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NEW ENGLAND’S OLDE ENGLAND™

The Connecticut Renaissance Faire®

27th Anniversary Celebration!

Unleash Your Creativity: Become a Faire Merchant

Full-Run Merchants

Hear ye, hear ye, noble artisans and merchants of fine craft! The Connecticut Renaissance Faire doth once again extend its grand invitation to thee, as we prepare to celebrate our illustrious 27th season in the year of our Lord 2025. If thou art eager to display thy unique and masterful creations before a sea of eager revelers, this is thy golden chance to join our magical marketplace and share in the bounty of our time-honored tradition.

In the year 2024, we were graced with a record-breaking attendance, with over 70,000 joyful souls passing through our gates, reveling in the splendor of the faire. With such growing multitudes each season, the opportunities for prosperity and renown are unparalleled. Never hath there been a more fortuitous time to offer thy artistry to the throngs of merry folk who await thy talents.

Join us in this most wondrous of years, and be a part of our celebrated history. The Connecticut Renaissance Faire doth await thee, with flourishing commerce and a marketplace of wonder. Thy craft is most welcome, and the time to shine hath come!

Food Merchants

The Connecticut Renaissance Faire seeks food merchants who are ready to enchant our guests with delectable dishes, tempting treats, and refreshing drinks. This is your chance to join our lively marketplace and share unique flavors with a crowd that relishes the joy of discovery in every bite.

With each season, the faire grows in renown, drawing ever more eager revelers in search of extraordinary fare. Become part of our 27th celebration, where hungry visitors await your creations. Ready thy recipes and bring forth your best, for the Connecticut Renaissance Faire awaits you!

Important: Rates increase at various times throughout the year. To secure the current rate, ensure your application is postmarked by the appropriate deadline. Please refer to the application for specific dates and rates.

Guest Merchant Program

Curious about how your unique, handcrafted products will resonate in a lively Renaissance Faire atmosphere? The Connecticut Renaissance Faire’s Guest Merchant program is designed for artisans who want to explore selling their wares in a medieval and fantasy-themed marketplace without making a long-term commitment right away. This program lets you “test the waters” for up to two years, providing an opportunity to gauge the fit of your merchandise with our enthusiastic audience.

Program Highlights:

Flexible Participation: Join us as a guest merchant for one or more weekends, allowing you to experience the Faire at your own pace and see how your products connect with guests.

Priority for Full-Run Merchants: While we encourage new artisans to apply, full-season merchants with similar products are given priority to maintain a balanced and consistent marketplace.

Application Process:

Submit your application online or download our Merchant Packet PDF for detailed program information, including current rates. Guest slots are limited each weekend, with a selective jury process ensuring that all merchants meet our quality and thematic standards.

Vendor Setup:

Guest vendors are required to setup their own tent. Basic fee covers a 10×10. If you require a larger spot, please message us for rates. Water and electricity are available for an additional fee to help meet your operational needs. Hard Booths are no longer available for guest vendors.

Please note:

Saturday check-in is not available. To receive your vendor credentials, passes, and assigned selling location, you must schedule an appointment and check in before the weekend you plan to attend.

Why Participate?

  • Targeted Audience Exposure: Reach customers who appreciate and seek out medieval and fantasy-themed goods.

    Insightful Feedback: Learn what resonates with Faire guests and refine your product offerings based on their preferences.

    Community and Opportunity: Connect with a network of artisans in a supportive, festive environment that encourages growth and collaboration.

Experience the magic of the Faire while exploring new opportunities. Whether you’re launching new products or expanding your reach, our marketplace provides the perfect setting to ignite connections and grow your business.

Merchant FAQ

Is it expensive to be a merchant at the Faire?

Merchant Tent Spaces
Looking for an affordable way to showcase your creations at a highly-attended event? The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is now accepting merchant applications for our 2025 season, and we’re happy to offer vendor spaces for only $3.50 per square foot. This is some of the least expensive vendor fees in the industry translating into just over $19 per day for the full 18 day run for a 10×10 space (prices vary based on square footage)

Guest Merchant Spaces
If you’re interested in guest merchant spaces, we have limited availability each weekend and only have tent spaces available at $50/day for a 10×10 (must commit to the entire weekend). This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the Faire as a guest merchant and showcase your products to our thousands of visitors. Please note that you must be at the Faire the entire weekend you are a guest at. Don’t wait – sign up today and reserve your space at the Connecticut Renaissance Faire!

