Hear ye! Hear ye! The Melbourne Renfair has come and gone having graced the Yarra Valley Racecourse with a weekend of medieval and fantastical festivities for travellers of all types and ages. A wonderful event packed full of excitement, snacks, interactive activities, and fun. Having visited for the first time, it’s a puzzle to me that the event isn’t yet a permanent annual fixture for Melburnians. 

I discovered—like many geeks—the mystical genre of Renfair on TikTok around last year and was devastated to find out that most of these creators were from the USA. So, imagine my absolute joy when I did some digging and found a Renfair situated only an hour from the CBD. It was only right that I did a thorough investigation and reported back to my fellow Farragoans on what this event was really like. 

Incredibly, I noticed that there were very few visitors to the Renfair who weren’t in costume. People of all ages, parents and children, seniors and my friends and I had been decked out to the nines in our best finery for the occasion. I think I counted a total of three puffer jackets for the entire day with most people favouring thick cloaks, furs and woollen shawls despite the drizzling rain. Travellers (as we were called by the friendly Renfair staff), flocked to and fro from entertainment to shopping to relaxing in the feasting hall. 

Along with the enthusiasm of other medieval/fantasy lovers, the other highlight must be the entertainment. There were an incredible number of individual performers telling stories, singing songs, displaying medieval dances (with more bells and recorders than I could count!), blowing bubbles and throwing fire! Then of course there were the incredible markets with stalls upon stalls of unique wares and trades from leather belts and satchels to potion bottles with wax seals. Each was managed by a small business owner with as much passion for their craft as the travellers shopping. I also watched the Twelve on Twelve, a zealous competition where teams of twelve armoured knights bash the absolute living daylights out of each other until there is a winner. I must admit, I was quite engaged when I realised they were wielding real steel hammers and axes. But of all the entertainment, the jousting was my favourite. Competitors and their steeds were renowned international jousters with great experience in the sport. Their expertise was on show for all to see as their lances shattered to pieces with each landed blow. I was particularly excited when I noticed, if I recall correctly, all but two of the jousters were women. 

I was also incredibly impressed by the organisation of the Renfair. Large events are notorious for having more than a few hiccups in crowd management, however, I was pleasantly surprised that we didn’t have any at all! There was plenty of parking available that was clearly directed by staff and signage. As far as I could tell, the fair was highly accessible for people with disabilities, with all events viewable from ground level and ramps to allow wheelchair users onto any raised spaces. At the end of the event, I was amazed that there were no traffic issues with the ATC managing the one-way road and directing cars back onto the highway. 

So, if you’re ever considering visiting the Renfair in the future, I say buy those tickets! If you’re keen on a fun and exciting day out full of dress-up and whimsy, then this is the place for you. The fun was worth every penny.