Lords and Ladies of Medieval Times will stroll the lanes at festivals throughout Michigan renaissance festivals are a trip back to a bygone era when kings and queens ruled England. Legendary villages are set up to live within a fantasy. Costumed characters entertain on stage and in the lanes of the village. Ren-faires are interactive events, where guest can talk with costumed actors in character. Guests often dress in renaissance garb to add to the medieval character of the event.
Renaissance faires offer a full day of entertainment value, with play acting, food and marketplaces.
The largest Renaissance Festival in Michigan is the Michigan Renaissance Festival, which starts in August. There are several other Renaissance Festivals held in Michigan this summer, including: Mayfaire Renaissance Festival, Charlevoix Renaissance Festival, Derbyshire Renaissance Faire, Lake Superior Renaissance Faire, Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire, Ishpeming Renaissance Faire and Grand Valley Renaissance Festival.
Following is information about Michigan’s Renaissance Festivals.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
August 16 – September 28, Weekends & Labor Day
Plus Festive Friday September 26
10 am – 7 pm
Dixie Highway, Holly, Michigan
Michigan Renaissance Festival features eight weekends of fun and entertainment. Enjoy Stages Acts, musical Acts and interactive characters strolling the lanes of the village. Live Armored Jousting by The Hardcore Horsemen is an exciting favorite. Artisans and craftspeople display and sell their unique wares in the marketplace. Dine on fair food and refreshments while enjoying the lively entertainment.
Each of the eight weekends has a different theme, for a unique festival experience. Following are the themes for the weekend events.
Theme Weekends at Michigan Renaissance Festival
August 16 & 17 Arabian Knights: Michigan State Traditional Middle Eastern Dance Competition
August 23 & 24 Highland Weekend: US Canadian International Highland Games
August 30, 31 and September 1 Buccaneer Beer Fest
September 6 & 7 Wine Romance & Song: Michigan Winery Tastings, Free Vow Renewals
September 13 & 14 Wonders of the World
September 19 Grandparents, Children & Shoppers
September 20 & 21: Shamrocks & Shenanigans
September 26, 27 & 28 “Sweet Endings: Chocolate Festival
Tickets to the Michigan Renaissance Festival are $16.95 Adults.
Mayfaire Renaissance Festival
May 17, 18, 24, 25, 26 (Labor Day) 10 am to 6 pm
Portage, Michigan
Mayfaire Renaissance Festival takes visitors inside the gates of Marshallmoor, with a festive marketplace, village merchants, non-stop entertainment. Enjoy watching belly dancers, sword swallowers, musicians, comedians an tea with Queen. Entertainment is fit for all age groups. Over 50 artists and crafters display and sell their unique wares. Tickets Adults $9, Children 5-12 $5, Children under 4 Free.
Charlevoix Renaissance Festival
June 7, 8 14, 15
Castle Farms
Charlevoix, Michigan
Charlevoix Renaissance Festival features two weekends of action, adventure and romance. The first weekend features the Celtic Celebration. The second weekend features High Seas Adventure with Jolly Roger.
Derbyshire Renaissance Faire
June 21, 22, 28 & 29
Muskegon County Fairgrounds
Derbyshire features three stags of entertainment, wandering minstrels and entertainers. Muskegon is in Western Michigan, near Grand Rapids. Adults 9, Kids (5-12) $5.
Lake Superior Renaissance Faire
June 21 and 22, 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday
Norrie Park, Ironwood, Michigan
Medieval and Renaissance enthusiasts join together to give a faire with flare and excitement. Join the festive romp in the mystical “Shire of Lochenwold,” which relives the best of times between the Seventh and Seventeenth Centuries. An Actors’ and Bard’s Guilde provides entertainment for all tastes. The Artisans’ Guilde showcases a variety of artists and craftsmen. Tickets $5 Adults, $4 for Adults in Costume. Children 6 and under are free.
Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire
July 5 – August 3, Weekends, 10 am to 7 pm
Kimball Pines Park, Battle Creek, Michigan
Art Faire & Renaissance Festival
Saturday, August 2, 10 am to 7 pm
Lake Bancroft Park, Ishpeming, Michigan
One day festival features up to 75 arts and craft booths, food vendors and children’s activity area. Entertainment includes five musical groups, and energetic groups.
Grand Valley Renaissance Festival
October 11 & 12, 10 am to Dusk
Allendale, Michigan
Information is subject to change. See the festival websites for additional information.
Read Renaissance Festivals in Ohio
Read Renaissance Festivals in Pennsylvania
Read Faerie Festivals in Pennsylvania
Read Renaissance Festivals in Kentucky
Read Renaissance Festivals in Wisconsin.
Read Renaissance Festivals in Minnesota.
