Renaissance Fairs in Michigan July Through October

Knights and rouges, maidens and wenches; harken to my words for what I say is true. Renaissance fairs are fine medieval fun for all ages. And there are several to attend in Michigan July through October.

Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 57 miles southwest of Lansing in Battle Creek, Michigan. This fair will be held weekends July 7^th – August 5^th from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. Parking will be free. Tickets will be $13 for adults, $6 for kids ages 5 – 12, and free for children ages 4 and under. Those who choose to dress in period attire will need to keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. No alcohol will be sold or permitted. Themed weekends include Believe the Magic, Celtic Celebration, Legends & Lore, 2007 Silver Leaf International Joust Tournament, and Buccaneer Beerfest. Majestic knights will engage in thrilling jousts, captivating storytellers will spin delightful tales, and many other fine performers will entertain young and old. Merchants will be offering unique crafts such as art, clothing, bath products, candles, jewelry, weapons, and toys. Visitors can relax in between shows and shopping with refreshing period foods and beverages. More information can be found on their website at http://www.silverleafrenfaire.org.

Lake Superior Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 219 miles northwest of Green Bay, Wisconsin in Ironwood, Michigan. This fair will be held July 14^th – 15^th from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday. Parking will be free. Tickets will be $5 for adults with a $1 discount for arriving in costume, and free for children ages 6 and under. Those who wish to dress up must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Special features include a Children’s Realm and Petting Zoo for younger patrons. There will many fascinating demonstrations to witness such as fencing, weaving, paper making, blacksmithing. A busy marketplace will be filled with many handcrafted items, delectable foods and fine drinks. Additional detail is available on their website at http://www.lakesuperiorrenfaire.com.

Ishpeming Art Faire and Renaissance Festival – Located approximately 163 miles north of Green Bay, Wisconsin in Ishpeming, Michigan. This fair will be held August 4^th from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Parking and admission will be free. No alcohol will be sold or permitted. Special features include a Kids Costume Parade with prizes for everyone and an Adult Costume Contest. Visitors will enjoy fighting and blacksmithing demonstrations throughout the day, as well as entrancing music and dancing. Several vendors will vie for attention with finely crafted wares and refreshments. For more detail, visit their website at http://www.ishpemingrenfest.com.

Michigan Renaissance Festival – Located approximately 54 miles north of Detroit in Holly, Michigan. This fair will be held weekends August 18^th – September 30^th from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. Parking will be free. Tickets will be $18 for adults, $9 for kids ages 5 – 12, and free for children ages 4 and under. Those wishing to dress in costume will not be allowed to carry weapons. Dogs are permitted with a pet registration form and fee of $10. Wedding packages are available. Themed weekends include Buccaneer Beer Fest, Highland Fling, High Seas Adventure, Wonders of the World, Shamrocks and Shenanigans, and Sweet Endings. A special feature will be the children’s realm with a petting zoo and crafts. Patrons can watch dramatic jousts, exotic belly dancing, dangerous sword swallowing, hilarious comedy, and much more. Merchants will be selling fine quality crafts, foods, and drinks. More information is available on their website at http://www.michrenfest.com/main.htm.

Grand Valley State University Renaissance Festival – Located approximately 16 miles west of Grand Rapids in Allendale, Michigan at the Clock Tower Plaza on Grand Valley State University’s main campus. This fair will be held October 13^th – 14^th from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. Parking and admission will be free. Those who choose to dress up must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. No alcohol will be sold or permitted. Visitors will be entertained by several period performers including the student cast. Vendors will offer interesting and beautiful wares as well as excellent refreshments. Additional details can be found on their website at http://www.cis.gvsu.edu/~haskinb/gvren.

So step back in time and savor the exhilarating medieval atmosphere at a renaissance fair in Michigan this year!