This article investigates to what extent Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR, AR) may represent suitable tools to investigate and recreate early modern civic spectacles. During these events, the civic space is temporarily ‘augmented’ by the engaging superimposition of structures, performances, and haptic experiences. This article proposes a critical comparison of these events with Ronald Azuma’s landmark definition of AR. The writings of theorists of space and Cross Reality (XR) innovators provide the basis for a comparative discussion of practical applications of VR and AR, including reflections on their use in archaeology, history, education, and gaming and entertainment. For their methodological similarities to civic festivals in addressing the complex human relations in temporarily enhanced civic spaces, AR-based virtual reconstructions are demonstrated to be cognate investigative tools. This article includes an assessment of the applicability of the concept of authenticity to these reconstructions.