Visiting Michigan's Renaissance Festival

Michigan's Renaissance Festival is an annual event held in Holly, Michigan. It was started in 1979 and is held every weekend From Mid-August to the first weekend in October. Whether you enjoy the 16th century time period or not, it is an experience to be had. From the moment you walk through the entrance, you feel like you have traveled back in time to the Renaissance period. Everyone is dressed in period costumes, some are very elaborate, and you will hear the dialect of the times being spoken. Many of the visitors also participate by dressing up.

The 17 acre site is even complete with buildings that are there to house the various events that take place each year. This is not a moving festival, but a permanent one that is held each year. The buildings are beautiful, intricate, and amazing to look at.

This is not just a place for adults. There are many things available for the kids. In fact it is a very family friendly event. There is a section that has a children's stage for various kids shows, a playground area, and a craft area for kids to create. They hold tea parties for kids and there is even a petting zoo.

There are so many things to see and do at The Renaissance Festival that you will be sure to need at least an entire day there. Every weekend there are standard activities to participate in. There are shows on each of the sixteen stages or fields, parades, jousting events, and more. There are also special themed events held each weekend. Examples of this include Beer Fest, Italian Fest, Harvest Fest, and Sweet endings. With each of these themed weekends there are special activities that are held such as pie eating contests, beer tasting, contests or special dinners.

Some of the activities are free and others cost money. Any rides that you want to go on are extra. There are also many shops that sell beautiful and unusual items. Some of the things that are sold are jewelery, costumes, perfumes and incense, toys and games from the period, and other little interesting trinkets.

Free events include watching jousting events, the parade, and most of the staged events. Often times the performers will ask for a donation but it is up to you to give or not. We were only there for a few hours due to the exhaustion of the kids and we hardly got through everything.

There are many restaurants and pubs that serve food and beverages. The drinks ranges from beer or ale to pop (soda) and wine. The food is very unique and fits the time period with giant turkey legs and soup or stew in a bread basket. Of course there are modern day foods as well if these are not to your liking. In any case, the food is delicious and fun!

The hours for the festival are weekends from 10am-7pm. Getting there is easy. The festival is located on 17 acres of land in Holly, Michigan off of I-75. Simply take exit 106, Grand Blanc and follow the signs. There is usually police directing traffic to make the experience a little smoother. Parking is free.

If you live in Michigan or are visiting the area, plan to attend this fantastic event. If you go just after it has rained, be prepared with boots. The grounds are dirt and grass so it will be muddy. Also, remember that there is a lot of walking involved. If you have small children, you may want to bring a stroller. But most of all, have fun! It is a great time for the whole family!