How to have the best experience at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival
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The festival has different costume themes every weekend. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios
Do yourself a favor and add the Louisiana Renaissance Festival to your fall schedule.
Why it matters: It's an easy day trip from New Orleans and has something for every viking, pirate and mythical creature.
The big picture: The festival is in an old-timey village in the woods outside Hammond. It's open every weekend through Dec. 8.
- Daily tickets are $12 for children and $25 for adults in advance.
How it works: The ticket gets you access to the recreated 16th village and includes dozens of shows, like live jousting, sword swallowing, belly dancing and plenty of music and comedy.
- Activities like archery and pony rides are extra. There are other add-ons for special tastings and camping too.
Expert advice: Buy your ticket online before getting to the fest and print it out. It will save you time waiting in line at the entrance.
- Gates open at 9:45am. Arrive early to avoid the traffic jam on the country roads leading to the festival.
- Bring cash and cards so you have options if the cash line for food is moving faster.
- Cell service is spotty. Coordinate meeting plans in advance and screenshot the show schedules.
- Bring wipes and toilet paper for the Porta Potties.
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Best bets: Viral performer Jacques Ze Whipper is at the fest for two weekends with his popular "whippy show."
- Paolo Garbanzo, Puppies of Penzance and Pandorium have family friendly entertainment.
- The Washing Well Wenches and Chaste Treasure offer more PG-fun.
- Enjoy the music, watch the jousting and get knighted by the queen.
Costumes: People dress up, but you don't have to.
- You can also buy a costume at the fest — wings, crowns, elf ears, swords, hats, corsets, kilts, parasols, jewelry and leather clothing.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. The parking lot and the festival grounds are all dirt.
Food: Expect festival options with a medieval twist, such as turkey legs, mermaid donuts, mead, fried Oreos, chicken nuggets, funnel cakes, Butterbeer and kettle corn.
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