What types of products do you want to see?

At the Connecticut Renaissance Faire, we welcome all kinds of products from our merchants, as long as they align with our show’s theme or themed weekends. We encourage artisans who handcraft items to apply, and if you’re unsure if your product fits our theme, please feel free to reach out to Jen with some example photos. She’ll give you an honest opinion and let you know if it’s worth submitting your wares to our jury for review. Don’t be afraid to take a chance – the worst that can happen is we say your product won’t work.

In addition, we do allow limited resale items that fit our theme, but we do not permit modern products such as solar panels or windows. Join us in creating an authentic Renaissance experience for our guests by showcasing your unique and handmade products.

I don't have a tent. Is there a booth space I could rent?

While we do have limited “hard booth” spots, many of them are spoken for by long time vendors that have the first right of refusal. It’s very likely you will have to provide your own tent for your booth so please plan accordingly.

Do I need a costume?

A proper costume is essential for your participation in the Faire as it adds to the unique experience for our guests. We ask that all merchants and performers dress appropriately in Elizabethan-era attire as it is the time frame we portray. If you can’t attend a Renaissance Faire to get your costume, sites like Etsy may offer what you need.

Remember, your costume is part of your overall presentation and will be considered during the jury process. To ensure your costume fits the Faire’s theme, we recommend against purchasing a “Renaissance Costume” from a Halloween store or similar chain.

I can't be there every weekend, can I still be a merchant?

We understand that some merchants may not be available to attend the Faire every weekend. However, we prioritize jurying merchants who commit to our entire season over guest slots.

If you cannot attend every weekend, we recommend finding someone to assist you with your booth so that you don’t miss out on any potential sales. As always, we encourage you to fit your booth and merchandise with the theme of each weekend to attract more customers.

What happens after I submit my application?

After we receive your application, our jury will carefully review it. If your application is accepted, we’ll email you an acceptance letter and an invoice. You have 30 days to pay the invoice or we may withdraw approval for another merchant that may be waiting for the space. 

Please be aware that your space won’t be reserved until we receive your paid invoice. To avoid any late fees, make sure you submit your payment within 30 days of your acceptance date. We’re excited to have you join us at the Faire and can’t wait to see your creations!

Can I camp on site?

As an approved merchant, you have the option to stay overnight at the Faire in our designated camping area or in your booth. Please inform us of your camping needs by indicating your merchant status and the dates you plan to camp. To secure your spot, please fill out the camping form and send it to camping@ctfaire.com.

In addition to traditional camping options, we also have RV spaces available for those who prefer a more comfortable stay. Don’t miss out on the chance to fully immerse yourself in the Faire experience by staying on site. Download the camping form today!

Download a camping form

What if I don't get accepted?

We understand how important the Faire is to you and appreciate your interest in being a part of it. Our jury carefully considers each application, taking into account various factors such as your booth, costume, and product offerings. Unfortunately, there may be instances where we cannot accept every applicant, especially if we have a high volume of similar products. Please don’t be discouraged. We encourage you to try again next year or consider modifying your offerings for a better fit.

We will notify you by email if we are unable to accept your application, and we will keep your information on file for future consideration. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of the Connecticut Renaissance Faire.

Jen Provost - Merchant Coordinator

We try to answer as many of your questions as possible below. If you need to know something we haven’t listed, please email our merchant team at merchants@ctfaire.com.

Merchant Gallery

Experience the excitement of the Connecticut Renaissance Faire through our exclusive “guest” and “shops” galleries! These behind-the-scenes images showcase the vibrant energy of our streets and shops, giving you a sneak peek at what to expect when you become a merchant with us. Our “shops” gallery is particularly helpful for showcasing the types of products that our guests love to buy, and yours could be the next big hit! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of our unique marketplace and showcase your one-of-a-kind products.

Thank You For Your Interest in Joining Our Faire!