The Maryland Renaissance Festival has been bringing merriment galore to Revel Grove, a charming hamlet in the woods of Crownesville, MD, since late August. But with a very busy schedule this fall, we didn’t make it there until yesterday. This was actually quite serendipitous, as it turned out to be one of the most beautiful days of the season so far. The cool, crisp, sunny weather made for perfect conditions to roam the lively, sprawling grounds. And the early fall scenery, with the first tinges of autumn foliage glowing amid the fading green, was a gorgeous backdrop for all the festivities.
Surely, you know by now how much I love Ren Fest and how strongly I recommend it for a fantastic, fun-filled outing. So, I’ll just get to the gist of this post. Along with scenes from our day there yesterday, I wanted to share a few extra tips (more are already listed here). Let’s get to it…
1) The best tip you’ll get for the rest of this year’s Ren Fest is DO NOT WAIT TO GET TICKETS! They are selling out, and earlier than they have in previous years. This past Saturday was sold out by Wednesday. I bought Sunday tickets for our family early in the day last Thursday, and when I went back on the website to get a couple more for friends, they were all gone. And I just checked… the weekend of October 15-16 is already sold out, leaving only the last weekend, October 22-23. So, again, if you know you want to go, get your tickets!
2) It almost pains me to share this one because I never want to discourage anyone from going to Ren Fest, BUT if you really hate crowds and being around a lot of people, this may not be the event for you. A lot of people love Ren Fest, and sold out days means a lot of people will be there. It’s not like you’ll be walking shoulder-to-shoulder — there is still plenty of space to move around comfortably — but it’s heavy on stimulus and lines can get long.
3) And that leads to my next tip… be prepared to wait in lines for food and drinks, especially right around lunchtime. This can be tough with little ones, but you can be strategic about it if you’re with other adults and take turns waiting and walking around with the kiddos (but note that if you’re buying adult beverages, all must be there, only one per person). You can also plan to eat a little later in the afternoon when the lines let up. But don’t skip the food! There are so many fun, yummy options: Turkey legs! Meat on sticks! Fried mac-n-cheese balls! Fried pickle chips! Cones of cookies! And much, much more.
4) Get to the jousting area early, at least 30 minutes ahead, if you want decent seats to see the show. The jousts are a highlight of Ren Fest (fun fact: jousting is Maryland’s state sport!), and if you want to guarantee you and the kids get a good view, you need to get seats. I suggest getting food and “having a picnic” at your joust seats to pass the time while you wait for the events to begin.
5) Dress up! Our crew did not, but it felt like more people than ever were in costume this year. It makes for the best people watching, and it would have been fun to be part of it.
6) This one is random, but good (credit goes to my friend, Margaret, for it) … If you plan to eat a turkey leg, bring some of these along. It will make a big difference in your comfort for the rest of your day.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD ( get directions)
When: Weekends through October 23, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $30/adult, $26/senior, $15/age 7-15, free/6 & under
I won’t go into a long, rambling introduction about this one, because if you’ve been reading KFDC for any length of time longer than a year, you likely already know how I feel about the Maryland Renaissance Festival.
That it’s my hands-down very, VERY favorite annual event in the area. That I’ve adored it since well before I had kids. That I love not just the fun and food and entertainment and amazing people watching it brings, but also that it celebrates eccentricity, welcomes the weird with open arms, and presents all its mirth and delight in an easy, free-flowing way. If you want more specifics on all of that, just go here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, or here. And if you want to enjoy a day of extraordinary fun , just go.
Logistics
The merriment begins this Saturday, August 27, and runs every weekend, rain or shine, through October 23 in the lovely 16th century-style hamlet of Revel Grove in Crownsville, MD. Hours are 10am – 7pm. Through September 11, admission is $24/adults, $21/seniors, $12/ages 7-15, free for ages 6 and under. After that, ticket prices go up to $30/adults, $26/seniors, $15/ages 7-15, still free for 6 and under. Multi-day passes that offer a discount are also available. Like last year,tickets must be reserved in advance online. There are no day-of, in-person ticket sales.
