I went to my first Ren Faire there, way back in the early 80's.....
I still go to the Maryland Faire and the Carolina Faire. And I go to SCA events around here, and to Pennsic. I think they're both a lot of fun, and different experiences. Going to faire is like a period bar. SCA events are more like a family reunion with swords, except for Pennsic, which is pretty much the biggest party/shopping/war/entertainment event I've ever attended.
I'm going to Maryland Labor Day weekend for the Faire, 2 weeks after Pennsic, LOL.