8-27-2025 8:46am

49th Year Of

Huzzah! Maryland Renaissance Festival Opens

Hear ye, noble citizens of Maryland and beyond! The gates of Revel Grove swung open once more for merriment, mischief, and medieval mayhem—but only for those wise enough to secure their passage before it’s too late.

Tickets for the 2025 Maryland Renaissance Festival are officially on sale, and seasoned festivalgoers know one truth above all: It doth sell out. With record-breaking crowds in recent years and October weekends especially popular, early ticket purchase is your best defense against disappointment.

Held in the enchanted village of Revel Grove—nestled just outside of Annapolis—the Ren Fest launched its 49th season on August 23. This year’s tale, A Bride for the King, 1539, continues the dramatic saga of King Henry VIII as he searches for his next queen. But fear not if ye be not a Tudor historian—the fairgrounds are filled with enough food, frolic, jousting, jesters, and handcrafted treasures to delight commoner and courtier alike.

For the truly devoted, multi-day passes (valid for 4, 7, or 19 days) and single-day tickets are now available—but they are date-specific, non-transferable, and often disappear faster than a turkey leg at high noon. Buy early or risk being left outside the village gates!

As always, more than 200 performers will roam the streets and stages, 140 artisans will showcase their wares, and hearty fare will flow from over 40 food and drink vendors. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on select weekends through October 19, with special themed days throughout the season—including Celtic celebrations, Senior Day, and spooky October revels.

Bring thy coin (cash is still king for many a merchant and all the tavern games), and prepare for a day of revelry that’s as timeless as it is unforgettable.

So whether thou be peasant, pirate, or pompous lord, don’t delay. Secure thy tickets now—and let the feast, frolic, and falconry commence. Huzzah!

THE 2025 MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

1539: HENRY’S YEAR OF CHANGE
(STORY LINE)

Unique among most festivals, including renaissance festivals, the Maryland Renaissance Festival utilizes a story line and progresses each year forward in the timeline of Henry VIII, through all his reign and all six of his wives. This season the year is 1539, and as ever, the King’s love life is the source of gossip.

King Henry VIII and some of his most trusted courtiers arrive in Revel Grove to meet with artist Hans Holbein. The artist has been tasked with painting portraits of some of the most eligible ladies in Europe. If one of the women catches the king's eye, she could be the next Queen of England!

The Royal Intrigue is just one aspect of the Maryland Renaissance Festival, set in the Village of Revel Grove where visitors can find all manner of amusement, feasting and shops galore. More than 200 performers fill ten stages and taverns as well as the streets of the village with continuous entertainment. A three thousand seat jousting arena host authentic combat joust thrice daily as well as other large exhibitions. More than 140 merchants fill their shops with their predominately handcrafted wares by the artisan in the shop, as well as various demonstrating shops creating treasures before your eyes. Forty-two food and beverage emporiums and five taverns create a feast throughout the village to sate your appetite and quench your thirst.

Special admission pricing reduces tickets for all customers the first three weekends from August 23rd through September 7th. No coupons or special purchases required. The remaining six weekends from September 13th through October 19TH are peak season with full price admission in effect. Visit www.rennfest.com for full information on tickets, special event information, scheduling and all your event planning needs.