2024 MICHIGAN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Vikings invade Detroit as these Nordic warriors converge on the medieval Village of Hollygrove in suburban Oakland County for this year's Michigan Renaissance Festival over the Labor Day weekend. On Saturday August 31, Sunday September 1 and Monday September 2. Watch brave warriors clash in wild Whisker Wars, be dazzled by the Tattoo Competition, check out a Viking encampment and of course you won't want to miss out on my favorite part of this annual event, the day's jousts. It’s a weekend where history meets heart-pounding fun!

Can't make it to the Renaissance Festival this weekend for the Viking Invasion? There is still time to engage in the merriment with four more themed weekends of fun:  Wonders of the World (Sept 7 - 8), Shamrocks and Shenanigans (Sept 14 - 15), Harvest Huzzah (Sept 21 - 22) and Sweet Endings (Sept 28 - 29). Click here to check out the entertainment options scheduled for each weekend's festivities. 

Tickets

Tickets per day, per person are $23.95 for adults (13+) and $13.95 for children when purchased online or $26.95 / $16.95 when purchased onsite. There is also a Senior Discount for onsite ticket purchases (65+) of $24.95. You can also purchase tickets in advance of attending the show at Kroger, Mendards and Walgreens for the adult/children online price ($3 off the gate price).

Parking

Please note there is a $15 per day / per vehicle parking pass required to park at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Payment can be made in advance online or via QR code that is present upon arrival. With the event's parking system, you'll need to enter your license plate number to obtain a parking voucher. Online parking vouchers are available for purchase until Friday night at 11 PM each week. After that, online sales close. If you don’t purchase a voucher online in time, you can buy one on-site on the day of your visit by scanning a QR code upon arrival.

How to Get to The Festival 

Northbound: Follow I-75 S to Holly Rd in Grand Blanc Township. Take exit 108 from I-75 S, Take E Baldwin Rd and Dixie Hwy to the grounds. 

Southbound: Follow I-75 N to Dixie Hwy in Springfield Township. Take exit 93 from I-75 N, Follow Dixie Hwy to the grounds.

Hours for the event are 9am - 7pm / Rain or Shine. Treat your group to an unparalleled outing filled with adventure and excitement. Traverse the winding paths of a meticulously reconstructed 16th century village, explore over 80 artisanal shoppes showcasing one-of-a-kind crafts and delectable food options, partake in skillful games and take part in an assortment of human-powered rides. Be regaled by the countless costumed characters who entertain with daily performances. For more information, visit michrenfest.com

VALENTINES DAY DINNERS IN HEATED IGLOOS

Looking for something out of the ordinary to do this Valentine's Day? Enjoy a romantic dinner with someone special in a heated igloo on the grounds of the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Experience a sumptuous feast under the stars with their $200 per couple Valentine's Day dinner package which includes:

• Exclusive dining experience of a four-course meal in a heated igloos; 
• Complimentary bottle of Champagne (non-alcoholic beverages also available); 
• Two commemorative glasses for keepsake; 
•  A special gift for you and your loved one.

To view the menu and make reservations for your romantic rendezvous, click here. 

Dinner reservations are from 6 to 8 pm on the following dates: 

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 9th, 10th & 11th; Tuesday and Wednesday, February 13th & 14th; Friday and Saturday, February 16th & 17th.

HOLLY DAZZLE 2023

Enjoy a Renaissance Christmas at this year's HOLLY DAZZLE taking place on weekends from November 24 - December 31 this year. Tis the season for lights, love and laughter at the fairgrounds of the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Bring the family out to enjoy a synchronized holiday light show and pictures with Santa or reserve a romantic dinner in a heated chalet for a more intimate date night. Visit michrenfest.com for more information on the HOLLY DAZZLE festivities.

Admission is $21.95 per adult, $8.95 per child or $21.95 for an Elf Package (1 Adult, 1 Child). The event takes place November 24, 25, 26 and December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, & 31. Event hours are 5pm -10pm except on Sundays which end at 9pm. HollyDazzle takes place on the Michigan Renaissance Festival Hollygrove fair grounds at 12600 Dixie Hwy. Holly, MI 48442.

