Renaissance Festival Maryland is now in the final stretch of its 50th anniversary season, with the 2026 event continuing at Revel Grove in Crownsville through October 25. The festival is open on Saturdays and Sundays during October from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., giving visitors several remaining opportunities to experience its performances, jousting, artisan shops, food, costumes, and seasonal Harvest Hollow programming.
The 2026 season began August 29 and runs for nine weekends. October 3 and 4 mark the sixth weekend, followed by October 10 and 11, October 17 and 18, and the closing weekend on October 24 and 25.
This year’s celebration carries particular significance because the festival is marking its 50th season. Revel Grove continues to transform its Crownsville grounds into a fictional 16th-century English village filled with performers, merchants, musicians, characters, food vendors, and visitors.
When Is the Maryland Renaissance Festival in 2026?
The 2026 festival runs from August 29 through October 25. The event operates on Saturdays and Sundays, along with Labor Day Monday during the opening part of the season.
The complete 2026 calendar includes:
- August 29 and 30
- September 5, 6 and 7
- September 12 and 13
- September 19 and 20
- September 26 and 27
- October 3 and 4
- October 10 and 11
- October 17 and 18
- October 24 and 25
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on each scheduled day.
For visitors looking at the remaining October calendar, the final opportunity to attend is Sunday, October 25.
The October portion of the season has a distinct seasonal identity. Festival organizers call it Revel Grove’s Harvest Hollow, bringing autumn decorations and special performances associated with the spooky season.
Where Is the Renaissance Festival Maryland Event Held?
The festival takes place at 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, in Crownsville, near Annapolis.
The grounds are known as Revel Grove, the fictional village that serves as the setting for the festival’s performances and activities.
The property covers 27 acres and includes village streets, performance areas, artisan shops, food and beverage locations, taverns, and a large jousting arena.
Visitors arriving by car should follow festival parking signs and staff instructions. Parking is provided for festival attendees.
Handicapped parking is available close to the Main Gate. Visitors who need accessible parking should follow the designated signs after entering the parking area.
Because the grounds cover a substantial area, comfortable footwear can make a major difference during a full day at the festival.
What Makes the 2026 Season Special?
The biggest distinction this year is the festival’s 50th season.
For five decades, the Maryland event has developed Revel Grove into a recurring fall destination centered on Renaissance-era entertainment, handmade crafts, food, music, comedy, theater, and jousting.
The 2026 celebration includes returning favorites along with special anniversary performances.
Festival organizers describe more than 200 professional performers appearing across numerous stages and throughout the village. The entertainment includes scheduled stage productions as well as street performers who interact with visitors as characters.
The anniversary programming runs throughout the season rather than being limited to one weekend.
That means visitors attending during October can still encounter special programming connected to the 50th-season celebration.
What Can Visitors See at Revel Grove?
Revel Grove functions as more than a conventional outdoor festival venue.
The village contains shops, eateries, taverns, stages, street performances, and the royal court. Visitors can walk through the grounds while performers maintain the atmosphere of a 16th-century English community.
The entertainment lineup covers several styles.
Visitors can encounter:
- Armored jousting
- Comedy
- Music
- Theater
- Magic
- Acrobatics
- Street entertainment
- Character performances
- Historical demonstrations
- Birds of prey
- Swordplay
- Pickpocketing and magic demonstrations
- Variety performances
The festival’s entertainment roster includes returning acts such as the Debracey Productions Joust Troupe, A Fool Named “O” and LaLa, Piper Jones, Dash Rippington, Les S. Moore, Topsy Turvy, the Birds of Prey Show, Midwife Crisis, and Shakespeare’s Skum.
Schedules can change, so visitors interested in a particular performer should check the schedule for the specific date they plan to attend.
Jousting Is One of the Festival’s Main Attractions
Jousting remains a central part of the Maryland festival experience.
The jousting performances take place in a 3,000-seat arena, where performers compete in armored demonstrations involving horses and traditional jousting equipment.
The presentation also includes trick riding and a combat chariot duel.
The arena provides a different experience from the smaller stages and street performances found throughout Revel Grove. Visitors who want to see the jousting should review the daily entertainment schedule and plan accordingly.
Since several activities occur throughout the grounds, arriving with a basic schedule can help visitors avoid missing a performance they specifically want to see.
October Brings Harvest Hollow to Revel Grove
October has its own theme within the 2026 season.
Festival organizers have designated the October weekends as Harvest Hollow. Seasonal decorations appear along Mary’s Dale Way, while special performances add an autumn and spooky-season atmosphere.
The theme applies to every October weekend rather than a single special date.
The remaining October weekends are:
- October 3–4
- October 10–11
- October 17–18
- October 24–25
The final weekend will close the 50th season.
For visitors who enjoy the combination of fall scenery, costumes, theatrical entertainment, and seasonal decorations, October offers a distinct version of the Revel Grove setting.
2026 Maryland Renaissance Festival Ticket Prices
Tickets for the 2026 festival are sold online only.
