Maryland Renaissance Festival
Is dressing up and being transported to another era right up your alley? Then the Maryland Renaissance Festival is a must-visit on your next RV trip.
Event information
What is the Maryland Renaissance Festival?
The Maryland Renaissance Festival, affectionately known as Rennfest, is a themed fair that takes place in Crownsville, Maryland, every year. It stands as the second-largest event of its kind in the country. The venue covers over 27 acres and is converted into a fictional village called Revel Grove for the fair, instantly transporting visitors to the 16th century when they enter the grounds.
The fair initially featured an Elizabethan era theme, but now centers on the court of Henry VIII of England. The storyline changes from year to year to keep the event fresh for regular patrons as well as first-time attendees, always inspired by important events that marked Henry VIII's reign and the historical figures who played roles in his life.
Acclaimed actors take on the roles of Henry VIII and members of his court, performing stage shows throughout the event in multiple theaters and smaller stages at various points. In addition to performances, the venue hosts over 100 shops selling handmade goods. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides and jousting matches that take place in a large tournament field, along with plenty of delicious food to explore.
For those planning to explore the festival with an RV, discover Annapolis RV rentals perfect for your festival adventure, or consider our selection of Crownsville RV rentals just minutes from the festival grounds. Baltimore RV rentals and Washington, DC RV rentals also provide excellent options for reaching the festival within 30-45 minutes.
When and Where is the Maryland Renaissance Festival Held?
- Dates: August to October, every year
- Location: 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
- Hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (all festival days)
- Attendance: Over 50,000 visitors annually across nine weekends
The festival is located in Crownsville, about eight miles from Annapolis in Anne Arundel County. The venue sits right on Crownsville Road and can be easily found using GPS navigation on your phone or by following detailed directions provided on the official festival website.
Tickets
How Much Does the Maryland Renaissance Festival Cost?
You can choose from single-day passes, multi-day passes, and season passes. Pricing varies by date, with early-season weekends typically offering lower rates than peak fall weekends.
Ticket Options:
- Adult tickets (Ages 16-61)
- Senior tickets (Ages 62+)
- Children's tickets (Ages 7-15)
- Children 6 and under are free and do not require a ticket
- Season Pass for all nine weekends
- 9-Day Pass
- 6-Day Pass
- Weekend Pass (not available for the first three weekends)
You can purchase passes online in advance for better pricing—ticket sales have traditionally begun with multi-day tickets offered the first business day after July 4th and single-day tickets the first business day after July 31st. Group rates (20+ people) are available by calling 410-266-7304 Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Check out the Maryland Renaissance Festival website for updated pricing information, as tickets always sell out.
Explore Maryland Renaissance Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The fair takes place at 1821 Crownsville Road in Crownsville, located in the southeastern part of Anne Arundel County. You can reach the venue via several routes, depending on your starting point:
From Washington, DC/Capital Beltway (I-495): Take exit 19A to Route 50 East (John Hanson Highway). Take Exit 22 just before Annapolis and exit right onto Riva Road. Follow the second light and turn right on Harry Truman Blvd. Follow 2 miles to the end and turn right onto South Haven Road. Proceed north across Route 450 onto Crownsville Road (you'll see a convenience store at the intersection). Proceed 1/2 mile, and the festival is on the right.
From Baltimore: Head south on I-97 toward Annapolis, then follow signs to Route 50 East and proceed as above.
Call 511 or check the event's social media accounts to see if any road alerts have been issued in Anne Arundel County or surrounding areas before your visit.
Parking areas
Plenty of free parking spots are available at the Rennfest fairgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis. Festival staff will be on hand to guide you to parking areas. Patrons with disabilities have access to ADA parking spots located next to the Main Gate—when entering the parking lot, follow signs to the designated handicapped parking area.
While RV parking at the festival grounds is available for day visits, overnight camping is not permitted at Sunset Park. You'll want to set up your rig at one of the excellent RV parks or campsites nearby (detailed below) and drive to the festival each day.
Public Transportation
There are no public buses or trains that will get you directly to the venue. However, campgrounds and businesses in the area often organize paid shuttles to the site on festival days. It's a good idea to park your rig at your campsite and use this service to travel to the fair if it fits your timeframe.
Where to stay
Onsite
RV camping is not available on-site at the Maryland Renaissance Festival grounds. However, Maryland offers abundant camping opportunities throughout the Baltimore-Annapolis region, making it easy to find a comfortable base near Crownsville.
Nearby
Thanks to the area's popularity with tourists and its proximity to Washington DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis, you'll find excellent RV camping options for every budget within a 10-25-mile radius of the festival venue.
Featured campgrounds near the Maryland Renaissance Festival:
Washington, DC / Capitol KOA Holiday (Millersville, MD) — Nestled on 50 acres of rolling countryside on the edge of Millersville, this premier campground sits just minutes from the nation's capital and approximately 15 miles from the festival grounds. The KOA accommodates big rigs up to 90 feet in length, with complimentary Wi-Fi, 30 or 50 amp electrical connections, and full hookups. Daily shuttles depart directly from the RV park into Washington, DC, between May 1st and Labor Day, with options for guided sightseeing tours. This family-friendly resort features a jumping pillow, basketball courts, a seasonal swimming pool, and themed activities.
