The Best Garments We Saw at the Colorado Renaissance Festival Opening Weekend

Fairies, fair maidens, peasants, entertainers, elves, commoners, nobles, witches and wizards returned to the annual Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur to step into a vibrant English village in the forest, reminiscent of those found during the Elizabethan era of the English Renaissance, when culture and the arts flourished. With an opening weekend theme of magical fantasy, attendees in colorful costumes mixed with an array of those in period-inspired outfits.

The concept of renaissance festivals originated in 1963 as a one-time fundraiser, sparking interest in the period that grew and spread across the United States throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Over the years, attendees began to dress to attend and became as much a part of the show, creating a fully immersive environment.

Getting dressed for the Renaissance Festival is a major production, as evident in a host of YouTube and TikTok videos showcasing people putting outfits together, ranging from thrifted items to handcrafted pieces purchased from the vendors at the Faire. Layering flowy dresses, skirts and shirts with multiple belts, jewelry and armor is standard, along with mythical elements such as horns, wings and elf ears.

Creativity is key as many renaissance styles dip into other subcultures such as cottagecore, steampunk, goth and characters such as vikings, pirates and futuristic space people. Check the themed weekend schedule for specific character days.

Some attendees make Ren Fest fashion a lifestyle choice, regularly attending festivals across the country and joining clans and guilds who coordinate outfits and attend as groups.

Here are some of the best fits we saw on opening day at the Colorado Renaissance Festival.

The Colorado Renaissance Festival is open every weekend from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through August 3 at 650 Perry Park Avenue, Larkspur. Tickets are $29-$32; find more information at coloradorenaissance.com.