Hear ye! Hear ye! Come one, come all, come great and small! Wenches and lords, maidens and monks: sharpen your jousting sticks, shine your armor and put a new feather in your humble Robin Hood hat for the Maryland Renaissance Festival.
Set in a 16th Century English village named Revel Grove, the faire is bursting with small shops, craft and food booths (who can resist walking around with a giant turkey leg?), five pubs, 10 major stages for live musicians and stunt shows, a jousting arena and tons of games. Plus, there’s free parking!
Along the streets, you’ll run into fire-eaters, jugglers and rose-selling wenches. Duck into the shops to find one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces such as glassware, pottery, leather work and jewelry. It’s enough to make you want to pick up a new accent and let down your hair.
As you walk around, you may notice all the performers are overjoyed and happy to see you. It’s not just their job; it’s part of the act.
Every day in the village is Festival Day to honor the grand King Henry VIII and his Royal Court, who grace us with their presence. Oh, we are not worthy. The King opens the festival with a welcome at 10:30 a.m., and the gates remain open to all friendly faces from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Being the second largest Renaissance Festival in the country, the Maryland faire is always expanding and bringing in new attractions. This weekend’s specials celebrate Scottish, Celtic and Irish heritage because the Scottish Court of Queen Madeline is visiting King Henry VIII. Exclusive events include performances by the Chesapeake Caledonian Pipes & Drums, the Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance, the Calvert-Arundel Swordsmen and several Celtic performers and harpists.
So come join the Feast of Fools!
The Maryland Renaissance Festival runs every Saturday and Sunday until October 23. It’s located on Crownsville Road, in Anne Arundel County in Crownsville just outside of Annapolis and it’s open rain or shine. Tickets are $17 at the gate.
