Ye Olde Codex of the QR Kingdom: 8 Ways to Use QR Codes in Renaissance Fairs
Key Takeaways
- QR codes are free to use and easy to make
- Renaissance fairs can use QR codes in many different ways
- Codes can make tasks easier for guests and staff alike
As someone who tries to go to a renaissance festival at least once a year, I cannot say enough about how I love these fun and unique experiences. Renaissance fairs, medieval festivals, and fantasy events allow everyday folk to escape their modern lives for a bit and enjoy good food, quality performances, and expertly made crafts all within a fun and fantastical atmosphere like no other.
But renaissance fairs are big operations with a lot of moving parts. A lot can go wrong and any small mistake can lead to a negative experience for the guest. Fortunately, while QR codes were not around in the old days, they can be used in renaissance fairs in many different ways to improve the experience.
In this piece I will cover just that, 8 different ways QR codes can be cleverly used by the staff of Renaissance fairs. I’ll also be sharing some helpful tips and answers to frequently asked questions on this topic.
So let the adventure begin!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a type of encoded image containing data within a square, monochrome design. These codes can be scanned by a smart device, like a phone or a tablet, in order to gain access to a variety of digital content, like websites and social media pages, or easily conduct certain tasks, like signing into WiFi networks or exchanging funds.
These codes can be heavily customized to fit your needs, as well as be monitored, modified, and affixed to just about any surface that can display a 2D image, like on a card, poster, or flyer. It’s even possible to sew or crochet a fully functional QR code to better fit in with the renaissance and fantasy aesthetic, as one of my friends did here.
Photo and crochet by lee ray bee.
How can QR codes be used in renaissance fairs
While QR codes are far beyond the realms of imagination to those living in the renaissance or medieval periods, they can be quite the boon to those conducting business within fairs dedicated to these time periods, as well as general fantasy and adventure.
Here are a few examples on how QR codes can be used in renaissance fairs:
Payment
QR code payments allow vendors and organizers of renaissance fairs to easily exchange funds digitally for tickets, parking, food, crafts, and any other services provided within the fair grounds. This eliminates the need to buy card scanning equipment or going cash only, allowing more revenue to flow to your businesses.
This can be especially useful at renaissance fairs, as fewer and fewer folks nowadays carry cash, the renn fair crowd very much a part of that, and elaborate costumes often don’t allow for easy storage of bank cards or wallets. This way, all these knights and princesses need is their magic telephones to pay for anything at the fair.
Cashapp, Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, and WePay all provide QR code based payment methods.
Websites and additional information
Patrons and interested guests can easily learn more about your establishment, whether it be a stand at the fair or the fair itself, by scanning a QR code on an advertisement that takes them to your official website. This can be on a poster, flyer, card, social media post, or even in a commercial.
This way, they can see what your fair is about, what you sell at the fair, how to get there, operating hours, and even purchase tickets in advance.
Social media
Similar to web addresses, just about any social media page can be made accessible via QR code, whether it be on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube, WeChat, Tumblr, and much more.
Promoting your brand, whether it be a stand at the renaissance fair, a food vendor, or the fair itself, can help you reach a wider audience and communicate with the public.
Parking
Parking can be a hassle in all establishments, but especially so in renaissance fairs. There’s a lot of carriages, often carrying multiple travelers, their wares, and their vestments (costumes) who just want to hurry up and park so that they can start their adventures.
Fortunately, QR codes can help simplify the parking process in many ways. Instead of having to track down a parking attendant or download an app, guests can simply scan a code on a sign or poster in the parking lot, and they will be taken to a page where they can pay for parking right away and get on with their quests.
Tickets and check in
The ticketing and check in process can also be simplified through QR codes. Most renaissance fair patrons buy their tickets online ahead of time, so the easiest way to deal with them when they arrive is to send their ticket to their email in the form of a QR code.
This code can then be scanned at the door, where they will then be allowed entry into the kingdom. Multiple ticketing services are out there that can provide this service, many of which I have talked about in previous pieces.
Schedules and maps
Renaissance fairs usually have a lot going on in them. Vendors, jousts, comedy shows, stunt performances, weapons demonstrations, rides, games, and more, so guests will likely need a way to know where and when these activities are, as well as the general layout of the fairgrounds.
A QR code provided at the entrance, whether it be on a poster, sign, or flyer, can allow guests access to all the maps and schedules they need to navigate the fair.
WiFi
Free public WiFi is essential to just about every business in the modern age, but especially to renaissance fairs, as guests tend to be tech savvy and frequently online. Additionally, a strong and safe internet connection is paramount if you plan on taking payment digitally or through QR codes.
A simple QR code can allow guests and staff alike to easily sign into a secure WiFi network without having to find a password or type it in. Everything is done with one scan!
Reviews
Once your guests have finished their adventures and returned to their humble abodes, they may want to provide feedback on your fine establishment. Review pages on Google Reviews, Yelp, or any other feedback source can also be provided through a QR code placed on a flyer, receipt, or card given to guests on their way out.
Benefits of using QR codes in renaissance fairs
Ease of use
QR codes are both easy to use and easy to make through something like QR Code Developer. Just about every smart phone on the market has a QR code scanner built right in. All you need to do is point the camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up.
QR codes can also be scanned from almost any angle and even when visible damage has been done to the code.
Widely understood
By now, most people with smart phones are at least familiar with QR codes and know how to use them. In many regions, QR code payment is more popular than cash or cards.
Customizable
QR codes can be heavily customized, with unique colors and appearances to fit your needs or branding.
Hands free communication
The usage of QR codes surged during the COVID 19 pandemic since it allowed for people to communicate with each other, access content, and share resources, all without needing to touch each other or even be in the same space.
Trackable
If you use something like QR Code Developer to make your codes, then it’s possible to monitor how your codes are used. This can include information like how many scans your code got, where they were scanned, and even on what device they were scanned.
General tips
Know your audience: If you’re certain that most of your intended audience doesn’t know how to use QR codes or just don’t like them, then don’t use them.
Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
Make sure codes are visible: Don’t place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that’s easier for all parties involved, use that.
Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
A: No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Q: Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
A: While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
Q: What devices can scan QR codes?
A: Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Q: Are QR codes safe?
A: While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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