07/20/2026
The Faire is closed. The bills are not.
Donate here: https://rceaf.org/ -links
Bristol Renaissance Faire has now been forced to close for the entire weekend because wildfire smoke has made the air unsafe.
Protecting the health of patrons and participants was the right decision.
It also means that the performers, merchants, craftspeople, food workers, ride operators, game runners, employees, and countless others who make the faire possible have lost an entire weekend of opportunity to earn their living.
No sales. No wages. No tips.
Meanwhile, the cost of travel, fuel, inventory, food, supplies, costuming, equipment, and preparation remain.
RCEAF emergency grants are available to eligible workers affected by the closure. We expect this response may require approximately $30,000 or more.
Those grants will be funded from RCEAF’s existing emergency grant reserve. We are not waiting to see how much this campaign raises before we begin helping people.
But every grant distributed reduces the funds available for the next worker and the next emergency our community faces.
That is why we are asking faire patrons to stand behind the people who create the magic.
This is not about rescuing anyone. This is a hardworking, wildly creative, endlessly resourceful community facing circumstances no one could control.
Your donation helps replenish the emergency grant reserve as it is used.
Give $10. Give $25. Give whatever works for you.
Every amount matters.
Donate here: https://rceaf.org/ -links
Multiple donation options are available.
If you are a full time festival worker and need assistance, please apply at RCEAF.org.
One Lost Faire Weekend. One Community Answering the Call.
