The festival has seen many improvements since the new owners took over in 2015. Most who visit after a long time away say they don’t recognize the festival grounds. Large gardens and landscaping projects, new structures such as the 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q and seating arbors, flushing toilets and more.
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The addition of events to utilize the property for a longer time frame each year — Celtic Fest Ohio in June, the 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q, Bellwether Music Festival and Brimstone Haunt — continue to grow the property.
Here are 30 things not to miss this year, according to organizers for the event’s 30th anniversary.
1. Jousting – The original "heavy metal" done three times daily.
2. Queen Elizabeth – Meet Her Majesty as she wanders through the village.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
3. Shipwrecked stage – See the impressive pirate ship during the Pirate Comedy Stunt Show twice daily.
4. Villagers – Willy Nilly wouldn't exist without the interesting characters that call it home. Meet them in the lanes as you journey through the village.
5. Music – Enjoy the sounds of village musicians scattered throughout the realm.
6. Bread bowls – Delicious soups and stews served in bowls of bread.
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7. Turkey legs – Succulent roasted turkey legs weighing in at 2 pounds each.
8. Steak-on-a-Stake – Juicy, seasoned cut of steak cooked to perfection and served on a stick for easy eating on the go.
9. Rides – Children of all ages will enjoy the thrilling human-powered rides.
10. Games – Test your skill at the many games in the Gaming Area.
11. The swordsmen – Enjoy this duo's quick wit and even quicker swordplay while teaching you how to become a "Master of the Manly Arts."
12. The Mudde Show – Don't miss literary classics performed in the Olympic-sized Muditorium, where comedy meets earth.
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Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
13. Kamikaze Fireflies – Enjoy a constant series of jaw-dropping tricks, audience interaction, and hilarity.
14. Shopping – Browse over 160 shops with unique, handmade wares with flare. Clothing, jewelry, home decor, candles, artwork, shoes/boots, leather products, and so much more.
15. Collectible mugs – Every year is different! What will it look like this year?
16. Closing gate ceremony – At the end of each day, the villagers come together to give you a serenade, thanking you for visiting the shire and offering well wishes for your journey home.
17. Family fun – There is something for all ages at the Ohio Renaissance Festival.
18. Highland games – A demonstration of Traditional Highland games are held during Highland Weekend that you can participate in.
19. Amazing maze – See if you can find your way through the maze, but don't be lead astray.
20. Tower of London Dungeon of Doom – Tour the historical displays of punishment from the 16th century.
21. Queen's bloomers – Treat someone special to the gift of a beautiful, fresh rose from a rose walker in the lanes or the booth.
22. Pub sing – Stop by the end of the day "Huzzah!" at the Aleing Knight Pub. You never know what might happen.
23. War Horse rides – Don't miss your chance to ride a knight's horse around the lyst.
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Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
24. Parade – Every day at noon, the villagers and merchants come together to parade around the realm in honor of Her Majesty visiting their village.
25. Knighting ceremony – Become a Knight or Dame, Prince or Princess, as Her Majesty bequeaths title on all in attendance.
26. Pub crawl – For those 21 and over, join the pub crawl with your friends and have some fun crawling from beer to beer around the village.
27. Naughty Bawdy Pub Show – Another 21-and-over event, this show is just what you need to wrap up a fun day at the festival.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
28. Knighting ceremony for kids – Children can be knighted by the Queen each day.
29. Great Q and frosty brew – Delicious barbecue served fresh from the 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q. Check out the impressive patio space, too.
30. Demonstrations – From world-class artisans such as glassblowing, candle making, boot making, leather tooling, blacksmithing, forging, just to name a few.
HOW TO GO
What: Ohio Renaissance Festival
When: Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday for nine weekends running Aug. 31 through Oct. 27.
Where: Renaissance Park in Harveysburg. Located just minutes off I-71, exit 45 or I-75, exit 38 on State Route 73 in Warren County.
Cost: Tickets: $21-23 (adults), $9.50 (kids aged 5-12), $65 (adult season pass). Children 5 and younger get in free.
Themed weekends: Time Travelers weekend, Sept. 7-8; Pirates weekend, Sept. 14-15; Fantasy weekend, Sept. 21-22; Feast of Fools, Sept. 28-29; Highland weekend, Oct. 5-6; Barbarian Invasion, Oct. 12-13; Romance weekend, Oct. 19-20; Tricks or Treats, Oct. 26-27
More info: www.renfestival.com
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