Notable Dates
There are promos and special themes on many weekends. Here’s a quick list, and you can find more info here. * August 27-28: Children’s Weekend – FREE admission for ages 15 and under with adult
* September 3-4: Romance Weekend — Special events for singles 21+ on 9/3 & partners can renew their commitments in a ceremony on 9/4 * September 5: Seniors day — Free admission for all seniors age 62+ * September 10-11: Celtic Celebration * September 11 & October 10: ASL Interpretation Days – Selected stage shows will be interpreted in ASL * September 17-18: Pirate Adventure Weekend * September 24 & 25: Myth & Magic Weekend * October 1 & 2: Shakespeare Weekend
KFDC Tips * Bring a stroller or carrier for little ones, as there is a lot of walking. I recommend a stroller that rolls over rough terrain easily. * Get a map and schedule on your way in to help you navigate and plan your day, but I recommend not overthinking it; Ren Fest is best experienced with a “go with the flow” mindset. * If there’s a show you really want to see, get to the stage a few minutes ahead of time to get good seats, so the kids have a good view. * You might encounter less crowds on Sunday, when many folks are watching football. * Plan to spend on extras like food, games, and fun for kids — all reasonably priced, but it can add up. * Tickets can sell out, especially on beautiful fall days as the chances to go dwindle. Between that and the online sales only, you might want to reserve further in advance than usual. * Consider pros and cons to going at different times: Early in the season, crowds are smaller because it’s usually very hot, and the admission fee is lower. Later in the season, the cool, crisp weather and autumn foliage adds some extra splendor to the visit, but also draws the masses. * Let the kids dress up! Princesses, knights, fairies, and pirates will fit right in.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD ( get directions)
When: Weekends August 28 – October 23, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $24-30/adult, $21-26/senior, $12-15/age 7-15, free/6 & under
I usually hesitate to deem one particular place or activity “the best.” It’s rare that you’ll see Top 10 lists here on KFDC; they feel misleading to me. Even my round-up of the best outdoor places consists of more than 60 of them in random order. That’s because “the best” is so personal, specific, and dependent on ages, interests, convenience to where one lives. I have favorites, for sure, but calling something the best generally is a no-no for me.
Anyone who has been reading my blog for awhile surely already knows that the Maryland Renaissance Festival is my very, very, VERY favorite annual event in the area. We’ve been going since before we had kids, and bringing them since they were babes. There are a multitude of reasons why it’s my fave — you can go here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here for more on that — but ultimately I love that at the core, it’s a celebration of the unconventional, a kingdom of mirth, where fun and delight reign and offbeat is normal. Ren Fest is the best. It’s just fact — in my book, anyway.
After very sadly but understandably being cancelled last year, the Maryland Renaissance Festival returns in 2021 starting this weekend, August 28-29! And I oh-so-highly recommend going. I pride myself on the number of people I have converted into Ren Festers — and I promise you want to be among them.
Logistics
The merriment begins this Saturday, August 28, and runs every weekend, rain or shine, through October 24 in the lovely 16th century-style hamlet of Revel Grove in Crownsville, MD. Hours are 10am – 7pm. Through September 12, admission is $21/adults, $19/seniors, $10/ages 7-15, free for ages 6 and under. After that, ticket prices go up to $28/adults, $24/seniors, $13/ages 7-15, still free for 6 and under. Multi-day passes that offer a discount are also available. This year,tickets must be reserved in advance online. There are no day-of, in-person ticket sales.
