>> 30 ways to celebrate the Renaissance Festival’s big 3-OH
This festival will transport you back to the 16th Century in an English village with knights, jousts, swordsmen, pirates, nobles, peasants and jugglers walking past you in timely costumes.
This weekend will appropriately blend Ren Fest fun with Halloween fun for Tricks or Treats weekend.
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Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Here are 5 things to know and love about the Renaissance Festival:
1. FUN THEMED WEEKENDS
This 30-acre permanent village has been authentically and historically re-created in the flavor of 16th Century England and has had special themed promotions each weekend. This last one is appropriately Halloween themed.
Tricks or Treats Weekend: Children 12 and younger can don their Halloween costumes, gain free admission, and trick-or-treat around the village. There will be costume contests for kids and adults and a pumpkin decorating contest for the kids. (Oct. 26-27, 2019)
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
2. ENTERTAINMENT
There is plenty to see on 15 stages offering plenty of entertainment. Get a daily show schedule here.
The Knights of Valour: Just to be clear. Unlike other jousts at other festivals, this is a full-contact jousting competition. Yes, you might see someone die, though we hope not.
Pirate Comedy Stunt Show: Swashbuckling sailors invade the village for a treasure hunt with a comedy of errors.
Dueling swordsmen: Dirk and Guido teach the art of being a gentleman while using sharp rapiers and sharp wit.
Christophe the Insultor: This Elizabethan heckler will insult you, your friends, and total strangers in a highly creative and vulgar fashion.
Moonie The Magnif'Cent: Sometimes comedy can be silent. This show combines juggling, whistling and gestures.
The Mudde Show!: The Tri-State-based Theatre in the Ground company will perform comedic versions of "Dante's Inferno," and "Beowulf," "The Viking Show" and "Jerkules."
Oops! Comedy Knife Throwing: Just think twice before you volunteer.
Cirqa Brava: The acrobatic duo, Sophia A. Balantine and Marina Petrano, will combine comedy with high-flying aerial stunts.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
3. SHOPPING
The marketplace offers handmade wares including unique items created by world-class artisans.
The Ohio Renaissance Festival artisan marketplace also features demonstrating artisans. Experience time-honored crafts such as glassblowing, blacksmithing, forging, leather tooling, candle making, coin stamping, jewelry making and boot making.
It’s one of the most unique open-air marketplaces you’ll find around.
Click here for a complete list of artisans.
4. FOOD
Festival favorites such as giant roasted turkey legs, steak-on-a-stake and bread bowl soups and stews can be found as well as delicious new items.
>> Meet the Renaissance Festival’s food crown jewel: 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q
The Chocolate Raven features handmade chocolates and fudge. Archibald Drake’s features an ages old Fish and Chips recipe. KJ’s Cajun Cuisine will have a menu from across the pond and down south. Wash it all down with a wide variety of beers, ales, wines, soft drinks, coffees and teas.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
5. GROWN-UP FUN
The festival offers daily special events for those 21 and over. The Naughty Bawdy Pub Show ($20) features songs and limericks you won't hear on the streets in an hour-long show. There's also a Pub Crawl ($30) complete with games, trivia and more. There are also select hard cider tastings ($20 per person) and whiskey tastings ($30 per person).
HOW TO GO
What: Ohio Renaissance Festival
When: Final weekend: Oct. 26-27 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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). This final weekend, children 12 and younger are admitted for free.
More info: www.renfestival.com