HOLLYDAZZLE PROVIDES CHRISTMAS MERRIMENT

Christmas festivities will be returning again to the Michigan Renaissance Festival's Hollygrove fair grounds this November and December. HollyDazzle provides Christmas festivities including a light show where there are free gift bags for everyone, Sing-along Karaoke, Photos with Live Santa, Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt, Crafts for Kids, over 1 million twinkling lights and more. 

HollyDazzle is a Renaissance Christmas that has food and fun for everyone! Admission is $21.95 per adult, $8.95 per child or $21.95 for an Elf Package (1 Adult, 1 Child). The event takes place November 24, 25, 26 and December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, & 31. Event hours are 5pm -10pm except on Sundays which end at 9pm. HollyDazzle takes place on the Michigan Renaissance Festival Hollygrove fair grounds at 12600 Dixie Hwy. Holly, MI 48442.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit michrenfest.com

PHANTOMS'S FEAST AT HOLLYGROVE

The Michigan Renaissance Festival may be over but there are still several seasonal activities taking place at its Hollygrove medieval fairgrounds through the end of the year. First off during weekends through the end of October in celebration of Halloween will be a Phantom's Feast held within the Michigan Renaissance Festival's Blackstone Castle. This event takes place on October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 starting at 7pm. Buy tickets in advance at michrenfest.com. 

Join the Pumpkin King and his Court for a delectable five course meal starting with warming pumpkin soup and a main course of Beef Tenderloin. Enjoy song & dance, costume contests and wicked amusements for all to share. It’s the season of the witch, so beware!

Tickets for Phantom's Feast are $90 per person. Blackstone Castle is located on the Hollygrove fair grounds in Metro Detroit's Oakland County at 12600 Dixie Hwy Holly, MI 48442. Get into the Halloween spirit with this festive night out feasting with the Pumpkin King and his Court.

Following the Phantom's Feast, Hollygrove will come alive with holiday magic with the Michigan Renaissance Festival's annual HollyDazzle Christmas celebration that takes place in November and December. So, while the jousting may be done for the year there is still fun to be had during the remainder of 2023 at the Hollygrove fair grounds.

FESTIVITIES RETURN TO HOLLYGROVE

Tickle Thy Fancy With A Great Day At The Michigan Renaissance Festival! 

Join the villagers of Hollygrove as they invite one and all to the magical 16th Century European village featuring 17 stages of exciting entertainment including: musicians, magicians, jugglers and jousting. Over 100 artisans will fill the Festival marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted goods for a truly fabulous and endless shopping experience. Patrons will interact with memorable characters and enjoy full-contact live armored jousting, 7 theme weekends, and fabulous food fit for royalty! 

Discover NEW adventures this season! 

• All new Mermaid Cove 
• Aerial Silks 
• Speakeasy 
• Brunch at the Joust
• House of Dragons

Get your tickets today!  

TICKETS: https://www.michrenfest.com/tickets/ 

2023 • Weekends • Saturdays & Sundays • 10a - 7pm 

▪ Aug. 19 - Oct. 1 

• Labor Day Mon., Sept. 4 

▪ Festival Fri., Sept. 29 

▪ Rain or Shine 

▪ Location: 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly, MI 48442

MICHIGAN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL PREVIEW PARTY

Soon the grounds of the Michigan Renaissance Festival will be filled with the sounds of merriment and ruckus as its 2022 season commences. This year's Mich Ren Fest takes place on weekends from August 20 through October 2. I appreciate being invited to the medieval village of Hollygrove for a preview party of this year's festivities at its Blackstone Castle.

The Michigan Renaissance Festival is known for its demonstrations of sword play and jousting, musical performances and feasts. We were treated to samples of all of these at this year's preview party. It was an entertaining evening with delicious food to enjoy. I was even knighted to Hollygrove's Order of Chivalry! 

