If you haven’t been to the Ren Faire yet this year, there’s still time – there are four weekends left! The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale, California, is open Saturdays and Sundays through May 19.

The theme this weekend, April 27 and 28, is RennCon, a cosplay event where almost anything goes! Dress like your favorite sci-fi, fantasy, anime, comic book, TV, or fairy tale character.

Described as “the biggest costume party in L.A.,” RennCon will feature various cosplay panels, and a time traveler costume contest. More information can be found at renfair.com. (Make sure to check out their page about directions to the faire too – the GPS will not show you the quickest way to the parking lot.)

The Bristol Renaissance Faire begins July 6, and the New York Renaissance Faire begins Aug. 17.

This year, my family and I dressed as pirates from the series “Our Flag Means Death.” I went as Buttons and wore a bird on my head. Several people recognized us; my seagull, Carl, attracted a lot of attention and comments.

It would have been awesome if the bird show was there this year. Carl would have fit right in! But we did catch the joust, and lots of great performers, including Seraphim Arabesque Ensemble and Clan Tynker Family Circus.

It’s always fun to see what new wares the vendors are selling, and we got some trinkets and souvenirs. There were lots of food and drink vendors as well. But the best part of the faire is seeing all the costumes worn by faire workers and visitors.

It was hot – if you go, bring a shade parasol or fan, or you can purchase them at the faire.

I finally started “Resident Alien.” I like Alan Tudyk and it’s sci-fi, so I don’t know why it has taken me so long to watch it.

My verdict thus far: It’s OK. It’s interesting enough to keep watching but it isn’t my favorite. To be fair, I’ve only seen one season (there are three); maybe it gets better.

It reminds me of Matt Haig’s novel “The Humans,” which was published 10 years ago, but I just read it a few months ago. The premise is similar, but the book is better.

The fifth and final season of “Star Trek: Discovery” began April 4 and will run through May 30. I will be sad to see it go, but at least there’s still “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” the third season of which is expected sometime next year.

I’m super excited that Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel “Klara and the Sun” is being made into a film – and it will be directed by Taika Waititi! Jenna Ortega stars as the title character, a solar-powered android. (If you’ve seen Ortega in “Wednesday,” you know this is great casting.) The movie is already in production and expected to be released later this year.

Speaking of Ortega, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is coming out Sept. 6. Ortega will play the daughter of Winona Ryder’s character from the 1988 movie.

The upcoming Star Wars series “The Acolyte” will premiere on Disney+ on June 4.

The fourth and final season of “The Umbrella Academy” is scheduled to be released on Netflix on Aug. 8.

And last but not least, “Deadpool & Wolverine” will be in theaters July 26. I will leave you with the trailer. Enjoy!

All Renaissance Faire photos by EarthToShawna, 2024. Photo of Ewen Bremner as Buttons on “Our Flag Means Death,” HBO Max; “Resident Alien,” Syfy; “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

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