What is TasFaire?
Step into a world of knights, wizards, and magical creatures on April 26th (10am -9pm) when you visit TasFaire, a fantasy themed Renaissance festival in the idyllic Ross Village.
We're aiming to create a fantastical atmosphere that transports festival goers into another world; and encourage all of our guests to dress up as their favourite character from fantasy media, historical wear, or even your very own d&d OCs.All are welcome at TasFaire- and we invite guests of all ages to attend, whether you visit the marketplace where vendors sell magical trinkets and fantasy themed goods, or you join us on the village green for demonstrations, games, and activities.Sign up to take part in one of our specialized D&D experiences, hosted by professional DMs, or to join in on The Feast (18+) at the end of the day in an evening of revelry and entertainment!
Make sure you book your place quickly so you don't miss out.
TasFaire aims to be a collaborative festival with other groups and societies, so if you have an interest in getting involved, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Workshops
TasFaire will be host to a number of free workshops on the day, but some of them will be strictly limited to a small number of participants. There will be a sign up sheet in the Hall on the day, so please make your way to the Workshop area to sign up as soon as you can so you don't miss out.Please keep in mind that while the Workshops are free, they are located in the Town Hall which is a ticketed space.D&D Character Creation Workshop - This is a workshop where you will learn how to make a 5e D&D character with the help of some of our professional DMs. Anyone who wishes to use a custom character during their D&D Experience will be required to attend this Workshop.Pendulum Workshop - our Resident Fortune Teller, Mama Bear will be leading a workshop on how to properly use a pendulum. Yes or No, Stay or Go, a pendulum is a strong divination tool to guide choices. If you have a pendulum feel free to bring it with you.
Attendance to this Workshop is limited, but you may sit nearby and listen in while the workshop is underway if you missed out. Please fill out the Sign up sheet to secure your place.
image courtesy of Readings With Mama Bear
Chainmail Jewelry Workshop - Learn how to make a set of earrings and the basics of linking chainmail together with Jewels of Joy from our Outdoor Marketplace.
Attendance to this Workshop is limited, but you may sit nearby and listen in while the workshop is underway if you missed out. Please fill out the Sign up sheet to secure your place.Fantasy Writer's Q&A - Join some of the talented authors from the Tasmanian Indie Author Group for a Q&A session on all things writing and publishing Fantasy! Sit around the tables and ask what it takes to make it in the world of fantasy literature.
image courtesy of Jewels of Joy
Timetable
TasFaire is set to be full of fun events and demonstrations: and you can find the schedule here!Please note that the events held within the Town Hall will require a ticket to attend.Please note that The Feast is a separately ticketed event. The Ross Hotel will still be serving food on the night to those who missed out on a ticket.
The Timetable is subject to change based on the weather or unforseen events.
Map
You can access the Map here as well as you make your way around TasFaire, so that you don't get lost on the day!Please be sure to take care when crossing the road, and remember that those who are under 16 are to be accompanied by an adult at all times.Please also take note of the location of the information desk and first aid, which are in the same place on the east side of the Field next to the Quest Board.
About us
TasFaire is put on by the Tasmanian University Popular Culture Society, or TasPop, for short!TasPop is the same society behind events such as TasPop North, TasPop South, as well as AICon and MAIcon in the past. They also put on multiple through the year events such as Trivia nights, Geek Markets, and D&D nights.TasPop is made up of a group of passionate volunteers, who are always striving to provide Tasmania with fun and engaging social events that celebrate pop culture. TasFaire is the next step in our plan to offer something new and exciting to the people of Tasmania, and with luck, we'll be able to run it again in the future, too!
TasFaire aims to be a collaborative festival with other groups and societies, so if you have an interest in getting involved, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Can I bring my dog to TasFaire?Yes, You can bring your dog to TasFaire! They will be allowed in outdoor spaces during the event so long as they remain on a Lead at all times (It is also your responsibility and requirement to clean up after them). Dogs who are not registered service animals will not be allowed into indoor spaces during the event. For more information, please refer to the local council's article on Dog Control.2. Can I bring my metal sword/weapon to TasFaire?All metal weapons must be peacebound before being allowed onto the faireground. This means that not only must it be sheathed, but it must be locked or secured in a way that it cannot be drawn. Only official Demonstrators will be allowed to wield metal weapons while inside the Arena, and anyone else seen dangerously or inappropriately waving their weapon about will be asked to leave.
To appropriately peacebond your weapon, it must be secured with either rope, chains and a lock, or cable ties in a way that it cannot be drawn from it's sheath. You cannot remove these bindings until you have left the faire grounds, and are subject to all other council laws in this manner.
