I’ve always been obsessed with the medieval era — the intricate clothing, the old-world customs, and the way society worked back then. I devour history documentaries, follow fantasy creators religiously, and have a wardrobe full of cloaks and corsets ready for any themed event (or Tuesday afternoon).
But Renaissance Faires always seemed like a far-off dream. I’d only ever seen them in YouTube videos or photos from friends abroad — in the U.S. or Europe. That is… until I stumbled upon Ren Faire PH.
When I found out there would be a Ren Faire right here in the Philippines, my eyes almost popped out of my head. I might have screamed.
Ren Faire PH 2024: A Forest Adventure in Carantes Ancestral Forest, Baguio
The first-ever Ren Faire PH was a 3-day event held from March 23–25, 2024, deep in the magical Carantes Ancestral Forest in Baguio. And I mean deep. You had to hike through the forest just to reach the event area — which actually made the whole thing feel way more authentic. Like a real medieval quest!
Thankfully, I bought the Noble Ticket, which came with
Merchants, Mead, and Medieval Mayhem
Once you arrived, the entire area transformed into a bustling medieval village. There were:
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🏹 Merchants selling D&D-related gear, handmade jewelry, fantasy props, and spellbooks
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🍗 Food and drink booths that felt straight out of a tavern (yes, they had mead-inspired drinks!)
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⚔️ Activities like sword fighting lessons, archery practice, and even horseback riding
There were multiple stages scattered throughout the woods for live music, bard performances, theatrical skits, and more. And yes — cosplayers were EVERYWHERE.
Baldur’s Gate Cosplayers Had Me Screaming
As someone who has logged over 300 hours into Baldur’s Gate 3 (and counting), I nearly collapsed when I saw a full squad cosplaying the game. Shadowheart? Astarion? Halsin?? YES.
It felt like the entire Sword Coast had materialized in Baguio.
Eating, Drinking & Pageantry — Faire Style!
Aside from shopping and roaming around, there were hilariously fun contests every day:
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🐷 A messy, loud eating contest worthy of a medieval feast
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🍺 A drinking contest (good luck to everyone’s liver)
- Entertainment from Backstreet Bards
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👑 And even a pageant to crown the faire’s Queen.
The best part? Everyone could join in, whether you came in full armor or just wanted to cheer.
Night Activities for the Adults
Once the sun dipped behind the pines, the Ren Faire shifted into a nighttime wonderland — complete with:
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🎆 Fireworks that lit up the forest sky
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🔥 A warm campfire for songs, snacks, and stories
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💃 A jaw-dropping performance from Burlesque PH that added a whole new flavor to the festivities
⚠️ Note: These nighttime activities were strictly 18+, with alcohol being served and some NSFW content designed for adults only. Minors were not allowed during the evening portion of the event.
Is Ren Faire PH Becoming an Annual Tradition?
It certainly looks like it! With two successful years under its belt and growing buzz online, Ren Faire PH in Baguio might just become an annual event — something fantasy geeks, gamers, and history buffs across the country can look forward to each year.
Planning Your Own Medieval Getaway to Baguio?
Whether you’re joining the next Ren Faire or just planning a geeky adventure, I’ve got you covered!
👉 Check out my full DIY Baguio travel guide here:
How to Get to Baguio + Where to Stay — A Geekly DIY Guide