For information on how you can join in on this year's activities, visit MichRenFest.com. This annual Metro Detroit event is located at 12600 Dixie Highway near Holly in northern Oakland County. I always enjoy spending an afternoon cheering on the participants of the jousting tournament while snacking on turkey legs and pickles. An exciting way to escape from reality for a day by traveling back in time to another era. Huzzah!

MICHIGAN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO HOLLYGROVE IN 2022

Huzzah! The Michigan Renaissance Festival is returning to the medieval village of Hollygrove for a season of jousting, feasting and merriment. Beginning August 20th there will be eight themed weekends of fun at the rustic fairgrounds located in northern Oakland County.

Hours are 10 am - 7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Festivities commence rain or shine. Parking is included with the price of admission. Visit michrenfest.com for ticket pricing and a schedule of event activities.

Pirates & Pups

Bring your dog & pirate pals for our Pirates & Pups weekend! This weekend will showcase pup rescue groups, pup training demonstrations & contests for dogs. Not only are there activities for your pups, but also for you!

Highland Fling

The Highland Games will have you cheering for your favorite athlete in this 8 series event. Championships on Saturday and State Masters on Sunday. Don’t forget to attend the Men in Kilts contest to see who can sport the best kilt.

Vikings Invasion

All barbarians are invited to participate in pillaging the village. This will be a weekend filled with competitive spirit and new experiences. Showcase your ink in their Tattoo Contest. Do you have an awesome beard or mustache to showcase, well enter a contest to win some great prizes!

Wonders of the World

This weekend will feature a world market and entertainment from around the globe. Also, all individuals and dance troupes are invited to the Michigan State Belly Dance Championship. If you don’t feel like competing, you can take a dance lesson.

Shamrocks & Shenanigans 

Visiting Hollygrove is like a trip to Ireland. Kick up your heels with traditional Irish music & dance. Got a Kilt? Enter the Men in Kilts contest to discover who can wear it best. This is the largest shenanigans party in Michigan!

Harvest Huzzah

Be on the lookout for interpreters for Deaf Awareness weekend, signs will be posted at the stages they will be featured at. Don’t forget to visit the Valley of Aberdare for the BBQ competition and just to get some good ole’ delicious food. There is also an Archery Competition, held in the parking lot outside the front gate entrance.

Sweet Endings

A beautiful ending to a fantastic season. This weekend will appease your sweet tooth.

HOLLY DAZZLE 2021

Don't miss out on the Christmas lights and holiday decor of the Michigan Renaissance Festival grounds. Make your reservations now and purchase tickets at MichRenFest.com. Tickets are $21.95 for adults (13+) and $7.95 for children ( 5 - 12). Kids 4 and under are FREE!

This is an outdoor walk-through event across unpaved path and uneven terrain. It takes place rain, snow or shine. Due to the pandemic, tickets are limited to 100 people per time slot so don't wait to reserve a spot and buy your tickets right now online. Who is up for a holiday hike through more than a dozen lighted Christmas scenes?! Hurrah for the holidays at the Mich Ren Fest! 

Holly Dazzle at the Michigan Renaissance Festival takes place in northern Oakland County just off I-75 at 12600 Dixie Hwy, Holly Michigan

MICHIGAN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

The Michigan Renaissance Festival is returning to the medieval themed village of Hollygrove which transports visitors back in time to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the later half of the 16th century. Merriment, jousting and feasting will take place each weekend from August 21 through October 3 on the Michigan Renaissance Festival faire grounds off Dixie Highway in northern Oakland County. Art thou ready for a good time?!

My family went to our first RenFest in 2019 and had a splendid time. We were bummed not to be able to go again last year. So we are geeked the Michigan Renaissance Festival is returning in 2021!

Here are the themes of each weekend for the 2021 Michigan Renaissance Festival:

AUG 21 - 22: PIRATES AND PUPS

Bring your dog & pirate pals for Pirates & Pups weekend! This weekend will showcase pup rescue groups, pup training demonstrations & contests for dogs. Not only are there activities for your pups, but also for you!