Notable Dates
In previous years, many weekends had special themes, like a Celtic celebration and pirate weekend, with events and activities offered on just those dates. While most aren’t happening this year due to Covid, there still are a few special weekends to be aware of: * August 28-29: Children’s Weekend – FREE admission for ages 15 and under with adult * September 6: Seniors day — Free admission for all seniors age 62+ * September 11 & October 10: ASL Interpretation Days – Selected stage shows will be interpreted in ASL
KFDC Tips * Bring a stroller or carrier for little ones, as there is a lot of walking. I recommend a stroller that navigates over rough terrain easily. * Get a map and schedule on your way in to help you navigate and plan your day, but I recommend not overthinking it; Ren Fest is best experienced with a “go with the flow” mindset. * If there’s a show you really want to see, get to the stage a few minutes ahead of time to get good seats, so the kids have a good view. * You might encounter less crowds on Sunday, when many folks are watching football. * Plan to spend on extras like food, games, and fun for kids — all reasonably priced, but it can add up. * Tickets can sell out, especially on beautiful fall days as the chances to go dwindle. Between that and the new online sales only, you might want to reserve further in advance than usual. * Consider pros and cons to going at different times: Early in the season, crowds are smaller because it’s usually very hot, and the admission fee is lower. Later in the season, the cool, crisp weather and autumn foliage adds some extra splendor to the visit, but also draws the masses. * Let the kids dress up! Princesses, knights, fairies, and pirates will fit right in.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD ( get directions)
When: Weekends August 28 – October 24, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $21-28/adult, $19-24/senior, $10-13/age 7-15, free/6 & under
What time is it? It’s Ren Fest time! Anyone who has been reading this blog for awhile surely knows that the Maryland Renaissance Festival is my hands. down. very favorite annual event in the area. If you want to know why, just go here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here for a whole lot of rambling and gushing and, of course, huzzahs.
In this post, you’ll find all the information you need for this year’s event. And I can’t recommend Ren Fest enough… it’s one to put on your family’s fall calendar, for sure. Huzzah!
Logistics
The merriment begins this Saturday, August 24, and runs every weekend, rain or shine, through October 20 in the lovely 16th century-style hamlet of Revel Grove in Crownsville, MD. Hours are 10am – 7pm. Admission is $20/adults, $18/seniors, $9/ages 7-15, free for ages 6 and under through September 9. After that, tickets go up to $27/adults, $23/seniors, $12/ages 7-15, still free for 6 and under. Multi-day passes that offer a discount are also available. Tickets can be reserved in advance online.
Special Days: * August 24-25: Children’s Weekend – FREE admission for ages 15 and under with adult * September 2: Seniors day — Free admission for all seniors age 62+ * September 7 & October 6: ASL Interpretation Days * September 7-8: Myth and Magic Weekend * September 14-15: Celtic Celebration * September 21-22: Romance Weekend — Singes party Saturday, vow renewals Sunday * September 28-29: Pirate Weekend — dress in your pirate best, aaargh! * October 6-7: Shakespeare Weekend
KFDC Tips * Bring a stroller or carrier for little ones, as there’s a lot of walking. I recommend a stroller that navigates over dirt paths easily. * Get a map and schedule on your way in to help you navigate and plan your day * If there’s a show you really want to see, get to the stage a few minutes ahead of time to get good seats, so the kids have a good view. * You might encounter less crowds on Sunday, when many folks are watching football * Plan to spend on extras like food, games, and fun for kids (all reasonably priced, but it can add up) * Tickets can sell out, especially on beautiful fall days as the chances to go dwindle, so it’s never a bad idea to reserve in advance. * Let the kids dress up! Princesses, knights, fairies, pirates will fit right in.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD ( get directions)
When: Weekends August 24 – October 20, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $20-27/adult, $18-23/senior, $9-12/age 7-15, free/6 & under
When it comes to autumn outings with the family, most of us tend to think of a certain kind of fun — hayrides, pumpkins, slides, and all the amusement that comes with fall festivals on farms. And while they can be a blast, especially for kiddos, it’s also nice to enjoy the season in different ways, and there are plenty of them in the DC area. So, if you’re looking to spice up your autumn recreation (and not with pumpkin flavoring), here are 10 places that we love this time of year.
