Kit and garb, the encampment, a persona, in period, farb as an insult, living history as distinct from reenactment, the list, a muster, the traders' row, authenticity spoken about as a moral quality. The large summer European festivals and tournaments, the anniversary battle commemorations that fall on fixed historical dates, and the regional American faire seasons which run for consecutive weekends rather than as single events.

May to September for European events, which are outdoor, camped, and weather-bound. The American faire circuit runs regionally in spring and autumn to avoid summer heat in the south.

November to March in Europe, which is kit-making season and is when the community is most active and least mobile. Society groups book event pitches months ahead as a group.

Individual faire attendance is decided late.