AUG 28 - 29: HIGHLAND FLING

The Highland Games will have you cheering for your favorite athlete in this 8 series event. Championships on Saturday and State Masters on Sunday. Don’t forget to attend the Men in Kilts contest to see who can sport the best kilt.

SEPT 4 - 6: VIKING INVASION

All barbarians are invited to participate in pillaging the village. This will be a weekend filled with competitive spirit and new experiences.  Do you have a awesome beard or mustache to showcase, well enter into this weekend's contest to win some great prizes!

SEPT 11 - 12: WONDERS OF THE WORLD

This weekend will feature a world market and entertainment from around the globe. Also all individuals and dance troupes are invited to the Michigan State Belly Dance Championship. If you don’t feel like competing, you can take a dance lesson or show off your steampunk attire.

SEPT 18 - 19: SHAMROCKS AND SHENANIGENS 

Transport yourseld to Ireland this weekend, where you can find local Irish vendors & fun for all ages. Kick up your heels with traditional Irish music & dance. Got a Kilt? Enter the Men in Kilts contest to discover who can wear it best. This is the largest shenanigans party in Michigan!

SEPT 25 - 26:  HARVEST HUZZAH

Be on the look out for interpreters for Deaf Awareness weekend, signs will be posted at the stages they will be featured at. Don’t forget to visit the Valley of Aberdare for the BBQ competition and just to get some good ole’ delicious food. Plus there is an Archery Competition held in the parking lot outside the front gate entrance.

OCT 2 - 3: SWEET ENDINGS

This weekend is destined to satisfy your sweet tooth. Stay for the fencing competition to see whose the best fencer in Michigan. There is something for everyone this weekend, so don’t miss out!

TICKETS:

Adult admission is $24.95 and children are $15.95 at the gate but there are discounted prices for tickets if you purchase them online in advance of your visit to Hollygrove at michrenfest.com. Parking is FREE! Have yourself a good ole time at the 2021 Michigan Renaissance Festival. Huzzah! 

A HAUNTING IN HOLLYGROVE

Normally during the summer and fall months the fairgrounds in rural Oakland County, Michigan known as Hollygrove which is home to the Michigan Renaissance Festival are filled with the sounds of merriment and music. It has been quiet this year though as the festivities were cancelled due to the pandemic. That was until recently when rumors started circling among local townsfolk of eerie sights and sounds emerging from Hollygrove after dark as Halloween approached. Whoa!

My inner Ghostbuster couldn't resist going to see if there were any spooky spirits haunting Hollygrove. If my family couldn't enjoy cheering on the jousters and laughing at the jesters at this year's Michigan Renaissance Festival, maybe we could have ourselves some Halloween fun in the Village of Hollygrove. So off we went looking for a terror-ific time!

From now through Halloween, adventure seekers can make their way through a 3/4 mile maze of illuminations and decorations trekking through the twists and turns of the Michigan Renaissance Festival grounds. Are you brave enough to walk these paths after dark when monsters may be lurking in the buildings and forest around you? If so a limited number of guided tour time slots are available on October 17-18, 22-25, and 29-31.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $17.95 for children (5-12 years old). Social distancing guidelines will be recommend and masks required during this primarily outdoor event. Time slots will be restricted to 40 people maximum. So make reservations and purchase tickets online at halloweeninholly.com in advance to make sure you get a chance to experience A Haunting in Hollygrove.

Thanks to the Michigan Renaissance Festival for inviting this dad blogger and his family out as their guests and letting us be some of the first people to experience this Halloween event. With us staying close to home for most of this year we needed to get out for an adventure. We had a spook-tacular good time!

MICHIGAN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL ON PARADE

No jest! We had ourselves a festive time last summer at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Comedy skits, musical performances, and knightly jousts provide for a carefree day living like royalty. And with the event's reliance on porta potties it really is like stepping back into medieval times.

 

Unfortunately with the pandemic this annual Metro Detroit event was cancelled ... or was it? Based upon popular demand a special social distancing format was put in place. Because with a diehard fanbase you can't keep a good Renaissance Festival down!

