Thank you to King Richard’s Faire for providing my family with complimentary tickets. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Since moving to the Boston area 12 years ago, I have created a mental bucket list of activities. Some have been crossed off the list years ago, and some get pushed back for one reason or another.

For years King Richard’s Faire has remained on that list. It is one of those quintessential fall bucket list activities when you live in the Boston area, along with going to the Topsfield Fair and the Big E.

We finally made as it a family this year and had a blast. It was like stepping back in time into a magical world tucked away in the forest.

Everywhere I turned delighted my senses, from the scent of roasted turkey legs wafting from the food pavilions to the vibrant colors of the flags hanging from the trees to the soft music of the singing minstrels.

There was entertainment of every type for all ages groups, from tightrope walkers to musical performances set to the music of modern pop tunes.

If you find yourself in the Boston area from September-October, it is definitely a must-see and a fantastic event to attend with the entire family.

How to get the most of your experience at King Richard’s Faire

Pick a rain date

We were supposed to go to the Faire as a family last year, but sadly it got rained out the day we had planned and the only available weekend I was busy. This year Sam and I made a plan in August and blocked it out on our family calendar so there would be no missing it.  Look at the options ahead of time the options, since many weekends have special themes.

Check out the schedule ahead of time

Every hour there is an assortment of activities from which to choose, several of which repeat themselves throughout the day. Though the schedule is available once you arrive, you can also check it out on their website. Plan your day so that everyone gets to do what they want.

Locate restaurants and bathrooms on the map

Avoid hunger meltdowns or bathroom accidents — grab a map as soon as you enter and find out where everything is. Bathrooms are plentiful, though they appeared to get a bit mucky by the end of the day.

Get to the Royal Joust early

This is one of the highlights of the day and many visitors come to watch. While there is ample seating and standing around it, if you want to get a good view (or be able to sit), get there early. We sat on the hill so we would have a good view and not have to stand the entire time.

Bring cash

Once inside, you have to buy meal tickets and pay for games with cash. Though there are plenty of ATMs inside, if you want to avoid paying a fee or waiting in line, bring ample cash.

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty

King Richard’s Faire is outdoors, and depending on the weather you could be walking around in mud or sitting in hay. Be prepared for your clothes to get a little messy, and have a spare set (especially if you have small children).

Come with room in your tummy

Perhaps the thing I was most looking forward to was the ginormous turkey legs. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. They are quite big, though. Sam and his dad shared one, as did Eve and I, and we didn’t even finish ours.

Take a moment to take it all in

How often do you get to see people walking around in medieval garb like it’s what they wear every day? There is so much to see, things you won’t see on a typical day at home. With all that’s going on around you, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed at times or to miss something. Take a moment to loo around and appreciate how unique this experience is.

Have you been to King Richard’s Faire?