The festival does not sell regular admission tickets at the gate.
Admission is also date-specific, meaning a ticket applies to the festival date selected during purchase.
Current general admission prices are:
| Ticket Type | Base Price |
|---|---|
| Adults ages 16–61 | $31 |
| Seniors ages 62 and older | $27 |
| Children ages 7–15 | $17 |
| Children age 6 and under | Free |
The listed prices do not include the required amusement tax or the ticket provider’s fee.
Children ages 6 and under still need a ticket for entry, even though admission is free.
Visitors should therefore select the appropriate free-child ticket option when completing an order.
What Happens When a Festival Date Sells Out?
Some festival dates can reach capacity, making advance planning important.
When a preferred date is unavailable, visitors can use the festival’s waitlist system.
Joining the waitlist does not guarantee that tickets will become available. If additional tickets are released, people on the waitlist receive offers before other customers.
The festival says additional tickets for an upcoming weekend can be released on Monday and Friday.
Waitlist offers have a limited response period. Customers who receive an offer need to complete the purchase within the specified window.
The festival also warns visitors about buying tickets through unauthorized resale platforms.
For the most reliable admission, customers should use the official ticketing process rather than relying on third-party listings.
What Are the Remaining Special Events?
The festival’s 2026 calendar includes themed weekends throughout the season.
Earlier events included Children’s Weekend, Myth & Magic Weekend, Pirate Adventure Weekend, and Celtic Celebration.
October transitions into Harvest Hollow.
The October theme does not replace the festival’s regular entertainment. Instead, the standard performances continue alongside seasonal decorations and special autumn programming.
That means visitors attending on October 3, October 10, October 17, or October 24 can still experience the wider festival environment rather than attending a single-theme event.
What Artisans Are Appearing in October?
Shopping is a major part of the Revel Grove experience.
The festival features more than 140 artisans displaying handmade products in Renaissance-style shops.
The marketplace includes categories such as:
- Jewelry
- Metalwork
- Wood sculpture
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Footwear
- Ceramics
- Stained glass
- Glassblown items
- Headwear
Some artisans appear during specific weekends.
For October 3 and 4, the listed artisan appearances include The Witches Den by Jennifer Meeker Ceramics and Silhouettes by Hand by Lauren Muney.
The October schedule changes from weekend to weekend.
On October 10 and 11, the listed artisan appearances include Bowskin Archery & Buckskins and Silhouettes by Hand.
October 17 and 18 feature Prancing Pony Pottery and DiceKnight Adventures.
The final weekend, October 24 and 25, includes The Witches Den and Oberon Ocarinas.
This rotating lineup gives returning visitors opportunities to encounter different craftspeople during different weekends.
Visiting Authors Are Also Scheduled
The festival’s artisan programming includes visiting authors on several October dates.
For October 3, the listed authors include Lorelei Elkins, T.L. Price, and K.C. Smith.
Their work covers areas such as sword-and-sorcery fantasy, romantic fantasy, and pirate and fantasy adventures.
October 4 features Rita Feinstein, Lisa Perrin, and Revel Grove’s resident scribes.
Additional authors are scheduled throughout the remaining October weekends.
The author schedule adds another element for visitors interested in fantasy, historical fiction, poetry, young-adult literature, and related genres.
Food and Drinks at the Maryland Festival
Food is another major component of the festival.
The 2026 season features 42 food and beverage emporiums and five taverns throughout Revel Grove.
The festival’s food options include familiar Renaissance-faire favorites such as smoked turkey legs, steak on a stake, crepes, ribs, seafood, sandwiches, gyros, stuffed peppers, desserts, and other festival foods.
Visitors can also find ales, ciders, wines, and other beverages within the festival grounds.
There are specific rules concerning what customers can bring inside.
Food is permitted, but coolers are not allowed through the gates.
Visitors may bring one manufacturer-sealed bottle of water per person.
Other beverages cannot be brought through the entrance.
These restrictions apply to visitors regardless of whether they are attending for a few hours or spending the entire day at Revel Grove.
Can You Wear a Costume?
Costumes are welcome at the festival, although visitors do not have to dress in Renaissance clothing.
Many attendees choose outfits inspired by medieval and Renaissance settings, fantasy characters, pirates, historical clothing, or other appropriate themes.
The festival maintains costume rules because it is a family-friendly environment.
Headwear must be removable when entering the festival and must fit the event’s thematic standards.
Shoes are required at all times, and the festival recommends closed-toe footwear.
Costume weapons are not permitted.
That rule matters for visitors who plan to bring elaborate accessories or historically styled outfits.
People who want a costume but do not own one can rent clothing at the Renaissance Rentals booth inside the festival.
Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The costume must be returned by 6 p.m. on the rental day, and a valid driver’s license must remain with the rental booth until the costume is returned.
Important Festival Rules for Visitors
The Maryland Renaissance Festival maintains several rules designed to control what enters the grounds.
Pets are not allowed, except for trained service animals.
