If you’ve been thinking about making a trip to the Maryland Renaissance Festival this fall, you may not want to wait much longer to lock in your visit.
The beloved annual festival returns at the end of August, and tickets are already on sale for every festival day—though some of the most popular weekends are expected to sell out well in advance, as they have in recent years.
Widely regarded as one of the premier Renaissance festivals in the United States, the event transforms more than 25 acres into a bustling 16th-century English village complete with armored knights, costumed performers, artisan marketplaces, and one of the country’s most famous jousting tournaments.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or making your annual pilgrimage, here’s everything you need to know before heading to Crownsville.
When is the Maryland Renaissance Festival taking place?
The 2026 Maryland Renaissance Festival runs on weekends from August 29th through October 25th in Crownsville, Maryland, located about 35-40 minutes from Washington, D.C.
The festival grounds recreate a permanent Tudor village where visitors can spend an entire day exploring hundreds of performances, artisan shops, food stands, and interactive experiences.
Some of the biggest highlights include:
- Opening Weekend: August 29th–30th
- Festival weekends: Every Saturday and Sunday through October 25th
- Daily attractions: Full-contact jousting tournaments, roaming performers, comedy acts, musicians, living history demonstrations, artisan crafts, games, and period-themed entertainment.
Visitors can also browse approximately 100 craft vendors, dozens of food and beverage locations, and more than 10 entertainment stages featuring performances that change throughout the season.
The festival attracts well over 300,000 guests each year, making it one of Maryland’s biggest annual events.
What should you know before you go?
Planning ahead can make your Renaissance Festival experience much smoother—especially on busy weekends.
The festival limits attendance by date, and popular weekends frequently sell out before opening day.
A few additional tips:
- Arrive early, especially on holiday or themed weekends.
- Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll spend hours walking throughout the expansive village.
- Dress for the weather. Late August and September afternoons can still be hot and humid in Maryland.
- Bring some cash. While many vendors now accept cards, having cash can speed up purchases at food stands, games, and smaller artisan booths.
- Consider dressing in costume. Plenty of visitors embrace the Renaissance theme, though costumes are completely optional. It’s also worth noting that no weapons (even if they are fake or part of your costume) will be permitted into the festival grounds.
Don’t forget to leave room for the festival’s iconic foods—from giant turkey legs and steak-on-a-stake to fresh baked goods, cider, and other medieval-inspired treats.
How much does it cost to attend? How do I get tickets?
Tickets are date-specific and must be purchased for the day you plan to visit.
Because attendance is capped, waiting until the last minute can leave you without a ticket if your preferred weekend reaches capacity.
Admission prices vary depending on the date selected, and the festival also offers discounted tickets for children and seniors, along with season pass options for frequent visitors.
Pricing and availability can be viewed through the festival’s official online ticket portal, but an adult ticket typically costs around $36 per day and a child ticket around $20.
If you’re hoping to visit during Labor Day weekend or another especially popular fall weekend, purchasing tickets sooner rather than later is strongly recommended.
