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Hear Ye Hear Ye!
Many Nebraskans get starry-eyed envisioning traveling over the pond to Europe. One of the most magical things about traveling there is walking amidst real-life castles and envisioning a life in medieval times.
But you can play prince and princess right here in Nebraska for two weekends in Bellevue as the annual Nebraska Renaissance Festival takes place!!
As you know, we here at WellTraveledNebraskan believe that travel within Nebraska is about finding experiences to enjoy, not just places to tick off of a checklist.
And there is nothing more immersable than going full blown medieval at the Bellevue Renaissance Faire. Here are just a few ways that you’ll feel like you are in Casterly Rock or Kings Landing and how you can take part in all the festivities yourself!
Want to see a little of what they have had in the past? Check out this video
Step Back in Time
If you can’t tell, I’m already channeling my inner Game of Thrones, but even if you’re the only person on the planet who doesn’t watch the show, you can still step off the paved sidewalks and onto the dirt paths at the Bellevue Berry Farm and immediately feel like you are in a different location and time period.
Dress The Part
While the festival will have over 100 costumed merrymakers wandering around the dirt paths and performing, why not dress the part yourself!?
You can go as simple or as elaborate as your medieval heart desires. Looking for some inspiration? Here are a few things to get you started:
For those wanting to dapple in the cosplay, it doesn’t need to be hard or elaborate. Dig through that old Halloween box and find a few fun items to help get in the spirit!
- Wear a pirate hat (get an authentic looking one here)
- Fly your fairy wings
- Carry your (fake) sword
- Wear a Gypsie Scarf (this one with coins looks like so much fun!)
Get Legit
All the above are fun for a weekend or to dress your kids up in. However, there are plenty of die-hard Nebraska renaissance faire fans as well (and will most likely roll an eye at your measly headscarf … but who cares!? Just challenge them to a joust!)
If you are looking at wanting to really step back in time, feel free to REALLY dress the part. Here are a few outfits you can get to show up in style.
Women’s Costumes
(Click on the image to see it in Amazon)
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Men’s Costumes
(Click on the image to see the price on Amazon)
Or, just show up to the festival and get decked out there. There are plenty of vendors there to help you purchase phenomenal artisan products like chainmail, fencing swords, leather goods and more!
Watch Artisans Create and Display Original Works
Whether you want trinkets, local honey, play swords or more, there is a giant list of local and nearby artisans ready to wow your senses. It will feel like you are roaming a medieval market wandering from one hut to the next.
Enjoy Food Fit For a Feast
One of my favorite parts about festivals is the food!! You are sure to find something delicious for everyone, but some classics are the
- Turkey legs (duh!)
- Cold Brews
- Scotch Eggs
- Smoked Meats
- Funnel Cakes
- More!
Find Your Knight In Shining Armour…and cheer him on in a real joust
Be just like the Lannisters and view an intense and skilled joust from the brave knights right in front of your very own eyes!
Prove Your Strength
Hold out your “Mug of Cheer” and show off your muscles. Whichever lad or wench can hold their stein of ale with a straight arm the longest (without spilling!!!) is king of the contest!
Show Off Your Archery Skills
Can you fling an Axe and hit the bullseye?
Could you beat Robin Hood at a Bow and Arrow Contest?
Only one way to find out!
Become “Part Of That World”
The sea-world that is. Come into the Mermaid’s Cove to see real-life mermaids floating around.
Climb A Ginormous Pirate Ship
Think you can find the pirate’s lost treasure??
Get Lost in the Medieval Maze
Find your way through the windy maze or just get lost in the adventure.
Stand Next To a Horse MASSIVE Irish Wolf Hound
Sorry, the first time you see these giants, you just might mistake them for a small horse! Move over Stark-Direwolves….there’s a new wolf in town!
Get Your Harry Potter On
While H.P may not be medieval, the idea of wizards and sorcery often are.
Ever wanted to play wizard, sorcerer and magician? Get there the first weekend of the two week festival for all things “Magic and Majestics!”
Learn How To Belly Dance
Watch the mesmerizing dancers as they wow the audience with their entrancing moves
Have Fun
The great part about the Renaissance Faire Nebraska is that it is blast for all ages.
- Those that love cosplay can play the real part
- Kids love the pirates and fairies, child-friendly games and, of course, all of the fun playgrounds!
- Foodies love the different treats to chow down on.
Nebraska Renaissance Festival Information
Location
Bellevue Berry Farm: 11001 South 48th Street, Papillion NE 68133
Dates and Times
May 4-5 & and 11-12, 2019
11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost and Admission
- $13 Adults
- $8 Kids
Contact
Phone: (402) 301-0901
Email: info@RenFestNebraska.com
Themes
Of course, the entire festival will be a renaissance theme, but each weekend also will have additional specific themes
Magic & Majestics Weekend: May 4th and 5th
Celtic Celebrations: May 11th and 12th
Official Website
Looking for Other Festivals in Nebraska?
Love the Phenomenal Annual Crane Migration? Go to the Aubudon’s Nebraska Crane Festival
Maybe you like beer? Check out Omaha Beer Week
Into Music? Have you been to the Maha Music Festival?
There are so many amazing festivals all throughout Nebraska. Here is a pretty comprehensive list to get some great ideas for other festivals in Nebraska to attend this year.