In addition, Any prop firearms must have an orange tip or rim at all times denoting that it is a prop. Orange tape and zip ties will be available at the info desk.3. What time does the market close?The Indoor Marketplace will be closing at around 4PM, where the Outdoor Marketplace will close around 5PM.If you have any other questions not answered here, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]
How to get involved
Our aim is for TasFaire to be a collaborative festival which offers people the chance to get involved through vending, performing, or running events and activities on the day. While we personally have a number of things planned, if you would like to pull out a musical instrument and perform as a bard for the day, or run some kind of event or activity, then get in touch with us!So whether you're an individual or a representing a business, and even if you're not sure if what you have in mind would fit, reach out to us and pitch your idea, so that we can do our best to accommodate you, and help make the TasFaire a magical experience for all.If you're interested in Volunteering to help us run TasFaire, please don't hesitate to reach out!At this point Vendor's applications are closed.For all other matters, feel free to use the form below to reach out to us with any enquiries or ideas at this time.
Contact Form
Dracula's Supper
Still hungry for more after everything you've seen and done at TasFaire? Well worry not! We have something that can satiate your thirst... or your hunger!At 6:30pm in the car port adjacent to RossCo's Deli, they will be serving authentic Romanian cuisine to our hungry guests.You can expect to find Romanian Minci (skinless sausages from pork and beef with garlic and herbs), warm soup, and more being served during the evening portion of the event.There will be picnic blankets spread over the Village Green for those who want to sit down for a meal and something to warm themselves up over the night right next to the Ross Hotel's Beer Garden where live music will be played.
In addition, all presale ticketed members who present their commemorative coins at the RossCo's Deli during the day will recieve a free 600ml bottle of water* with any purchase valued over $10.* May only be redeemed once per customer. So long as stocks last.
Events
Please check the Timetable page to see when and where Events are scheduledMuch of TasFaire will be public entry, meaning that you can engage with the festivities completely free of charge! There will be some limited events and spaces like the marketplace, however, that will require a ticket to enter.The marketplace at TasFaire will boast a collection of vendors selling fantasy themed goods and items from creatives and businesses around Tasmania. Whether searching for merch of your favourite fantasy characters, new dice for your d&d campaign, or fantasy and medieval themed trinkets, the marketplace will be the perfect place to find your newest treasure.We will also have vendors and demonstrators outside throughout the day for you to explore and interact with, as well as performances from entertainers all around Tasmania.There will also be limited Dungeons and Dragons games hosted throughout the day in scheduled slots, meaning that you can enter into a brand new quest and experience one of the most popular TTRPGs in the world. These games will be run by experienced, professional DMs, and will cater to beginners and experienced players alike. Positions are strictly limited, and will be a paid experience.There will also be LARP, a Scavenger hunt themed Quest Board, fighting demonstrations, and more! So make sure that you come along to join in the fun.
Costume Parade
The Costume Parade is your chance to get up on stage and show off your costume in all it's glory! There are no rules or requirements to enter, just show up at either 12:00pm or 4:00pm for the chance to get on stage and pose for some photos, or just tag along to see all the amazing costumes people have put together. Whether you crafted it yourself or thrifted it second-hand, all costumed guests are welcome, and groups are encouraged!During our 12:00pm Costume Parade at about the 12:30pm mark, we will have a special participation event in conjunction with the Quest Board- there's a prize to be won, so be sure to visit the Quest board before 12:00pm so you can find out more!There will also be a special prize awarded during the 4:00pm Costume Parade for the most impressive costume, so be sure to stick around to the end to see if you've pulled it off!
image courtesy of SennyCat
the Quest Board
Throughout the day TasFaire will be hosting a scavenger hunt style game that spans the entire event. Come to the Quest Board out on the Field near the Outdoor Market and find the right quest for you- whether that's retrieving a cursed gem from a wizard, casting a spell, or getting involved in one of the other events during the festival- there are countless ways to engage and win.The Quest Board will have challenges and games that appeal to all ages, and prizes to be won for everyone who joins in. It will be run throughout the day, so we encourage you to come along and speak with our Quest Masters to find your next adventure!As a part of the rewards gained from participating in the Quest Board, there will be tickets earned towards a random prize draw. These Prizes will be drawn at 1:00pm and 4:45pm when the Quest Board closes.
image courtesy of Marblellous
Demonstrations
Please check the Timetable page to see when Demonstrations are scheduledAll throughout the day we have demonstrations from some of Tasmania's sword fighting and medieval reenactment societies and clubs.For those who would like to participate in Southern Isle's LARP's special Quest Event at 1:30pm, please be sure to show up at their marquee at least 15 minutes early.Cheer for your favourite fighters then come and say hi to the Demonstrators set up around the Arena in the Demonstration Area, and find out what it takes to be a part of one of the many sword fighting and historical reenactment groups in Tasmania!
Southern Isles LARP
TasFaire aims to be a collaborative festival with other groups and societies, so if you have an interest in getting involved or any ideas for an event, please don't hesitate to reach out.
The Feast
Are you hungry for more? Want to enjoy some rest or revelry after a long day of questing?In collaboration with The Ross Hotel, we're proud to present 'The Feast", an immersive banquet style dining experience to be hosted in the evening of TasFaire. Tickets to this event will be strictly limited, so please book your place as soon as you're able to avoid missing out!The Feast is a Banquet style meal which involves a three course meal with a host of options at a shared table, and tickets will cost $95 per head. Drinks will be available to purchase separately.