For the last few weeks, the Village of Hollygrove has been hosting a drive through festival. A limited number of cars each weekend can traverse the Renaissance Festival grounds partaking in food stations, perusing artistic vendors and enjoying the entertainment that has made this an iconic Michigan event. If you missed out on this, there is still a chance to participate. There is one more weekend to join in the fun!

For more information or to purchase tickets go to michiganrenfest.com. Don't miss out on the huzzah and cheers!

MICHIGAN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL 2019

A GEEK DADDY RECEIVED COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION TO THE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

It is that time of year again when the Michigan Renaissance Festival rides into town for its annual appearance. Adventure awaits during weekends filled with jousts, sword fights, and mythical creatures. On Saturdays and Sundays from August 17 through September 27, the festival grounds in Holly, Michigan are transformed into a realm filled with royal courts and knightly heroes, bandits and pirates, as well as bards, jesters and Shakespearean actors.  Join in the merriment and festivities of the 2019 Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Your adventure begins with a walk through a wooded path leading from the parking lot to the gates of the Renaissance era village of Hollygrove. As you begin your trek to the Renaissance Fest it starts off as a leisurely nature hike with no sign of modern life around you and the sound of birds and the wind whistling through tree leaves drifting in the air. Eventually the woods begins to fill with the sounds of festivities taking place as you emerge from the forest and come upon the gates to a realm of entertainment and excitement. Let your adventure begin!



Take in shows that include sword battles with comedic flair, dancing and musical performances and acrobatic feats. They even have a Birds of Prey presentation that provides audiences close up views of these raptors as trainers have them fly through the crowd. Stages with a variety of activities taking place throughout the day are spread out across the Renaissance village so there is always something going on as you wander around.

Discover mythical creatures with Pegasus, Mermaids, and Unicorns calling the Renaissance Festival home. We even came across some trolls that seemed friendly despite the menacing spiked teeth in their grins as they sang  ballads along side a path. Transform into a magical being yourself by having some wax ears affixed to your head turning you into an elf or fairy. If feeling a bit naughty you can choose to have horns placed on your forehead to show others that you are a little devil.

The Renaissance Fest is a family-friendly experience with activities dedicated specifically to keeping young lords and ladies amused. There are pony rides and carnival games just for the kids. Plus medieval thrill rides like the Flying Dragon!

My favorite part of the Michigan Renaissance Festival though are the live armored jousts. Knights in shiny suits of metal compete on horseback in games and jousting battles to be honored as the Queen's champion. The jousting tournaments are held three times per day at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Get into the spirit of the day by shouting out Huzzah! to rally the knight representing your seating section to victory.

They didn't have the sweets and treats of modern civilization during medieval times, so being that the Renaissance Fest is meant to transport you back in history this dad blogger snacked on some delicious pickles during the jousting tournament that vendors were selling. They were really good! I highly recommend you stop by one of the carts selling these on your way to the jousts.

Stick around after the jousting concludes because the knights will approach the crowd for pictures and to allow their horses to be petted. The cast of knights is great at staying in character and their boisterous attitudes are invigorating at getting people into a festive attitude. Interacting with the festival's cast of characters allows visitors whether or not they dress in cos-play to really immerse themselves within the Renaissance Festival experience.

Get into the action yourself trying out the weapons of the time. Give archery a shot! Show off your inner Robin Hood with a bow and arrow on the Michigan Renaissance Festival archery range.

Other options include throwing axes and spears at targets. While they weren't used in Europe during Renaissance times, you can also toss Ninja throwing stars there too. Be a weekend warrior shooting bows and arrows and throwing weapons at the Renaissance Festival.

Or you can Pester a Jester! Throw tomatoes at some obnoxious jesters while they hurl insults back at you. If you are easily offended you either need to walk away or have great aim because they jesters are really mean though their intent is to provide fun and amusement through rude repertoire.

Please note that there is limited use of credit cards at the festival, primarily accessible for select food vendors. Cash is king at the Renaissance Festival! So come prepared to have some spending money for activities and vendors as well as to provide tips to performers.

Oh yes! An adventure does await you at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Huzzah! For more information, go to MichRenFest.com.