2022 Maryland Renaissance Festival Now Open In Crownsville

This story originally appeared on Annapolis Patch, but is brought to you because it is of statewide interest. 

CROWNSVILLE, MD — The 2022 Maryland Renaissance Festival is here. The Crownsville festival opened its 46th season on Saturday. The nine-week event will run Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday through Oct. 23.

The festival takes place at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, located at 1821 Crownsville Road. The 27-acre site, known as the Village of Revel Grove, will feature more than 200 professional performers on 10 stages.

Visitors can watch armored jousters in a 3,000-seat arena. The theatrical performances and comedy sword fighting are additional highlights. Other entertainers will include magicians, musicians, jugglers, knife throwers and stunt performers.

Guests can browse more than 140 artisan vendors, including metal workers, wood sculptors, jewelers and glassblowers. Several shops specialize in furniture, clothing, footwear, ceramics, stained glass and headwear.

Festivalgoers can sip ales, ciders and wines at five taverns. Another 42 eateries will serve classic dishes like one-pound turkey legs, gyros and ribs. Steak, stuffed chili peppers and raw seafood will also be available.

Ticket/Admissions

The festival is open Saturdays and Sundays through October 23. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ticket prices: The first three weekends have reduced pricing, with adult entrance costing $24. The adult price jumps to $30 during peak season, which starts Sept. 17. Planners said the prices are still among the lowest of any renaissance festival in the country.

Tickets are only available online. Organizers reminded visitors to bring cash to spend on the festival grounds.

COVID Precautions

Masks are recommended because the grounds can be crowded.

While guests and employees are not required to wear masks outdoors, consistent with CDC guidance, organizers recommend masks at all times, including while outdoors, for those unvaccinated.

Independently owned shops and attractions may establish their own mask and capacity requirements that must be followed.

Directions/Parking

The Maryland Renaissance Festival is located at: 1821 Crownsville Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401. You can find more information about how to get to the festival by visiting its website. Driving directions from Washington D.C., Baltimore, Eastern Shore/Annapolis, Southern Maryland (St Mary's and Waldorf areas), Dahlgren, VA, Frederick/Western MD, and from New York/New Jersey/Harford County (MD) are all posted online.

To avoid traffic and waiting to park, organizers suggesting arriving early in the morning. Peak traffic hours coming in are from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and leaving between 6:30 p.m. and closing.

Gate Restrictions On Weapons, Toys

No weapons (blades, firearms, explosives) are allowed on festival grounds. While artisans at the festival sell real weaponry, those items may not be brandished on the grounds, the event website says. Any weapons purchased within the festival grounds must remain within the original packaging when purchased.

Obvious toy weapons are limited based on the discretion of the festival security staff. If the prop weapon looks realistic to their real weaponry counterparts, it must be returned to your vehicle. Toy weapons permitted are the wooden swords sold at the festival (with the exception of Hollow Earth weaponry, those are classified as a training weapons), foam weapons, and Nerf toys.

Pets, Food And More

• Attendees may bring in one sealed water bottle per person through the main gate. All other beverages are not allowed. The festival offers a wide selection of both beverages (Nonalcoholic and Alcoholic) and foods.
• Pets are not allowed on the grounds, with the exception of trained and legally identified service working animals.
• Smoking is allowed only in designated areas.

Tickets and more information are available at rennfest.com.