It’s time travel in the most realistic sense. A short jot down Dixie Highway to Holly, Michigan will drop you right off in the 16th Century.
Complete with armored jousting, comedy, games and a little heckling, the Michigan Renaissance Festival is sure to pack a Queen Elizabeth size punch.
It’s one of Oakland County‘s most unique annual festivals and it’s back for the 37th year. Running weekends from August 20-October 2, the Michigan Renaissance Festival attracts more than 250,000 visitors from across the state, Canada and surrounding areas.
Adorned from head to toe in 16th century garb, staff and visitors put on a royal show for everyone roaming along the 17-acre property. You too can dress to impress. Brush up on your Olde English and starch your petticoats!
Along with costumes, the festival is lined with Renaissance shops, taverns and a castle. The Renaissance-age building reproductions and decor provide the perfect backdrop to transport you to an English village of the period.
Staff includes a full cast from Queen Elizabeth I down to her royal court, including nobles and knights. The queen is seen around the festival from time to time as she likes to join her loyal subjects for a little rebel rousing and celebration.
Have you ever seen a full-contact armored jousting competition? If not, now you can as the Michigan Renaissance Festival features this event.
Other competitions are available for participation as well, including the Banner Competition, a BBQ Competition, a Belly Dancing Competition, a Fairy House Competition, a Mural Competition, an Archery Competition, a Lego Competition and Wedding Wars.
The unpaved streets of the festival provide rich entertainment. 17-themed stages provide shows at various times throughout the weekend, including Pippin Puppets, Birds of Prey, A Reasonable Facsimile, Michael Manderen, Acrobellum and Arbor Consort.
Daily royal events take place, including the Fest of Fantasy, the Pub Crawl, the Renaissance Romance, the Pig N’ Swig, the Royal High Tea, the King’s Happy Hour and Royal Painting with Picasso’s Grapevine.
Visitors can also check out food vendors, offering options common to the Renaissance-era, classic fair food and unique concoctions and browse more than 300 artisans on display.
Time-hop down to the 2016 Michigan Renaissance Festival for a weekend full of fun and entertainment. Check out the schedule for themed weekends as well. It’s sure to be a royal time.
For more information, including ticket information, visit the Michigan Renaissance Festival website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Check out more ways to have fun and find entertainment in Oakland County, visit our website and follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest using #OaklandCounty.