Huzzah! Ohio Renaissance Festival returns. Here's what you need to know

Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer
·4 min read
Stage performer Moonie tries to blow out his fire sticks during the 2018 Ohio Renaissance Festival. The 33rd annual festival starts Sept. 3, 2022.
Stage performer Moonie tries to blow out his fire sticks during the 2018 Ohio Renaissance Festival. The 33rd annual festival starts Sept. 3, 2022.

Huzzah! Lords and ladies, the wait is almost over. The 33rd annual Ohio Renaissance Festival starts Sept. 3. Are you ready for an adventure?

Festival grounds in Waynesville, Ohio, will once again be transformed into a 16th-century village, complete with over 100 shows, giant turkey legs, jousting, games and artisan shops.

Planning your trip back in time to the Ohio Renaissance Festival? Here's what you need to know.

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Sir Robert dons his helmet and more protective armor during the live jousting show at the Ohio Renaissance Festival Sunday, October 21, 2018 in Waynesville, Ohio.
Sir Robert dons his helmet and more protective armor during the live jousting show at the Ohio Renaissance Festival Sunday, October 21, 2018 in Waynesville, Ohio.

When is the Ohio Renaissance Festival?

The Ohio Renaissance Festival takes place on weekends and on Labor Day. It starts Sept. 3-5 and goes until Oct. 30. Festival grounds are open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Here are the festival's weekend themes:

  • Sept. 3-5: Opening Weekend. Renaissance Festival is open one extra day.

  • Sept. 10-11: Fantasy Weekend. This weekend features Fair Play Time and all things fantastical.

  • Sept. 17-18: Pirates Weekend. Celebrate International Talk like a Pirate Day with a pirate ship, Pirate Playtime and more.

  • Sept. 24-25: Highland Weekend. Experience Highland culture with themed competitions, bagpipe performances, Highland Games and more.

  • Oct. 1-2: Time Travelers Weekend. Dress up as your favorite movie, TV show, comic book, science fiction or fantasy character and get ready for a costume contest.

  • Oct. 8-9: Viking Weekend. Norsemen are encouraged to raid the village.

  • Oct. 15-16: Romance Weekend. Just in time for Sweetest Day, attend the mass marriage vow renewal ceremony at St. Peter's Chapel.

  • Oct. 22-23: Feast of Fools. The festival will host the Watermelon vs. Pumpkin wars, plus the village will be filled with fools.

  • Oct. 29-30: Tricks or Treats. For its last weekend, kids 12 and under can get into the festival for free and go trick-or-treating at participating booths.

Eragon of Maineville is photographed at the opening day of the 30th annual Ohio Renaissance Festival in Waynesville, OH on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019.
Eragon of Maineville is photographed at the opening day of the 30th annual Ohio Renaissance Festival in Waynesville, OH on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019.

Where is the Ohio Renaissance Festival?

Festival grounds are located at Renaissance Park, 10542 Ohio 73, Waynesville.

How much are tickets?

General admission tickets for adults, age 13 and older, are $28 per person. Tickets for kids 5 to 12 years old are $10, and children under 5 get in for free.

Tickets are $25 for seniors and for military, police, firefighter and emergency responder personnel. You can also buy a season pass for $80. The festival's ORFans Membership season pass is sold out.

Purchase tickets at the ticket booth or online at renfestival.com/tickets.

What is there to do at the Ohio Renaissance Festival?

Eat: With 29 food vendors, you'll find barbecue, pub fare, burgers, pizza, sweets, brats and more, plus vegetarian and gluten-free options. And of course, don't leave without trying a giant turkey leg.

Sam Johns, left, and Stevan Womack of Columbus eat turkey legs at the opening day of the 30th annual Ohio Renaissance Festival in Waynesville, OH on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019.
Sam Johns, left, and Stevan Womack of Columbus eat turkey legs at the opening day of the 30th annual Ohio Renaissance Festival in Waynesville, OH on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019.

Drink: Rhinegeist is releasing a Chain Mail Pale Ale exclusively for the festival. Domestic beers, cider, wine and Pepsi products will also be available.

Shop: Meander through the festival's 166 shops to find homemade crafts and unique goods.

Watch: The festival is home to over 100 action, music, comedy and acrobatic shows each day. A full schedule of events and performers can be found online at renfestival.com/schedule. Never been to the Ohio Renaissance Festival? Organizers say the Full Armored Joust, Cincinnati Barbarians, Theatre in the Ground and Kamikaze Fireflies are must-see events.

What should I wear?

Visitors are encouraged to dress up along with the weekend's theme, or however else you'd like. You can bring a weapon as part of your costume, such as a sword. However, it must be peace-tied into its sheath with a zip tie. Festival staff can tie your weapon for you at the entrance gate. No firearms are allowed.

Where can I park?

Parking at the festival grounds opens around 9:30 a.m. and is free this year.

Are dogs allowed?

No pets are allowed into the Ohio Renaissance Festival, except for service animals.

What is the festival's COVID-19 policy?

The festival operates under current state and local COVID-19 protocols, its website states. Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear masks and all visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing.

Do I need to bring cash?

Many of the vendors accept cards, but festival organizers recommend bringing cash just in case.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio Renaissance Festival returns in September: Tickets, dates