[Scotsman]

Hi there, kilt boy...are we there yet??

HeHeHe ... going to "the store" tomorrow to stock up on Smithwick's for (you know what) (you know when).
I have been stocking up on top notch smoke just for you brother ....

36 hours!!!!!

[Peddlin]

Damien -

I have been to quite a few faires, east of the Mississippi, and I can assure you that this one is well worth the trip.

[Damien Ryan]

Thank you all, looks like ill be swinging a trip in october =)

[will paisley]

I appreciate anything said about any faire, as long as it's somewhat objective and concrete. Usually these threads are full of posts like "I like X faire the best because it's the first faire I ever went to and all my friends are there" (or "There's just something about X faire that makes it feel like home", which is just another way of saying the same thing).  True as this is, it could just as well be describing one's local mall. Knowing and defining what one is looking for in a faire is the only way to compare faires by anything other than gut emotion. That said, one can also like different faires for different reasons.  I feel the best way I can answer queries such as "How good is faire X" is by describing what's different about it and comparing it to other faires, letting the poser of the question use his or her criteria to determine what's "good". For example, for someone who can't stand hot food, the most authentic Mexican food available would probably be horrible, and they might long for the "good" stuff served at Taco Hell.  Similarly, I recall talking to a performer who experienced our Pub Sing and felt it just wasn't the "same" as Sterling's, since we didn't get all weepy and sentimental every week the way they do. Trying to tell somebody whether a faire is "good" is about like trying to tell them whether they'll like a particular book or TV show.  I can tell them whether something is well done - "good" often comes down to personal taste.

Still, there are some absolutes.  For example, I love Virginia Faire.  I work Virginia Faire.  However, it's not my favorite faire, and I'd be foolish (and somewhat irresponsible) to tell people it's the greatest faire they'll ever visit.  The faire is small, almost entirely under tent, and has a grand total of three main stages, with virtually none of the big, "circuit" acts one expects to see at faires (Don Juan and Miguel, London Broil, Hey Nunnie Nunnie, etc).  I've witnessed patrons who had made the two hour drive from the DC area to come to Virginia Faire, expecting to see something the size of MDRF, and upon first setting eyes on the sloping pasture that is Virginia Faire, became absolutely livid.  When asked to describe Virginia Faire to a friend who's considering coming down to visit, I'm rather thorough in my description (some would call it a warning).  People going there expecting to see something the size of a Maryland (or even Pennsylvania) Faire are sure to be dissappointed. However, if you value interaction with the cast and performers, you'd be hard pressed to find a faire that provides more interaction possibilities than Virginia.                                                

MDRF definitely has some faire absolutes.  For one, you'll probably see more music on stage than at any other faire on the east coast (or any other coast, for that matter).  The Rogues, the Pyrates Royale, the O'Danny Girls, the Interpreters, Jonathan Strum, the Hooligans, and Gregory of Carrolton sing and/or play at MDRF every weekend; in addition, there are also guest musical groups such as Cercamon, Wolgemut, Albannach, Barleyjuice, the Crimson Pirates and Gypsophilia (this is not even counting lane musicians such as Thomas Tallis, Larksong, Neidfyre or Maggie Sansone). Maryland also doesn't depend on the "circuit" performers quite as much as other faires do, so there's a greater probability of seeing acts at MDRF that you won't see anywhere else (Hack and Slash, Michael Rossman, Fight School I and II, Shakespeare's Skum).  For those few whom it matters to, the level of (Lundegaard) Guild activity is far above the norm at MDRF, from what I have witnessed on the East coast (excluding NYRF/Tux, as I have yet to visit that faire).  Finally, the one show Maryland is renown for is Pub Sing.  Although many faires have Pub Sings and each has its pluses and minuses, I think I can safely say that the Maryland Pub Sing has the most audience participation and interaction (which may either make you love it, be indifferent to it, or want to avoid it like the plague).  The best way to describe it is as a cross between Rocky Horror and Whose Line via shanty singing (and if that phrase doens't make you interested in seeing MDRF for yourself, nothing will ).

