LadyFaire had the opportunity to speak to some wonderful performers, artisans, shop owners and employees, and a myriad of others who have successfully navigated their festival going experiences while expecting. They were all kind enough to share memorable pregnancy moments during their festivals.

Carly Sebaske-Smith, a self-professed medieval history nerd who is a full-contact Buhurt tournament combatant, shop owner, and mother of two, attends up to 25 domestic and international events in any given year. While attending an event shortly after she became pregnant with her daughter Odessa, her husband announced her pregnancy to the audience attending the joust. The applause was overwhelming, making that moment even more special. While she did not participate in her contact melee events during her pregnancies (a blow to even a fully armored pregnant belly is a no-no), she did tell us that “Historically, women have always had their children with them when working; I am doing the same with my kids. Working at Renaissance faires and having weekend-based work allows me to spend more time with my kids.” Her best advice? “Adjust your expectation and reprioritize. Hydrate. And dress comfortably.” During her pregnancies, she turned her attention to the shop she owns with her husband, Odessa’s Olde World Emporium (named after her daughter), where they sell period-authentic armor, undergarments, jewelry, and art. “When working in the shop, I can have my baby in a carrier on my back. Renfaire as a culture is something people turn to for connection. It is a welcoming culture to raise the kids and an embracing community.” We completely agree, Carly.

LadyFaire staffer and the author of this article, Stacy Bakri, remembers: “It was my first pregnancy in 2004 and I knew I was having a boy. One of my fellow performers, Sarah W., who was as quick-witted and funny as they come, had nick-named my pregnant belly ‘Spike.’ One day, I guess my feet were just absolutely killing me so she made me sit down in the entertainment building and proceeded to fill a bin with warm, sudsy water and gave me the single best foot massage I have ever had in my entire life. It was one of the kindest gestures I’ve ever received. That was over twenty years ago and I will not forget it.”

Alleigh Leon Selby, who many festival enthusiasts know as Primrose the Fairy, performed at the Arizona Renaissance Festival during the first trimester of her pregnancy in 2024. “I was in the middle of my act on the path when I had a wave of horrible morning sickness. There was nowhere for me to throw up and I didn’t want to vomit in my bubble bucket. I delicately excused myself from my audience to run to the back of the fairy shop and proceeded to projectile vomit all over our DVDs. I rinsed my mouth out with mouthwash and went back to my spot on the path to sit on my mushroom cushion.” Alleigh, we hear you, and we love you for pushing through! During her performance day she drank at least a gallon of water, supplemented with Gatorade and pickle juice, to stay hydrated. Many of her audience gave gifts both for her and her baby, for which she was exceptionally grateful because they were all so meaningful. During the later weeks of her pregnancy at the Colorado Renaissance Festival the rose sellers were incredibly supportive and had her back, proving that it takes a village. Her best dewdrops of advice? “Slow and steady, and HYDRATE! Take your meds. Wear comfortable clothing.”

Both of Katie Leschak’s two pregnancies were during Texas Renaissance Festival seasons! A talented leather artisan who works for Father Thyme, she laughed as she told us that at the end of her first trimester with her daughter Evelyn, at the start of the 2023 TRF season, she could very comfortably fit into her self-crafted leather armor. She then “popped” and that was no longer the case. She opted for light-weight blouses and skirts in soft, flowy fabrics which she purchased there onsite. Shannon Holliday, the owner of the shoppe, provided accommodations with which she paced herself during a long day of selling wares at a very warm show. Katie suggests, “Have your people and support system; make sure they know your situation. Having a tribe at faire is a godsend. It is so community-oriented and family- friendly.” She adds, “I had a wonderful solidarity moment when my oldest was two and a half. We were at TRF and I was walking her around. I was at the beginning of my third trimester with my youngest. She ran off and I turned around to see her running up the joust hill, and I started after her. A dad with his kids spotted her and started corralling her back toward me. I was grateful he had my back.” Katie’s best advice? “Try out your shoes before wearing them. Bring your own snacks. Manage your expectations and don’t be pressured to go 100%. Breastfeed on the path; don’t be shy. Celebrate your pregnancy out loud; wear the bare belly costume and show off your baby bump; people love seeing pregnant ladies out celebrating. If you have the means, rent a rickshaw for the day or to the parking lot to your car.”

“My bump wasn’t super duper obvious the way I draped my skirts, so I would approach groups of men and say “Gentlemen! I was wondering if you could help me with a problem?” If they said sure, I’d say “I’m looking for help with this situation” and I’d cup my belly, “I need to find the man responsible…” They’d look surprised/amused and most larger groups would all turn and point at one specific guy. Who’d usually then deny it vehemently. Much hilarity ensured. Only one guy actually took me up on it, offered me his arm, and began squiring me towards the food court, offering to buy me lunch. I was so taken back I turned him down but I should have taken him up on it. ~ Lauren M.

We hope you are encouraged, have a little less trepidation, fear, and anxiety, and feel more confident in your amazing ability to continue to do what you love and enjoy your faire experience whether you are a performer, artisan, shop owner or employee, or just someone along for the fun of the ride that is faire. Celebrate your impending motherhood and get out there and be seen!

What does a gal with bachelor’s degrees in Art and Russian from the University of Texas do with her life? OBVIOUSLY she becomes an actor, director, theater producer, wife, full-time stay-at -home mom, history buff, crafter, wine lover, paralegal, and general over achiever. Stacy Bakri loves every role she’s played from stage classics, to the iconic Mona Lisa at the Texas Renaissance Festival, to being a hands on mom to her own kids and for anyone else who needs it, and helping people plan for what happens after their timely demise. Her mission is to make life for those around her a little bit easier.

Photos of Primrose the Fairy by Heather Ann Photography.