The Ultimate Guide to the Maryland Renaissance Festival For 2023
Step into a world far removed from our own, a realm where history and fantasy collide, creating an unforgettable spectacle that is the Maryland Renaissance Festival.
The festival is a celebration of the golden age of Renaissance, and it serves as a fascinating portal to the 16th century, encapsulating the spirit, customs, and charm of the era. From jugglers, jesters, and jousters to minstrels, maidens, and merchants, each character plays an integral part in painting a vibrant picture of Renaissance life.
To make your visit unforgettable, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the Maryland Renaissance Festival–– complete with places to stay nearby, essential packing items, things to do at the fair, and more!
When And Where
The Maryland Renaissance Festival is hosted in the scenic town of Crownsville, Maryland. Known for its lush greenery and serene atmosphere, Crownsville provides an ideal backdrop for the festival, enhancing the authenticity of the Renaissance theme. The address for the festival grounds is 1821 Crownsville Road, Crownsville, Maryland, 21032.
The festival typically begins on the last weekend of August and runs for nine consecutive weekends through October. It provides an extended opportunity for attendees to participate in the festivities. The festival hours are from 10am to 7pm, offering nine full hours of entertainment, exploration, and excitement.
Remember, the exact dates of the festival may vary slightly each year, so it’s always a good idea to check the official festival website or contact the organizers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Things To Do At The Maryland Renaissance Festival
The Spectacle Of Tournaments
One of the festival’s most thrilling spectacles is the grand jousting tournament. The air is charged with excitement as gallant knights clad in gleaming armor charge towards each other, lances aimed, atop their trusty steeds. The crowd gasps and cheers, transported back to the chivalrous age of honor and valor.
A Gastronomic Journey Through Time
Step into the world of culinary delights from the Renaissance era at the festival! From traditional English fare like steak-on-a-stake and turkey legs to more exotic dishes, the food stalls at the festival offer a veritable feast for the senses.
A Market From A Bygone Era
The marketplace is a bustling hub of activity, offering a plethora of handmade goods that range from period-inspired clothing and jewelry to unique crafts and artworks. Each stall offers a slice of the past, making shopping an immersive historical experience.
Engaging Entertainment
The Maryland Renaissance Festival boasts an extensive line-up of entertainments. From music, dance, and theatrical performances to comedy shows, storytelling sessions, and magic acts, there is something to enthrall visitors of all ages.
How To Get To The Maryland Renaissance Festival
Embarking on your journey to the Maryland Renaissance Festival is a part of the grand adventure. This guide provides detailed directions from two major nearby cities, Baltimore and Washington D.C., to ensure you reach the festival conveniently and efficiently.
Driving From Baltimore
Start your journey on I-97 S from Baltimore. Keep an eye out for exit 5, which leads you towards MD-178 S/Crownsville. After taking the exit, follow MD-178 S till you reach Crownsville Rd. Here, turn right and continue driving till you reach the festival grounds located at 1821 Crownsville Rd. This route offers a smooth drive with scenic views, making your journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Driving From Washington D.C.
If you’re starting from Washington D.C., take US-50 E towards Annapolis. As you approach Parole, look for exit 22 which directs you to MD-450 W/Annapolis. Post exiting, follow MD-450 W till you come across a junction with Crownsville Rd. Turn right here and continue till you reach the festival site. This route not only provides an efficient path to the festival but also offers glimpses of the beautiful landscapes surrounding Washington D.C. and Maryland.
Remember, given the festival’s popularity, traffic can build up near the festival grounds, especially during peak hours. It’s advisable to leave early and allow extra travel time to ensure you reach comfortably and can make the most of your day at the festival.
Top RV Campgrounds Near The Maryland Renaissance Festival
To elevate your experience at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, consider integrating the comfort and convenience of RV camping. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Maryland, several RV campgrounds offer exceptional amenities and proximity to the festival.
We’ve curated a list of three top-tier options that not only provide a comfortable base but also enrich your overall adventure.
Duncan’s Family Campground
Duncan’s Family Campground, located approximately 20 miles from the festival grounds, is a welcoming haven for RV enthusiasts. This campground harmoniously blends a serene atmosphere with modern conveniences, making it an idyllic spot for your festival visit.
Amenities at Duncan’s cater to a wide range of needs. The campground features full hook-up sites that accommodate both small and large RVs. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, offering the perfect setup for outdoor dining and evening campfires.
