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NEW ENGLAND’S OLDE ENGLAND™

The Connecticut Renaissance Faire®

26th Anniversary Celebration!

Unleash Your Creativity: Become a Faire Merchant

Calling all artisans! The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is now accepting applications from creative minds for our 2023 season. Our guest traffic is soaring, and our affordable selling opportunities have never been better. This is the perfect chance to turn your dreams of selling your unique creations into a reality. Join us and showcase your art to thousands of guests in a truly enchanting setting.

Important: Rates increase on various dates throughout the year.  Your application must be properly postmarked to receive the current rate. Check your application to confirm dates and rates.

2024 Applications for The Connecticut Renaissance Faire are now active. 

Merchant FAQ

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

Is it expensive to be a merchant at the Faire?

Hard Booth 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 2023 season, and we’re happy to offer hard booth spaces at a rate of $200 for one area and $100 for an additional location plus SF fees as applicable. Our limited number of 81SF (9×9) hard booth spaces on Shady Lane and Artisans bend provide ample room for merchants to set up shop and attract visitors throughout the day.


Guest Merchant Spaces

If you’re interested in guest merchant spaces, we have a limited number of 81SF (9×9) hard booth guest spaces available on Shady Lane and Artisans Bend at the cost of $75 per day. 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 allow 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?

If you’re a first-time Renaissance Faire merchant and don’t have a tent, don’t worry! We offer a limited number of booths available in our Shady Lane and Artisans Bend areas that are perfect for getting started. These booths are in high demand, so we recommend applying as soon as possible to secure your spot. Please note that there is a rental fee in addition to your application fee. For more information on pricing, please see the “Is it expensive to be a merchant at the Faire” FAQ.

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 Queen Elizabeth is our matriarch. 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 with a packet that includes all the necessary information and rules for the Faire. We’ll need you to read and agree to the terms in the packet and sign the merchant agreement. After we receive the signed agreement, we’ll send you an invoice for the merchant fee.

Please be aware that your space won’t be reserved until we receive all the necessary documents and fees. 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

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!