The Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crofton, Maryland is one of my favorite local events. The festival has more than one hundred craft stands. There are a few glassblowers who give demonstrations. The festival also has history lessons on topics such as medeival crimes and their punishments. Throughout the festival you will see priests, serfs, pirates, barons, knights, and even the royal family. Everyone is welcome to wear a costume–you can even rent one at the festival.
There is a lot to enjoy at the Renaissance Festival. The festival has a variety of food including seafood, mediterranean food, and turkey legs. For kids, the festival has elephant rides, a wooden slide, a rock wall, and many games. Adults can drink at the pub and win beer tokens at games like axe throwing. Maryland wineries bring their different wines to sample as well. There are eight stages where you can see plays, dancing, music, and comedy performances. The jousting arena has real jousting and sword fighting almost every hour.
The Renaissance Festival is held on the weekends from the end of August until the end of October. The festival grounds has plenty of parking, but I suggest coming early to get a close spot. Also, it is best to leave before 3 PM because it can take hours to get out of the festival once everyone starts leaving. Check out the website to see if there are coupons for discount admission.
Address: 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 800-296-7304; Local: 410-266-7304
