Renaissance Festival returns for traditional May merrymaking in Williamson County
Middle Tennessee’s beloved month of merriment is returning this weekend with the 37th Annual Renaissance Festival, presented by Williamson County Parks & Recreation.
And, the event, operated last year for the first time by the parks department, has been tremendously enhanced for 2023, according to perhaps the festival’s toughest critics: originators Mike and Jackie Freeman.
"The site this year is incredible,” Mike Freeman said.
The Freemans, festival advisers for five years, still own the Castle Gwynn, though the county owns the 69-acre property. Observing last year for the first time in a consulting role since creating the festival in 1985, the Freemans praised the county parks department and Director Gordon Hampton.
Hampton, in turn, complimented his staff’s work on the Castle Park improvements, including wider, sealed pathways (less likely to wash away with rain); new street signs and landscaping; renovated stages and seating areas; and expanded picnic areas.
“Our staff has worked tremendously hard on upgrading facility amenities and adding new experiences and features to this time-honored, beloved event,” Hampton said.
What’s at the Renaissance Festival?
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival, which is open every weekend through May 29, is the annual recreation of a 16th century England village where a national collection of artisans display their wares, including jewels, silks, swords, and art. Also, heard on the festival grounds are Renaissance-era musicians. Perhaps the most popular event are the joust matches. And, a new event is “fairy training” for ages 5-10.
Entertainers include minstrels, jugglers, jesters, pirates, magicians, swashbuckling, sword swallowing, magic, comedians and musicians.
New this year are Dragon’s Breath glass-blowing demonstrations and The Lords of the Edge playing a unique, high-stakes version of chess involving human combatants.
There’s also the Pirate’s Stage to see Buckle & Swash tell funny pirate stories while sword fighting. The Bazaar Stage hosts musical and theatrical acts, including The Bardbarians and DaVinci Brothers. More acts will perform at the Trader’s Gate, Highland Manor, and Crosswind stages.
Castle Park is located at 2135 New Castle Road in Arrington.
What are the festival hours, dates, and ticket prices?
Festival dates: Every Saturday and Sunday in May (May 6-7, May 13-14, May 20- 21, May 27-28, and Memorial Day, May 29).
Festival hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Daily general admission tickets: $25-$35 per adult; $10-$15 for children ages 6-12; and free for children ages 5 and younger.
Festival pass: $100 for admission on all nine days of the event (online only).
Ambassador pass: $135 for admission on all nine days of the event and includes special parking, a tent with private portlets, a commemorative pin, and some exclusive offers from participating vendors. (online only).
More information: For detailed information on this year’s festival, go online to www.tnrenfest.com.
More: Williamson County may soon own the Tennessee Renaissance Festival
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Renaissance Festival returns for traditional May merrymaking in Williamson County
