Renaissance Festivals are fantasy events that travel back in time to the medieval era. Lords, ladies, kings, queens, princesses and fairies wander festival grounds and entertain visitors. These are interactive events that encourage participation. Visitors often dress in period costumes and blend in with he performers and actors recreating the historical era.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival claims to be the second largest ren-faire in the nation. Crowds of people gather at the festival grounds for the event that takes place over several weekends.
Following is information about the Maryland Renaissance Festival, Southern Maryland Celtic Festival and Maryland Faerie Festival.
Southern Maryland Celtic Festival and Highland Gathering
April 26, 2008
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
Prince Frederick, MD
The Celtic Festival celebrates the heritage of Scots, Irish, Welsh, Manx, Breont, Cornish and British. Over 50 clans and societies participate. There will be three performing stages offering continuous entertains. Entertainment include dance, music, harp, Scottish fiddling, storytelling. The Celtic market places offers foods and gifts. Admission $15 Adults, $7 Children.
Maryland Faerie Festival
June 7 and 8 10 am to 6 pm
Upper Marlboro, MD
Faeries are celebrated at the Maryland Faerie Festival. The website for the Maryland Faerie Festival explains that they choose to use the spelling Faerie, which was used by Edmund Spenser in The Faerie Queen, which was metaphorically describing Queen Elizabeth the First. There are many ways to spell Fairy, including Fairy, Faery, Fairie and Feri. There are other words to describe Faeries, including Fay, Fea, Shining Ones, Little People and Good Folk.
The Faerie Festival is a magic realm. This is a family oriented event. No weapons or alcohol allowed. Entertainment includes fire artistry, live music, belly dancing, food, bonfire and more. Artisans will display and sell their unique products.
Admission $3 kids 3 to 11, $10 for kids 12 to 99. Free for kids under 3 and over 99. $1 off for kids who dress in costume. Patuxent 4H Center.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
August 23 to October 19, Weekends 10 am – 7 pm
The Maryland Renaissance Festival recreates a 16th century English village named Revel Grove. The English Tudor Village is situated on a 25 acre wooded site. The day starts with the King’s Welcome outside the front gate at 9:45 am. Step inside the gates and be transported into an era of pageantry, chivalry, bawdiness and good family fun. Over 130 craft shops display artisan made wares. 42 food booths provide a variety of period food. Performers from across North America entertain of the many stages on the festival grounds. See jousting knights, jugglers, magicians, wenches, musicians and choral groups.
Special Event Weekends
August 23 – 24: Children’s Weekend including Princess & Pirate Party
August 30, 31 & September 1: Magic Weekend (Seniors admitted free on Monday, Labor Day)
September 6 – 7: Irish Celebration
September 13 – 14: Scottish Celebration
September 27- 28: Adventure Weekend, Pirate Invasion
October 4 – 5: German Oktoberfest
October 18 – 19: Chivalry Weekend, Renaissance Romance
October 19: Couples are invited to renew commitment vows at the Royal Stage at 11 am. Reception follows at the White Hart Tavern.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival offers a variety of entertainment for children. Visit the Customer Service Pavilion to get the “Children’s Program, which lists shows and activities suitable for children under 10.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival is near Annapolis, within driving distance from Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Admission: Adults $18, Children (7-15) $8, Seniors (62+) $15.
Information is subject to change. See the festival websites for additional information.
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