The Ohio Renaissance Festival Returns to Enchant Visitors This Fall

Lords and ladies, gather around as one of southwest Ohio’s most anticipated annual events returns to Waynesville. The Ohio Renaissance Festival welcomes armored knights and magical characters to a 35-acre, re-created Renaissance village every weekend from Aug. 30 through Oct. 26 (including Labor Day Monday). This beloved event has been around since 1989 and is expected to welcome thousands of guests to dive into a world of imagination and fantasy during its 36th season.

“This event is about more than entertainment, it’s about stepping into another world,” David Smith, entertainment director for the Ohio Renaissance Festival, said in an Aug. 21 press release. “For nine weekends, visitors can immerse themselves in history, fantasy and community.”

Guests are not only allowed but encouraged to come dressed in costume and enjoy the sights and sounds of the festival.

No two visits are alike, with themed weekends filling the calendar, starting with opening weekend on Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 and continuing with Pirates Weekend (Sept. 20 and 21), Viking Weekend (Oct. 4 and 5) and a Romance Weekend in celebration of Sweetest Day (Oct. 18 and 19).

Throughout the grounds, visitors can experience a thrilling recreation of the 16th-century Renaissance period through sampling giant turkey legs and themed sweets. Be sure to browse from artisan vendors on-site too. With over 175 sellers at the festival, there are plenty of chances to take home some goodies from your visit, including jewelry, clothes, swords and more.

Live entertainment abounds, with musicians, acrobats, jugglers and more on the festival grounds. There are also several stages that can be found hosting live musical performances. Plus, the full-armored jousts are not to be missed as knights put on an action-filled performance for the crowd.

For more information including tickets, festivities and themed weekends, visit renfestival.com.

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