Greenbelt Campground(Greenbelt, MD) — An urban oasis just 12 miles from Washington, DC, and approximately 20 miles from Crownsville, this beautiful, wooded National Park Service campground is known for its safety, affordability, and peaceful surroundings. Greenbelt Campground offers a tranquil retreat with National Park Service hospitality while keeping you close to both the festival and major attractions.
Tuckahoe Campground (Tuckahoe State Park, MD) — An excellent option for those wanting to combine festival attendance with Chesapeake Bay exploration. This RV park is situated at Tuckahoe State Park and features numerous hiking trails through the woodlands surrounding the campground. The park is pet-friendly, and Tuckahoe Lake offers popular kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. This rustic camping area provides a basic, authentic Maryland wilderness experience.
Elk Neck Campground (Elkton, MD) — Located in pristine natural settings near Elkton, this campground offers RV camping the way it was intended—no elaborate amenities, no large crowds. The RV park is separated into several loops, with all campsites featuring picnic tables and fire rings with grills. Each loop has a bathhouse with hot water and showers. Sites range from full hookups to water and electric hookups to primitive sites with no hookups.
It's advisable to book a campsite in advance, especially during the festival season (late August through October), though Las Vegas has no shortage of RV parks and resorts. Be sure to pick up supplies and fill your tanks in Annapolis or nearby towns before heading to your campsite for the night.
Getting around
You're likely to be on your feet all day at the festival, so be sure to wear comfortable flat shoes. If you're traveling with children, taking a stroller is recommended. There are wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout the grounds, though the terrain is a natural forest setting with mulch, stone, and soil ground cover, plus hills. Some parts can be challenging to navigate, especially if it rains. Festival organizers recommend motorized or sport-style wheelchairs rather than hospital-style manual wheelchairs.
What to pack
Clothing
Get into the spirit of the fair by dressing as a historical character or in a costume of your choice. Many visitors embrace full Renaissance attire, while others keep things comfortable and casual in shorts and a t-shirt. Costumes can also be rented at a booth near the entrance, though these must be returned at the end of each day.
Weapons like swords and knives that are part of your costume are permitted, but they must be sheathed and peace-tied. Since the Maryland Rennfest takes place from late August through October, you may want warmer attire for cooler fall days and evenings at your campsite.
Gear
Be sure to carry a valid ID along with your ticket. Other essentials include sunscreen, a hat, a lightweight blanket or low-backed chair for stage shows, and a water bottle. Some vendors don't accept cards, so taking a small amount of cash is a good idea. ATMs will be available onsite, but lines may be extended on festival days.
If you're traveling with kids, wet wipes and hand sanitizer can come in handy. Consider packing a small bag or backpack with portable chargers and sunglasses for sunny days.
Health & Safety
Make sure the first aid kit in your RV is well-stocked and up to date before starting your trip. This way, you can be self-sufficient and prepared for any minor emergencies. The fairgrounds will be crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings and make sure children are supervised at all times.
Where to eat
Cooking
No RV camping experience is complete without cooking up your favorite meals and snacks by the fire. Most campgrounds and RV parks in the area allow campfires, though it's advisable to check RV camping rules by talking to the campground manager before lighting up the kindling. Firewood and other basic supplies may be available at your campground, but you may need to drive to Annapolis or nearby towns for other items.
Restaurants
Be sure to check out some of the quaint restaurants and cafes in Crownsville and the surrounding areas. The Baltimore-Annapolis corridor offers delicious Cajun, Creole, Japanese, Italian, and Indian food to try. If you're short on time, grab a quick slice at one of many pizza joints. You can always head to nearby Annapolis (8 miles) or Baltimore (25 miles) for more dining options within a 30-minute drive.
Vendors
Food and beverage vendors will be set up throughout the grounds. Don't miss fair favorites like turkey legs, corn dogs, corn on the cob, and chocolate-covered bananas. There will also be yummy beverages like root beer floats and lemon slushies for guests to enjoy. Alcoholic drinks, including honey wine, classic mead, and authentic English ales and beers, will be available for patrons above the age of 21.
Safety
Security
Bag checks will be conducted at the entrances. Some toy weapon styles have been allowed in past years—be sure to check regulations related to any weapons that accompany your costume, as these may be allowed only after they're cleared by security staff. Weapons purchased on the grounds must be kept in their packaging until you exit. Smoking is not allowed except in designated areas within the grounds.
Security personnel will be present on site during the festival's operating hours, conducting bag checks at entrances and patrolling the grounds. Avoid wearing or carrying valuable items since the grounds are likely to be crowded. Secure these in your vehicle or, better yet, leave them at your campsite.
Weather
While the weather is typically pleasant during late summer and fall, rain may grace the Maryland Renaissance Festival at some point during the season. October in Maryland typically brings ideal festival weather, with daytime highs around 65-75°F and cool evenings near 45-55°F. Dress in layers and bring warmer clothing for evening campsite activities. It's advisable to check the event's social media pages for weather updates as you plan your departure.
A little rain isn't likely to affect the proceedings, but the fair may be closed if weather turns severe.
Medical
There will be a first aid center on site, staffed with trained EMTs. Here you can find medical information as well as accessibility support. If you need help, head to the first aid center or approach the closest staff member. Bathroom facilities with nursing stations are available throughout the venue. Pharmacy options are available with several choices in Annapolis.