The campground prioritizes the comfort of its guests, offering clean and modern restrooms and shower facilities. For those who love cooking, a fully-equipped camp kitchen is available, complete with stoves and sinks. The on-site laundry facilities ensure that you can refresh your festival attire conveniently.
Recreation is at the forefront at Duncan’s. Enjoy a game of basketball or take your little ones to the playground. There’s even a mini-golf course for those seeking light-hearted competition. Duncan’s also organizes regular events, including movie nights and ice cream socials, fostering a warm and friendly community atmosphere.
Capitol KOA
Just 15 miles from the Maryland Renaissance Festival, Capitol KOA is a family-friendly campground that offers a host of amenities tailored to ensure a comfortable stay. The campground is nestled amidst lush greenery, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of festival merriment.
Capitol KOA features spacious RV sites with full hook-ups, including 50-amp service. Each site is designed with level pads to provide easy setup. Additionally, fire rings and picnic tables are standard at each site, perfect for an alfresco meal under the starlit sky.
This campground is well-known for its exceptional facilities. The pool provides a refreshing respite on warm summer days. For fitness enthusiasts, there’s a well-equipped gym. A convenience store on the premises ensures that you have easy access to all essential supplies.
The campground also boasts a variety of recreational options. Challenge your companions to a game of horseshoes, let your kids burn off some energy at the playground, or engage in a friendly match at the volleyball court. With organized activities such as arts and crafts and themed weekends, there’s never a dull moment at Capitol KOA.
Greenbelt National Park Campground
If you prefer a rustic camping experience, the Greenbelt National Park Campground is your ideal destination. Located about 25 miles from the festival, this campground is set within a verdant forest, providing a tranquil ambiance.
The RV sites at Greenbelt are spacious, offering dry camping with no hook-ups. Each site features a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing for a classic camping experience. Clean restrooms and potable water stations are located throughout the campground for your convenience.
Although this campground leans towards a more traditional camping experience, it doesn’t skimp on recreational opportunities. Miles of hiking trails meander through the park, offering a chance to explore Maryland’s natural beauty. A visit to the campground’s amphitheater for a ranger-led program is a must, providing an educational and entertaining experience.
Click here to check out RV rentals for the Maryland Renaissance Festival.
Essential Packing List For The Maryland Renaissance Festival
Adequate preparation is key to fully enjoying the Maryland Renaissance Festival. To ensure you have all the essentials for a fun and stress-free experience, we’ve compiled a comprehensive packing list.
Comfortable Footwear
The festival spans a considerable area and involves a lot of walking, sometimes on uneven terrains. Comfortable, closed-toe footwear, such as walking shoes or sneakers, is a must. If your visit is during the rainier months, waterproof shoes or boots can keep your feet dry during your exploration.
Sun Protection
The festival is largely outdoors, and Maryland weather can be quite sunny, especially during summer and early fall. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can provide additional protection for your face and eyes. Consider a portable umbrella or a lightweight, long-sleeved cover-up for added sun protection.
Cash and Cards
While many vendors at the festival accept cards, some smaller or traditional stalls may only accept cash. It’s recommended to bring a mix of both for flexibility. Although ATMs are available on-site, they might charge additional fees or run out of cash, so it’s best to come prepared.
Costumes
Donning a costume can greatly enhance your immersion in the festival’s Renaissance theme. From elaborate gowns and knight’s armor to simple peasant attire, any period-appropriate costume is welcome. If you’re not keen on packing your costume, the festival offers costume rentals on-site.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential, particularly during hot weather. A reusable water bottle can be refilled at various water stations throughout the festival grounds. Choose an insulated bottle to keep your drink cool throughout the day.
Snacks
While the festival offers a wide variety of food options, it might be helpful to pack some snacks, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions or prefer healthier options. Granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit are excellent choices that don’t spoil easily.
Portable Charger
From capturing memorable moments to navigating the festival grounds, your phone can be a handy tool during the festival. A portable charger ensures that you won’t have to worry about your battery dying halfway through the day.
Wet Wipes or Hand Sanitizer
These can come in handy for quick clean-ups before meals or after touching public surfaces. Some parts of the festival can get quite dusty, and having wet wipes or hand sanitizer can keep you feeling fresh.
Light Layers
Evenings can get chilly, and weather can be unpredictable. Packing a lightweight jacket or a shawl can keep you warm when the temperature drops.
Conclusion
With this detailed packing guide, you’re all set for a hassle-free, enjoyable experience at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Remember, the goal is to have fun, so pack wisely to ensure nothing hampers your Renaissance adventure.