Michigan Renaissance Festival
Michigan Renaissance Festival recreates the drama of the 16th century. The perfect destination for RV campers looking out for unlimited adventures.
Event information
The Michigan Renaissance Festival is a well-known renaissance fair held post-summer in the Village of Holly, Michigan. The primary attraction of the event is a fictional 16th century English village called “Hollygrove” inhabited by Vikings, noblemen, clergy, pirates, and of course, wizards. You could join a group of your choosing and be a part of the historical setting with a nice period costume.
The event is ideal for RV campers who’d like to experience the life and times of the medieval era while camping by a beautiful lakeside setting in the region. The middle ages simply couldn’t get more lifelike, and funnier, than at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Get inside one of the renaissance shops or rest for a while in the tavern. Behold the beauty of the magnificent castle, as you will be continuously amazed in Hollygrove.
You’ll witness breathtaking sword fighting shows, juggling shows, stage acts, and games for people of all ages. The festival has quite a rich history itself and first began in the year 1979, steadily expanding to the present 312-acre campus that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
Apart from the medieval-themed shows and acts, you will also have the opportunity to savor mouth-watering delicacies and try new cuisines. New foods are regularly introduced in the festival menu, and you’ll find everything from the Royal Kitchen’s gourmet preparations to the hungry pirate’s favorite. In a nutshell, Michigan Renaissance Festival is a must-visit for every RenFest lover out there.
Tickets
Tickets to the Michigan Renaissance Festival are priced depending upon the entry duration and the age of the individual. The prices for kids passes vary between $10 to $90 while the adult passes cost anywhere from $24 to $100. Bringing your furry pal along to the medieval era too? No worries! All you need is the dog ticket (yes, the festival only allows dogs on the ground). Remember to carry your pet’s vaccination card. Please visit the Michigan Renaissance Festival website to know the current ticket pricing.
Explore Michigan Renaissance Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Michigan Renaissance Festival is held on the Dixie Hwy. in the Village of Holly in Michigan. It is close to the Seven Lakes State Park, and there are lots of beautiful destinations in the vicinity of the village. The event site is about 15 miles from Flint and 55 miles from Detroit. Don't forget to check the current road and traffic conditions with the Michigan Department of Transportation before you leave.
Parking areas
Michigan Renaissance Festival provides free parking facilities to all guests. Differently-abled guests will also find handicap accessible parking at the festival site. The management also maintains a separate parking space for motorcycles. Guests can leave and re-enter the park on the same day but may want to check for re-entry procedures before leaving.
Public Transportation
Some private bus services operate in the region, but public transit options may become limited as you near the Holly area. If you’re RV camping at a site located some distance away from the festival venue, you may find a few local options for the Village of Holly, Holly Township, and the nearby areas related to the festival events.
Where to stay
Onsite
Michigan Renaissance Festival does not provide onsite campground options. It is thus best to choose a camping site close to the festival and then drive or carpool to the venue. One of the best things about the festival is its proximity to the Seven Lakes State Park which has numerous campsites including full-service RV campgrounds.
Nearby
Wondering where to stay with an RV? When it comes to camping, you’ll find several options to choose from in the Holly area. There are numerous RV campgrounds in the vicinity of Groveland Oaks County Park. It is always best to arrive with your water tank full and RV shelves well stocked as some locations may only offer primitive RV camping facilities. Choosing your site or campground in advance may be preferable during festival dates.
Getting around
Michigan Renaissance Festival is all about celebrating the great outdoors in medieval style, and you’ll be walking (and running) around in the outdoor settings during your visit. Do not forget to pack in a comfortable pair of shoes. In a festival as expansive in scale as MIRF, your feet need to be happy at all times for you to enjoy your trip through time.
What to pack
Clothing
Pack for late summer and early fall conditions to make the most of your Michigan Renaissance Festival experience. Shows and performances are expected to continue rain or shine, so toss some rain gear into your Sprinter or Class A. The temperature can quickly soar high so do not forget to carry your sunglasses, scarves, and hats.
Gear
The Michigan Renaissance Festival encourages guests to indulge in photography, but the commercial use of photos and videos requires prior consent from the management. If you plan to carry professional photography equipment to the village, it’s best to seek approval from the festival staff first. Be ready for the day with a hidden pocket in your costume for modern-looking items that you may need for a comfortable visit.
Health & Safety
The festival prohibits underage drinking and requires guests to carry an acceptable government-issued proof of age. Michigan Renaissance Festival does not allow outside alcohol within the festival premises. Remember to bring a bottle of water with you at all times to stay hydrated and beat the heat in August and September.
Where to eat
Cooking
The festival does not permit cooking within the premises, but you’ll never miss food fun with several gourmet options to choose from within the village confines. Enjoy cooking a full meal at your campsite with items from your camper's kitchen or by fireside if your location allows. Replenish your supplies within a 30-minute drive or check if the Holly Farmers Market will be available during your visit.
Restaurants
If you’d prefer a quiet meal or snack away from the hustle and bustle of the medieval times, you’ll be delighted by the restaurants and cafes tucked away in the quaint Holly village. The options are once again, as diverse and unique as those inside the festival venue, and you can expect everything from Chinese to Mexican cuisines.
Vendors
Michigan Renaissance Festival features a number of different vendors and renaissance shops. The festival menu is bursting with food options, so be ready to encounter your new favorites. You’ll find great souvenirs and gifts to pick up during your visit. In fact, the fest organizes shopping days with select occasions. With discount tickets to mark these events, guests can indulge in endless shopping and wine tasting adventures. While most vendors will accept credit and debit cards, keeping some cash at hand is also a good idea.
Safety
Security
The festival maintains a lost and found location which can be contacted when needed. Guests can carry medieval- style weapons such as daggers and swords as long as they are sheathed without exposing the sharp blades according to regulations. The use of firearms is prohibited. Guests are advised to contact the festival security team to report any objectionable incidents or behavior.
Weather
Michigan Renaissance Festival is held during August and September when it is usually comfortably warm in Holly. Remember to carry your rain gear so you’re ready to enjoy your favorite shows even if the heavens decide to join in the fun with some wet weather. Sunscreen and insect repellant are also items not to leave behind as you’ll be spending time outdoors during much of your visit.
Medical
It is best to get in touch with the closest festival volunteer or staff member in the event of any medical emergency as this is usually the fastest way to get help. The festival staff can arrange an electronic wheelchair at an additional cost on a first-come, first-served basis. The venue has handicap-accessible portable toilets and allows motorized wheelchairs to be used in the fair village. The festival also accommodates the hearing impaired with special sign language weekends during which interpreters are stationed on select stages and performance areas.