Grand views at Great Falls
Great Falls
The local national park boasting some of the most spectacular nature in this area may just be at peak beauty during fall. The magnificence of its main attraction — the wildly gushing cascades of the Potomac River — is even more striking flanked by the autumnal spectrum of the park’s woods. Hike along the trails for an active way to take it all in or head out to overlooks for breathtaking views. And whether you opt for the Maryland or Virginia side, you really can’t go wrong. KFDC Tips: 1) Go on a weekday if possible, as it can get crowded on weekends. 2) Consider walking to Great Falls from nearby Riverbend Park — not only will you avoid a line of cars to get in, entry is free, and you can enjoy a nice, easy hike along the river to get there. Great Falls entrances are located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive in McLean, VA, and 11710 MacArthur Blvd in Potomac, MD. Admission is $8/car.
Autumn glow at the Arboretum
National Arboretum
If you’ve never visited the National Arboretum — and I’m always surprised at how often I hear someone hasn’t — fall is a great time to go. Its 450 acres contain an amazing variety of flora, much of it turning from summer green to the gorgeous orange, red, and yellow hues of this season. It’s a picture-perfect backdrop for the old Capitol columns that are a huge draw for kids and adults. And the plant collections themselves are always interesting to explore. Trails and paths run through them, and you’ll also find hidden seating areas to take a break as you enjoy it all. KFDC Tip: Be sure to stop to see the bonsai exhibit — the little trees transform in autumn, too! The National Arboretum entrances are located at 24th & R Streets NE off of Bladensburg Road and 3501 New York Avenue NE in DC. Admission is free.
Playing in the trees as the tinges of fall foliage begin to show
Adventure Park at Sandy Spring If you really want to immerse in the season, then get right up in the tree tops amid the changing leaves at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring. Five acres of lofty trees are outfitted with 13 ropes courses that contain no less than 250 challenges, everything from walking across narrow planks to crawling through tunnels to zip lining — all from tree to tree and up to 65 feet in the air. The brilliant colors and cool, crisp conditions are sure to add some extra exhilaration to your adventure! KFDC Tip: They offer last call tickets ($45/adult, $16/child) for two hours of evening climbing starting at 5pm. When the sun goes down, lights come on, and the park glows! The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is located at 16701 Norwood Rd in Sandy Spring, MD. Regular admission prices vary by age, ranging from $16-60.
The beautiful gardens at Dumbarton Oaks
Dumbarton Oaks Every season brings something amazing to the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks. A cool peacefulness in winter, a colorful array of flowers in spring, lush green landscapes and roses in summer, and brilliant swaths of foliage in the fall. Tucked away in a relatively non-bustling area of Georgetown, it’s kind of like DC’s own secret garden. And strolling through the many sections, discovering delightful little surprises on the way, feels magical any time of the year. KFDC Tips: 1) The park doesn’t open until 2pm, but you can take kids to play at Montrose Park next door while you wait for it to open. 2) It’s free to visit from November 1 – March 14! Dumbarton Oaks Gardens are located at 1703 32nd Street NW in Georgetown, DC. Admission is $7 .
Autumnal woods and wetlands at Huntley Meadows
Huntley Meadows Park
This amazing natural oasis hidden in Alexandria is a perfect place to take kids for a fun yet chill outdoor adventure. Scenic views and wildlife sightings are abundant on an easy, one-mile hike that winds through woods and along a boardwalk over wetlands. Fall may just be the best time to enjoy it all. The marsh areas that get hot and sticky under the summer sun with no coverage above are cool and pleasant come autumn. Walks in the woods and landscape views are enhanced by seasonal color, and the crunch of leaves underfoot may be the only sound that breaks the peace besides bird calls and kids’ squeals of delight. View more scenes from one of our visits here. KFDC Tip: Stop in the Visitor Center for small exhibits about local wildlife and activities for kids. Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd in Alexandria, VA.
