Before the era of pickle priests and jousters, the tale of the first Renaissance Fair unfolds

In May 1963, Phyllis Patterson founded the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, marking the beginning of a unique and enduring cultural event. Located in Laurel Canyon, California, this pioneering fair was the first of its kind in the United States.

The Renaissance Pleasure Faire was born amidst the artistic and cultural climate of California in the early 1960s, a time that greatly influenced its atmosphere. The fair was initially conceived as a fundraiser for the progressive radio station KPFK-FM, reflecting the left-leaning sentiments of the era.

From its inception, the Renaissance Pleasure Faire had a countercultural reputation. It offered an innovative, participatory theater experience combined with historical reenactment, providing a place for creativity and self-expression. Attendees could lace themselves tightly into a corset, sweep through the fair's dusty streets in a cloak, or strap on a sword and flirt outrageously all day.

As the fair gained popularity, businesses sprang up to supply elaborate costumes for attendees. An entire ecosystem of artisans and vendors evolved to serve the emerging fair circuit, creating a thriving marketplace for traditional crafts like leatherworking, blacksmithing, and glassblowing.

The Renaissance Pleasure Faire played a significant role in fostering the growth of cosplay and live-action roleplaying, or LARP. Cold War paranoia and the House Un-American Activities Committee's attempts to root out "subversive" citizens had hit Los Angeles hard, making the fair a safe haven for self-expression and alternate realities.

The success of the Renaissance Pleasure Faire led to its expansion to a second location and a spin-off from KPFK. The spelling of "faire" was chosen to be authentic and appealing to modern audiences, and the fair's countercultural reputation continued to thrive.

In the digital age, the Renaissance Fair continues to captivate audiences, as evidenced by a viral Instagram reel showcasing a group of women scampering about the fair in rat costumes. The fair has evolved over the years to incorporate a broader swath of the globe, with Ming Dynasty costume appearing alongside the Elizabethans.

The Pattersons, the creators of the fair, recognised its educational value and established the Living History Centre, a nonprofit dedicated to sharing the educational and theatrical techniques they'd developed. Today, the Renaissance Pleasure Faire stands as a testament to Phyllis Patterson's vision, offering a timeless blend of history, art, and self-expression that continues to captivate audiences.