Visitors cannot bring weapons into the festival.
Musical instruments, hula hoops, and similar items that could be used for performances are also restricted.
Visitors cannot perform independently as part of the festival.
Amplified sound, including speakers and cell phone speakers, is prohibited.
Smoking and vaping are allowed only in designated smoking areas.
Cannabis use is prohibited on festival grounds.
Visitors should review these rules before arriving because an item that seems appropriate for a costume or outdoor event may not be permitted inside Revel Grove.
The 2026 Revel Grove Storyline
One of the distinctive elements of the Maryland festival is its continuing storyline.
The 2026 story takes place in 1540, during the reign of King Henry VIII.
This year’s story centers on King Henry VIII and his new marriage to Anne of Cleves, his fourth wife.
The king and Anne arrive at Revel Grove for the annual Harvest Festival.
The storyline introduces political and personal tension within the royal court, with gossip surrounding the king’s marriage and his relationship with chief minister Thomas Cromwell.
The festival advances the storyline each year through the timeline of Henry VIII’s reign and his six marriages.
That approach gives regular visitors a continuing narrative while allowing individual festival days to stand on their own.
How to Plan a Day at Revel Grove
The size of the festival means visitors can benefit from having a basic plan before entering.
Start by checking the entertainment schedule for the date of your visit.
Identify the performances you most want to see and note where they take place.
Then leave room for wandering.
Some of the most memorable parts of the festival can happen while visitors move between scheduled shows. Street performers, characters, musicians, shops, and food vendors are distributed throughout the village.
The festival also offers three itinerary options for visitors who want more structure.
The Bard itinerary focuses on music, theater, and history.
The Noble itinerary emphasizes history, culture, and the arts.
The Knight itinerary focuses on action, adventure, and variety entertainment.
These itineraries can help first-time visitors decide how to use their time.
What Visitors Should Know Before October Attendance
Anyone planning to attend the remaining 2026 weekends should keep several practical details in mind.
First, tickets are sold online only and correspond to a specific date.
Second, the festival runs from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., so visitors have a full day to explore.
Third, October brings Harvest Hollow programming, making the atmosphere different from the earlier summer and early-fall weekends.
Fourth, the artisan lineup changes from weekend to weekend.
Finally, visitors should review the festival’s current rules before packing for the trip.
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a schedule of preferred performances can make the day easier to manage.
When Does the 2026 Maryland Renaissance Festival End?
The 2026 season ends on October 25.
The final weekend is October 24 and 25, with regular festival hours scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The closing weekend will also remain part of the Harvest Hollow portion of the season.
For anyone who has not yet visited during the 50th anniversary year, the remaining October dates represent the final opportunities to experience the 2026 Revel Grove setting.
The combination of anniversary entertainment, jousting, artisan shopping, food, costumes, theatrical performances, and the continuing Henry VIII storyline remains central to the festival’s 2026 program.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Maryland Renaissance Festival end in 2026?
The 2026 season is scheduled to end on October 25, 2026. The final festival weekend is October 24 and 25.
What are the hours for the Maryland Renaissance Festival?
The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on each scheduled festival day.
Where is the Maryland Renaissance Festival located?
The festival is located at 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, in Crownsville near Annapolis.
How much are Maryland Renaissance Festival tickets in 2026?
The base general admission price is $31 for adults ages 16–61, $27 for seniors ages 62 and older, and $17 for children ages 7–15. Children age 6 and under are admitted free but still require a ticket.
Can you buy tickets at the festival gate?
No. The festival sells its 2026 admission tickets online only. Tickets are also date-specific.
What is Harvest Hollow?
Harvest Hollow is the festival’s October theme. It includes seasonal decorations and special performances connected with the autumn and spooky-season atmosphere.
Can visitors wear costumes?
Yes. Costumes are welcome, but they must follow festival rules. Costume weapons are not permitted, and shoes must be worn at all times.
Are pets allowed at the festival?
Pets are not permitted. The exception is for trained service animals.
Does the festival have jousting?
Yes. Jousting is one of the festival’s major attractions and takes place in a 3,000-seat arena.
How many artisans are at the festival?
The 2026 festival features more than 140 artisans selling handmade products through Renaissance-style shops.
What year is the festival’s storyline set in 2026?
The 2026 storyline is set in 1540, during the reign of King Henry VIII.
Who is Henry VIII’s wife in the 2026 storyline?
The 2026 story features Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife.
Is parking available at the festival?
Yes. Festival parking is available for attendees, and handicapped parking is located near the Main Gate.
What should visitors bring to the festival?
Visitors should bring their date-specific admission ticket, comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and any personal essentials permitted under the festival’s rules. One manufacturer-sealed bottle of water per person is allowed.
The 2026 season is entering its final weeks, with Harvest Hollow now underway and the 50th anniversary celebration continuing at Revel Grove.
Planning to visit the Maryland Renaissance Festival before the 2026 season ends? Share the weekend you are attending and the attraction you most want to see.