One of Maryland’s best perks – and not just in summer
Cantler’s Riverside Inn
Who says crabs can only be enjoyed during summer? Some say fall may actually be a better time to savor the Chesapeake treat. Aside from the crabs themselves, the cooler weather makes for more pleasant outdoor feasting than summer’s hot and humid clime, plus restaurants likely aren’t as packed. Cantler’s Riverside Inn is an Annapolis institution and a fun place to take the whole fam. KFDC Tip: Pair an outing to Cantler’s with a visit to Quiet Waters Park to enjoy some active time to work up an appetite. Cantler’s Riverside Inn is located at 458 Forest Beach Road in Annapolis, MD.
Hunt for shark teeth along Potomac River shores
Purse State Park
Sand meets surf (or the Potomac River, anyway) at this locale in Charles County, MD. But it’s not a destination for your typical beach day. At Purse State Park, fossil hunting is the main pursuit, and fall is just as good a season to do it as any other. The shores there are loaded with shark teeth and other prehistoric remnants of the Paleocene Era. The only difference going this time of year is that the colder water may require a pair of rubber boots. And you access the beach via a nice little trail in the woods, which glow a lovely golden hue when the sun shines through the autumn leaves. KFDC Tip: Check the tide table before you go (select Potomac River/Liverpool Point, MD) — it’s a narrow beach, so you definitely want to be there at low tide. Purse State Park is located off of Route 224 in Nanjemoy, MD — use GPS for directions. Update: This is now referred to as the Purse Area of the Nanjemoy Wildlife Management Area.
Go for a hike (or run) in the woods at Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park There is so much to love about Rock Creek Park all year round, but when it comes to beauty, fall is its best season, in my opinion. The autumn colors can be enjoyed on hiking trails, bike paths, horseback, even driving through its winding roads. You can go to the Nature Center then hike a couple of miles to Peirce Mill (or vice versa), visit the stables, join a Ranger led program — all under a brilliant autumn canopy. And just about all of it is absolutely free! (Pony and trail rides cost a fee.) KFDC Tip: Pony and trail rides are only offered on weekends through October, which means space is limited, so book ahead! Rock Creek Park is located in Northwest DC. There are numerous ways to access it, depending on exactly where you want to go.
Laaaid back at Brookside
Brookside Gardens
The fall colors are always brilliant at this public display garden in Wheaton, but there’s more to do than just leaf peep on its 50 acres. The adorable Children’s Garden has a fun “Explore Maryland” theme, plus there are often special activities for families and kids, like nature programs, s’mores cookoffs, Sunday storytimes, and more. KFDC Tip: Stop by the pond where turtle sightings, lots of them, are practically guaranteed. Brookside Gardens is located at 1800 Glenallan Avenue in Wheaton, MD.
Fall color and cool weather add extra splendor to Ren Fest
Revel Grove (Maryland Renaissance Festival)
My very favorite annual event occurs during fall, so of course I’m going to include it among this list. The faire takes place in a charming “hamlet” called Revel Grove that looks like a 16th-century English Tudor village. Come Ren Fest season, it fills up with all kinds of amusement for all ages — exciting jousting matches, cheeky comedy shows, tight rope walkers and other balancing acts, jugglers, musical performances, puppetry, a big selection of yummy concessions, roaming entertainers, lots of games and opportunities to play, and so much more. And it all sprawls gloriously through 25 acres of woods, which make for a lovely backdrop as the leaves begin to turn and the weather cools down. It’s autumn magic at its best. KFDC Tip: Let the kids dress up! Princesses, knights, fairies, and pirates will fit right in. Revel Grove is located at 1821 Crownsville Road in Annapolis, MD. Admission is $30/age 16-61, $26/age 62+, $15/age 7-15, free/6 & under.