[Dirtfarmer]

I'll put in my comparison once I go to NYRF this weekend... PARF and MDRF are so different of animals that I would think you could come to a determination if it were more like one than the other.

Trying to figure out which one is the best... you will never come up with that answer.  I could rank all of the faires I have been too... but it would be so unfair and would just fall into personal taste.  I only have 1 that left me with a bad taste in my mouth and at some point I really should give that one another chance.

[DacianFalx]

My tuppence:

Having been a faire worker/performer for many years, and having worked a slew of east coast/mid-west faires... well, I'll say that I think MDRF is a greatly entertaining, varied, and amusing show...one of the best and most entertaining on the east coast. However, by my troth, the Sterling Renaissance Festival (http://www.sterlingfestival.com/) is the best show there is. I am a tad biased, of course, it's my home show... I'm a member of the cast. However, at Sterling we do our very best to be authentic to period (within reason... we love our flush toilets, and prefer not to have pigs running in the streets) and present the very best showing of Warwickshire, England in 1585 that we can.
That all aside, I love MDRF, and look forward to making it to the show most of the rest of the season. I have great friends there, love many of the performers, the shopping is great, and the site is welcoming. You'd be missing out if you missed it...just do yourself a favour and visit us up in Sterling sometime, too...;-)

[Steev]

I speak from a huge sampling of 2 (two) faires, MD and VA (new).  MDRF is a beautiful setting with fabulous structures and lanes, there is a wide range of food and shows, there are lots of pockets, pubs and theaters to park in w. completely different atmospheres, the actors and storyline are really great and the people-watching is excellent.  There is a bit of an amusement park feel sometimes, some days I get aggravated by local mundanes who show up to snark and harsh everyone's buzz, some of the performances change very little from day to day, year to year- but mostly I wish I could never leave.

Having said that, I visited VARF for the first time this year and fell in love with it too.  Much smaller, much more homegrown, and that's the appeal.  Everyone there was completely into the faire, the line between staff and visitors was blurred, everyone was friendly, we could let our kids wander and not worry about them getting lost, way more interactivity and more things to do not requiring 2 dollars, and the percentage of people in garb was way higher than MDRF (but that's 'cuz anyone who made it there made it because they're complete rennies...)
Just my tuppence, and apologies in advance if I've ruffled any feathers

[Dirtfarmer]

After a full weekend of NYRF, and the Creative Director allowing us to attend the court on stage during joust and chess matches over the weekend (best seats in the house!), we got a pretty good look at what this fair is all about.  After all of this, it is almost impossible to compare this faire to either PARF or MDRF... it, as most, has a different vibe than any of the others that I have been to.  If I were forced to say which one was it closer to, I would say MDRF.  It was, pretty much, the polar opposite of PARF having a "natural/rustic" feeling site like MDRF and many home grown acts.  It has some things that MDRF has lost in the last 20 odd years of faire, heavy sword play in their shows with an exciting brawl in almost every one.  Even a jaded participant like me got excited.  Conversely, you need to find a leprechaun's pot of gold to afford to eat and drink there, while of course a pauper could afford to eat, drink, and be merry at MDRF.  NYRF and MDRF are similar in that they are more stage show oriented and not so much oriented to street performance.  Of course, MDRF can never be surpassed in the "Rennie Community" with every weekend being a cocktail party for you and 500 of your closest oddly dressed friends around the pubs.  All in all, if you feet at home at NYRF, you will more than likely feel at home at MDRF.  If PARF is your thing, well..... it may be a flip of the coin for you.

[robert of armstrong]

I travel to every Faire I go to, as I don't have a "Home Faire" anymore.  4 hours to Sterling at least once every year, about the same distance to Great Lakes and Michigan.  8 Hours to Ohio and Pennsylvania, and I make the trip with little complaint.

To give you an idea, I have made the trip to Maryland every year for the last 5 years, and look forward to the 10 hour drive down, knowing the reward that awaits, then and another 10 hours back, knowing it is all worth it.