Hear ye, hear ye! The Maryland Renaissance Festival is back for their 50th season, and whether you’re a seasoned faire-goer or just wondering what all the “huzzah!” is about, we’ve got you covered. The Maryland Renaissance Festival has been delighting villagers since 1977. With tickets selling out faster than a knight charging into battle, we know you’ll be traveling to Ye Olde Crownsville to participate in all the merriment. So whether you’re plotting a feast or cheering on a joust, our guide will show you what to expect and how to make the most of your adventure.
The Royal Details
- When: Weekends from Aug. 29-Oct. 25
- Where: Revel Grove (1821 Crownsville Rd., Crownsville, MD)
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (rain or shine)
- Parking: Free, but fills up quickly—arrive early for the best spots.
Tickets
This year, getting through the gates starts online. The Maryland Renaissance Festival has a new ticketing system, and all tickets must be purchased in advance. There are no ticket sales at the gate. All weekends in October are already sold out, but don’t surrender the quest just yet: join the waitlist. The festival plans to release a limited number of additional tickets for the upcoming weekend on Mondays and Fridays, with waitlisted guests getting first crack at them in sign-up order. Offers are only good for 12 hours, so keep an eye on your inbox. Tickets are date-specific, and actual tickets are delivered by email 24 hours before your visit.
Merriment at every corner
From sunrise to sunset, Revel Grove bursts with nonstop spectacle. Comedy shows have audiences roaring, while magicians, jugglers, and whip-cracking daredevils keep you on the edge of your seat. Acrobat troupes tumble through the air, knife throwers test their aim, and sword swallowers make you wince in the best way.
For a touch of the classic, Shakespeare takes the stage (with plenty of laughs thrown in), and the Birds of Prey demonstration will have you marveling at the feathered friends swooping just overhead. Of course, the crown jewel is the jousting with armored knights thundering toward each other on horseback and lances splintering as the crowd cheers.
A personal favorite of mine is popular TikToker, Jacques Ze Whipper, with his daring whip cracking routine. He’s performing Aug. 29-Sept. 7. You also don’t want to miss The Topsy Turvy Show with amazing acrobatics.
Feasting Fit for a King
Yes, the turkey legs are as enormous as legend suggests, but don’t stop there! You’ll find crab cakes, spring and egg rolls, steak on a stake, fish and chips, and even cheesecake on a stick. Picky eaters? Fear not, there are options aplenty with macaroni and cheese on a stick, chicken nuggets, fries, and corn dogs. And don’t forget the mead! Pro tip: lines get long at peak meal times, so if you see something tasty and the line looks short, seize the moment.
Fun for the Littlest Lords and Ladies
Revel Grove is a playground disguised as a kingdom. Kids can race down the giant wooden slide, conquer the medieval maze, or test their skills at archery and other medieval games. Play areas tucked throughout the festival give little adventurers room to roam, while face painting can transform them into roaring dragons or sparkling fairies.
There are also shows designed with young audiences in mind. There’s silly comedy, interactive storytelling, and magical performers who know just how to make kids laugh, gasp, and shout along. And don’t miss the children’s knighting ceremony, where your young hero can be dubbed in front of a cheering crowd. Between the games, activities, and kid-focused entertainment, it’s safe to say your smallest squires will be just as enchanted as you are.
Shopping in the Shire
From handcrafted leather goods and jewelry to fairy wings, swords, and whimsical trinkets, the festival marketplace is a treasure trove. Artisans demonstrate their crafts, and you may just leave with a souvenir you didn’t know you needed, like a hand-blown glass goblet or a wooden sword your kid won’t put down until Halloween.
Dressing Like It’s 1599
While there’s no official dress code, many festival-goers treat Revel Grove as a chance to live out their medieval (or fantastical) dreams. Costumes range from full knight’s armor and flowing gowns to pirates, fairies, and maybe the occasional wizard. Don’t have a cloak or corset in your closet? T-shirts and jeans are perfectly welcome, and you can always pick up a flower crown, tunic, or trinket once inside the gates. Just remember: comfortable shoes are key (you’ll be on your feet a lot), and costumes should still be weather-friendly. Maryland autumns can swing from blazing sun to cool breezes in a single afternoon.
Looking for an excuse to take your costume even further? Time your visit with one of the festival’s themed weekends, including Myth & Magic Sept. 12-13, Pirate Adventure Sept. 19-20 and Celtic Celebration Sept. 26-27. October also brings Harvest Hollow, when parts of Revel Grove get a seasonal makeover.
Additional Tips from the Court Jester
- Arrive early: Parking fills up fast so make sure you arrive early enough so you can snag a spot close to the gates.
- Bring cash: Not every merchant takes cards so make sure you bring plenty of cash for food and treasures.
- Plan your shows: Check the schedule before you go and and arrive early if you’d rather sit like royalty than stand like a peasant.
- Beware the bees: These winged scoundrels are regulars at the festival and love a sip of mead as much as the next reveler. Bring a covered cup or tankard lid to keep your drink safe or you may end up sharing it with a very buzzy new friend.
- Hydrate: Mead is great, but make sure to hydrate yourself with some ye olde water.
Whether you’re raising a goblet of mead, cheering on knights in the joust, or simply soaking up the lively spirit of Revel Grove, the Maryland Renaissance Festival offers a world of merriment and magic. It’s a place where families, friends, and even strangers unite in laughter, feasting, and a hearty “huzzah!”
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