Argren Faire Returns to Riverwest

If you’re in the mood for a festival but not quite ready for the full Oktoberfest experience yet, Argren Faire in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood next Saturday may be just what the wizard ordered.

It’s the literary fantasy event’s second year after being the surprise hit of the season in its inaugural installment last September. It’s the brainchild of two local fantasy writers and is put on in conjunction with Black Husky Brewing.

The name comes from the setting in author Ross Hightower’s book series The Spirit Song Saga. The books and their prequel series, co-authored with partner Deb Heim, take place in a land known as Argren. But the couple’s base of operation here in the real world is their neighborhood taproom. They’ve hosted book club meetings and release events at Black Husky. One thing led to another, and the Renaissance Faire-style event was born.

The free family-friendly event kicks off with the tapping of the firkin (which the Drink Wisconsinbly Week in review has learned is a keg!) and features food trucks, vendors, music, and book signings by historical fiction authors.

Trigger warning: There will be costumed people in character there, too.

After a deeper perusal of the schedule of events, a few other notable activities stood out. There’s a beard contest, as well as an event called “Agmar Feats of Strength.” And there is also a chance to “test your combat skills” while learning about something called “Deeplight LARP.” And if there weren’t enough to pique your interest, there will be ol’ reliable turkey legs available, and those are worth the trip alone.

Argren Faire also serves as a release event for Oss’stera: An Epic Fantasy, the sixth of what is slated to be an 11-book Argren series. So, you’ve got a week to read the first five books if you want to get caught up on all the goings on in Argren and understand what the people in costumes are talking about in their vaguely English accents.

Argren Faire takes place Saturday, Sept. 13, from noon to 8 p.m. along Locust Street, between Humboldt Avenue and Fratney Street. You can learn more at the event’s Facebook page.