Step Into Xenaria: SG’s First Renaissance Fair is Coming

Photo Credits: LARP Community Instagram

Singapore is about to witness a historic cultural milestone. For the first time, the island nation will host SG’s First Renaissance Fair, a landmark event that promises to transport visitors to a medieval realm of fantasy, adventure, and immersive entertainment. From 31 January to 1 February 2026, Fort Canning Park will be transformed into the mystical Grand City of Xenaria, complete with street performers, artisanal vendors, interactive quests, and theatrical performances that celebrate the spirit of the Renaissance era.

Understanding the Renaissance Fair Phenomenon

The Renaissance Fair concept originated in California during the 1960s as an educational initiative that eventually evolved into a cultural movement. Today, the phenomenon has spread across the globe, with over 200 establishments operating in the United States alone and emerging iterations appearing in diverse regions including Europe, Canada, Australia, and increasingly, across Southeast Asia. These gatherings represent far more than mere historical recreation; they form immersive theatrical experiences where history, fantasy, and community participation blur into a singular, captivating adventure.

At its heart, a Renaissance Fair celebrates life during the medieval and Renaissance periods—roughly spanning from the 14th to the 17th centuries. However, these events transcend pure historical accuracy by embracing theatrical elements and fantastical components that enhance entertainment value. Visitors don period-inspired costumes, explore artisan markets brimming with handcrafted goods, witness live performances ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary comedy, and participate in activities designed to transport them into an altogether different era.

What distinguishes SG’s First Renaissance Fair within the Asian context is its thoughtful narrative framework. Rather than simply recreating a historical moment, organisers have developed a storyline wherein the fictional city of Xenaria hosts a Renaissance festival every five years to commemorate its founding and select new leadership. This narrative architecture invites attendees to become active participants within the event’s unfolding drama.

The Xenaria Experience: What Awaits Visitors

The fairgrounds will feature roughly 100 local vendors offering handcrafted merchandise, historical-inspired goods, and period-themed sustenance. Visitors can expect to encounter leather artisans, button jewellery makers, and apothecaries selling colour-changing potions alongside traditional food stalls. Studio Goomz will showcase their distinctive creations, whilst the LARP Singapore Community will operate an informational booth for those keen to learn about live-action role-playing traditions.

Central to the experience is the innovative house system. Upon arrival, attendees sort themselves into one of five houses: the House of Wit, House of Courage, House of Strength, House of Faith, or House of Truth. This sorting mechanism transforms SG’s First Renaissance Fair into a participatory competition where visitors actively represent their chosen faction throughout the day.

Interactive activities cater to various interests and engagement levels. Combat enthusiasts can test their abilities in designated sword-fighting zones, where foam and cardboard props under one metre in length are permitted for safety. Those with artistic inclinations may visit the trinket trading corner to exchange handicrafted items. Mystical-minded visitors can enjoy tarot readings and spell-jar workshops. The fairgrounds will also host multiple quests, including clue hunts and loot challenges, which generate voting slips and merchandise rewards. These voting tokens allow participants to elect their chosen candidates to the council of each respective house.

Street cast members, primarily drawn from the LARP Singapore Community, will roam throughout the fairgrounds engaging visitors with the Grand City’s lore and answering questions about the fictional realm. Stage performances will feature buskers, musicians, and theatrical acts that sustain the immersive atmosphere throughout the day.

The Best Dressed Competition adds another competitive dimension, encouraging attendees to invest creativity and effort into their costumes. Whether channelling historical accuracy or embracing fantasy elements, participants can showcase their interpretations during this highlight event.

Practical Essentials for Attendees

The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM across both days, providing an extended evening window for attendees to fully immerse themselves. The venue, the Old Married Soldiers Quarters within Fort Canning Park, sits within walking distance of Fort Canning MRT Station—approximately eight minutes on foot. Given that parking is limited throughout the precinct, public transport and ride-hailing services prove more practical alternatives.

Whilst formal dress codes are not mandatory, organisers strongly encourage attendees to embrace the medieval-fantasy aesthetic. The dress guide welcomes culturally inspired costumes alongside traditional Renaissance attire, promoting inclusivity. However, safety guidelines prohibit overly revealing or frightening outfits, ensuring the environment remains family-friendly. Footwear selection matters significantly; the fairgrounds feature substantial grassy areas alongside paved pathways, making comfortable walking shoes essential whilst delicate heels should be avoided.

Regarding weapon props, only foam and cardboard creations measuring under one metre in length and 20 centimetres in width are permitted. This restriction maintains safety protocols throughout the packed event.

Singapore’s tropical climate necessitates weather preparedness. Though the event proceeds regardless of rainfall conditions, key areas will be sheltered beneath tents. Ponchos will be available for purchase should attendees arrive unprepared. Water stations positioned throughout the fairgrounds enable visitors to refill personal bottles, encouraging hydration during extended stays.

Ticketing and Access

SG’s First Renaissance Fair offers tiered ticket pricing designed to accommodate varying visitor preferences and budgets. The Citizen tier costs $11, providing general admission. The Baron tier, priced at $18, offers enhanced access, whilst the Earl tier at $27 provides premium perks. Early bird tickets have sold out, with standard ticket release scheduled for 11 November 2025. Door sales may be available for Citizen-tier tickets at $16, though availability cannot be guaranteed.

Notably, leashed pets receive welcome alongside family members—all require individual admission tickets. This policy transforms SG’s First Renaissance Fair into a genuinely inclusive experience embracing multi-generational attendance.

Accessibility Considerations

Fort Canning Park features paved pathways supporting wheelchair navigation; however, most fairground activities occur across grassy terrain, presenting moderate accessibility limitations. Prospective attendees with mobility requirements should review detailed venue maps before attending and contact organisers regarding specific accessibility arrangements.

A New Chapter in Singapore’s Cultural Calendar

SG’s First Renaissance Fair represents a significant cultural import for the region, establishing Singapore as an emerging destination for immersive experiential events. The event catalyses Asian participation within a global phenomenon previously dominated by Western geography, positioning Southeast Asia as an active contributor to the Renaissance Fair community rather than merely a consumer of external cultural products.

Whether attendees arrive as seasoned Renaissance enthusiasts, casual curious observers, or families seeking distinctive weekend entertainment, Xenaria promises a memorable escape into theatrical wonder. As the fairgrounds open across that momentous February weekend, Singapore’s first venture into medieval fantasy will undoubtedly establish benchmarks for subsequent events within the region.