Tickets to The Feast are strictly 18+ only, and begins at 6:30pm.The Feast is SOLD OUT!! But please note that the Ross Hotel will still be serving food in their Beer Garden and Bar.
Thank you for all your interest.
image courtesy of Marblellous
Entertainers
TasFaire is brought to you by a number of talented Entertainers, many of which will be performing throughout the day in free areas. We have storytelling, meet and greets with fantastical creatures like Mermaids and Fairies, bubble shows, theatre sports and more.Come to one of our Fairy's Bubble Shows- hear stories from our Mermaid, and play games with the Wispy Witch from Wonderland at our scheduled performances on the Village Green!
The Ethereal Ensemble
Bring your kids along on the day to our theatre and Meet and Greet area to see what's in store! Please check the timetable for relevant performance times. These Performances will be taking place on the stage in the Village Green.
Mermaid Kaz
After Dark Performances
Once the veil of night has settled in, we have a few more performances in store within our ticketed areas, including a fantastical Drag Queen performance in the hall at 6:00pm, followed by a special 18+ Theatre sports show put on by This Theatre Company, and Musicians playing in the Tavern's Beer Garden during the evening.We hope to provide a varied experience of entertainment and showmanship throughout the day, and have something for everyone to enjoy.
Robin DeGraves
TasFaire aims to be a collaborative festival with other groups and societies, so if you have an interest in getting involved, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Dungeons & Dragons
Looking for some action during your TasFaire experience? We have paid D&D sessions running throughout the day by professional DMs who have come from around the state to bring a little adventure to your day.Grab your party and jump into a fantasy world to experience the thrills of acclaimed TTRPG Dungeons & Dragons (5e, with 2014 or 2024 rulesets at DM's discretion) as you battle monsters, explore dungeons, and collect that sweet, sweet loot!D&D, Blood on the Clocktower and Pathfinder sessions are sold out, but Dread tickets are still available in limited quantities! (Check below for more details)
image courtesy of Marblellous
Blood on the Clocktower
During a hellish thunderstorm, a scream echoes through the sleepy town of Ravenswood Bluff. The townsfolk rush to investigate and find the beloved local storyteller has been murdered, their body hanging limp from the clocktower. As blood drips onto the cobblestones below, a realisation slowly dawns… a demon has been unleashed, killing by night and taking on human form by day.Can good find the demon in time? Or will evil overrun this once peaceful town?
Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for five-to-twenty courageous players and one devious storyteller.A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village.Tickets to the Blood on the Clocktower experience will cost $10 per head and are strictly limited. You will be places based on availability. For the best chance at being placed together, book your tickets with friends in a single transaction (max 12 players per game).PLEASE NOTE: some of the content in these horror themed games may be scary for younger audiences; and while all are welcome (with an accompanying adult), parental discretion is encouraged.The Blood on the Clocktower experience has Sold Out! Thank you for your interest.
Dread
Dread is a horror themed tabletop role play game that utilises a jenga tower and your dexterity to determine the consequences outcomes of your actions. A great start for those who are new to role play games with minimal mechanics and more of a leaning toward cooperative success, Dread is for all levels of experience with the TTRPG genre.The threat of failure visibly grows as tensions rise, hearts race and hands shake!Tickets to the dread experience will cost $10 per head and are strictly limited. You will be places based on availability. For the best chance at being placed together, book your tickets with friends in a single transaction (max 5 players per game).PLEASE NOTE: some of the content in these horror themed games may be scary for younger audiences; and while all are welcome (with an accompanying adult), parental discretion is encouraged.
image courtesy of Phil
Tickets
A great deal of TasFaire will be a free and public event- all you need to do is show up on the day and join in the fun!There will however, be exclusive events and areas that can only be accessed with a ticket, including the marketplace and any after hours events, so for the full experience, we encourage you to purchase yours in advance for ease or on the day at the event.Pre-sale tickets are $5
Pre-sale tickets come with a laser cut commemorative wooden coin for TasFaire 2025 as well as access to the all-day parking space (while spots last). We thank you for supporting the event.PLEASE NOTE: Entry to the marketplace on the day will be a $2 entry therefore being cheaper than pre-sale, but does not come with all the benefits of the pre-sale tickets.Please refer to the relevant pages on our website for the full details on each ticketed event before buying, and ensure you have read the terms and conditions when buying the ticket.Children under 12 can enter the ticketed areas for free while with an accompanying adult who's holding a valid ticket.
In addition, there are limited tickets that can be purchased for unique experiences such as The Feast and the Dungeons & Dragons or other Tabletop sessions. You can find more details on each of their pages, and purchase your tickets above.
image courtesy of Steven Penton
TasFaire aims to be a collaborative festival with other groups and societies, so if you have an interest in getting involved, please don't hesitate to reach out.