Ohio Renaissance Festival celebrates its 36th year
The Ohio Renaissance Festival has returned for its 36th season, kicking off last weekend on August 30. Running through October 26 on the weekends, the festival offers visitors a chance to explore a 35-acre village built to resemble Elizabethan England. Located in Waynesville, just a short drive from both Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus, the festival has grown into one of the largest of its kind in the United States, attracting more than 200,000 visitors each year.
What’s more, themed weekends keep the festival experience fresh for repeat visitors. Themes include Fantasy, Feast of Fools, Pirates, Time Travelers, Viking, Highland, Romance and Heroes and Young Adventurers. Each theme brings special entertainment, costume opportunities and contests.
Throughout the festival, more than 150 costumed characters, from Queen Elizabeth I and her royal court to jesters, from pirates to peasants, entertain guests with multiple stage shows, ranging from comedy acts and stunt performances to sword fights and full-armored jousting tournaments. Additionally, stalls are set up throughout the park, offering visitors a chance to enjoy medieval games, foods and shopping.
In 2025, the festival will feature several special performances throughout the themed weekends such as the Scottish heavy folk band Albannach on for Time Travelers and Viking weekends. Strolling entertainment also fills the park, from living statues and fire-breathing dragons to musicians like Dylan Robertson, Captain John Stout and Jacki O’Brien.
The artisan marketplace is perhaps the highlight of the festival. With more than 175 vendors, visitors can browse stalls filled with leatherwork, jewelry, glassware, fiber arts and blacksmithing. Many artisans demonstrate their craft on site, adding an educational layer to the shopping experience. What’s more, the festival’s food is an attraction in and of itself. Festival-goers can feast on giant turkey legs (the festivals signature dish), pizza, barbecue, gyros and other Renaissance-inspired fare.
With its blend of entertainment, shopping, food and atmosphere, the Ohio Renaissance Festival offers an immersive way to step back in time.
10542 Ohio 73 Waynesville, Ohio. Through October 26. Each festival day runs from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
