The Maryland Renaissance Festival opens today, Saturday, August 29, kicking off its 50th season at the 27-acre Village of Revel Grove in Crownsville.
The annual festival, located at 1821 Crownsville Road, will run Saturdays and Sundays, as well as Labor Day Monday, through October 25. The milestone season will feature more than 200 professional performers across 10 stages, armored jousting in a 3,000-seat arena, more than 140 artisan shops, five taverns and 42 food and beverage vendors.
Entertainment includes returning favorites such as Shakespeare’s Skum, Debracey Productions’ jousting troupe, Topsy Turvy, Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Jacques Ze Whipper, Barely Balanced and comedy duo Puke and Snot. Performers, musicians, magicians, jugglers and costumed characters will also appear throughout the village.
Visitors can shop for handmade jewelry, pottery, clothing, woodwork, stained glass, leather goods and other items from artisans working in Renaissance-style shops. Food options include the festival’s popular smoked turkey legs, steak on a stake, crepes, gyros, ribs, seafood, sandwiches and desserts.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival has been held annually for five decades and has grown into one of the state’s signature fall events. Tickets, daily schedules and additional information are available through the Maryland Renaissance Festival website.
