The Ohio Renaissance Festival Mug Archive

For the thirty-fifth anniversary of ORF, we were inspired by the traditional gift of coral to make this stunning teal mermaid mug. Cast as devilish omens and friendly rescuers alike, these mysterious sea maidens have been a part of medieval and renaissance lore for centuries. Her coral tiara stands as a protective charm, symbolizing a long life and safety while her pearls are a symbol of purity and beauty. The lighthouse stands as ally or as opposition, perhaps leading ships to safety or trying to warn them of the mermaids dire storm.

A lovely mermaid wearing pearls and a coral crown leans on a shell, the thick ocean spray and salt kissed winds tussling her long hair. A lighthouse in the distance shines its beacon, guiding lost sailors safely to port. They are wreathed by a hemp rope with the Ohio Renaissance logo and the year 2024 inside the shell.

From the 11^th century tale of a valiant knight defeating a terrible dragon comes the 2023 ORF mug. True to the legend, St. George stands as a bastion of the miraculous, a single knight defeating a great and tyrannical dragon. The titular knight is our symbol of good, our stalwart hero returning again and again without fail to destroy evil. The dragon – as he was in history – is no friend to humanity, representing greed, destruction, and chaos. With steed and lance St. George bests the villain, the oak leaves around the border symbolizing endurance and ancient wisdom.

A strong knight on horseback draped with livery wields a lance. As the steed rears, the knight thrusts his lance down into the flesh of a great serpent coiled about the ground and poised to strike. The dragon’s mouth is wide open, in a display of arrogance even as the tip of the lance pierces the inside of his maw. The pair is surrounded by a stylized border with oak leaves at the top, the Ohio Renaissance logo at the bottom with the year 2023 in St. George’s flag at the top.

For many of our patrons and friends, the gates of the Ohio Renaissance Festival stand as a welcome reminder that they are almost home. A chance to leave behind the mundane for a few short hours and embrace the magic that awaits them. They are a stage for our cast, a dais for our queen, and a portal between worlds. In this mug, the gates are flanked by roses, symbolizing the love of faire and a return to its revelry.

A stylized rendition of the ORF gates is emblazoned above two large roses next to the Ohio Renaissance Festival logo. Between the two tower roofs lies the year 2022. The image is surrounded by a shield shaped border.

After the difficult year that was 2020, many faires and festivals had trouble recovering. Most were at severely reduced capacity while others couldn’t open at all. When the 2021 season arrived, none of us knew how it would go. The general consensus from the community was wait and see. What we saw was a rebirth. Festivals across the country reported record breaking attendance and enthusiastic participation from people who wanted to have adventures again. In this way, the proud inferno of a phoenix breaking free symbolizes not just the rebirth of ORF, but the entire faire community.

A large, mature phoenix spreads its wings proudly as it emerges from a blaze of light. With its beak open and head raised, it decries those who thought it would surrender to darkness and oblivion. Beneath its torso is a banner which states “Through Fire Reborn”, a tribute to the determination of the faire community. The Ohio Renaissance Festival logo is at the bottom with the year 2021 above the phoenix’s head. The image is surrounded by a circular border.

With every tick of the clock, we step closer to the next season! The Ohio Renaissance Festival has worked tirelessly to recreate a rural English village in the year 1572, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth and England’s Golden Age. The pocket watch featured on this year’s mug represents how our guests get to “travel through time” to explore history and revel in the joy of a renaissance peasant festival. At the heart of the timepiece lies the magnificent Tudor Rose, symbolizing the English monarchy and the iconic Tudor era.

Encircled by the chain of the watch, this mug’s stamp showcases a large pocket watch with the Tudor Rose and the words EST: 1990 on its face. A banner above displays the year 2020, intersected by one of the watch hands. Beneath the design rests the Ohio Renaissance Festival logo.

Did You Know: Queen Elizabeth was one of the first people to own a pocket watch, gifted to her by her rumored paramour Robert Dudley in 1571.

Not too long ago, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth would attend the midday parade on horseback. A lovely gelding by the name of Crispin proudly served as her noble steed, rain or shine… even if he did step on her foot once. This mug celebrates the efforts the historical Queen Elizabeth made to be present among her subjects. Her summer progresses took her through the countryside, accompanied by her royal retinue, where she observed her realm and graciously accepted the hospitality of her nobles.

Queen Elizabeth sits astride her horse in full royal splendor, hand outstretched in peaceful greeting. Her steed lifts one leg, hinting at a spirited temperament befitting its rider. The two stand poised on a grassy knoll. Above them, an ornate banner bears the word “Ohio,” while a second banner below reads “Renaissance Festival,” flanked by the year 2019 and a proud 30th Anniversary proclamation.

Legends of the phoenix are numerous, with some saying that there is only one of these magnificent firebirds live in the world at any given time. Others say it lives to an age of five hundred before engaging in a ritual to burn and be reborn through its own ashes. From ancient Egypt to renaissance England, this striking bird represents the continuing cycles of nature, the endurance of the human spirit, and even a metaphor for the resurrection of Christ.

A stylized phoenix with its wings spread sits with a flame burning in its torso. The surrounding dark banner reads Ohio Renaissance Festival with little geometric shapes between the words. A Celtic knotwork banner surrounds the first banner with the year 2018 at the bottom in an oval shape.

Fantasy has long been an aspect of the Ohio Renaissance Festival. The fae of renaissance England were treated with a degree of trepidation and awe. Some believed them to be the souls of the good pagan dead, who could not go to Heaven but didn’t deserve the alternative. Others thought they were a sure sign of infernal mischief and every accident could be blamed on their presence. These days, we welcome sprites, pixies, goblins, and selkies alike! This mug represents all of our wonderful fantasy creatures that help make ORF so colorful.

A small fairy with downy feather wings and a slip dress sits on a crescent moon. Stars and clouds pass by in the background along with the year 2017. The border reads Ohio Renaissance Festival with a string of teardrop decorations between the words.

With the world quickly expanding and trade a necessary means of that expansion, the renaissance was a profitable time for those who didn’t mind a little thievery and swordplay. Pirates roamed the open ocean, seeking merchant vessels packed with goods they could sell off. Some even had the bright idea to turn legit and sold their service to the crown, pledging only to attack the enemies of England. Queen Elizabeth had her personal favorite, Sir Francis Drake, who plundered Spanish vessels and sacked Spanish ports in her name. This mug is dedicated to those corsairs of adventure.

A well dressed pirate sits in portrait pose, his cutlass in one hand and a tri-corner hat on his head. The inner border of hemp rope has the year 2016 and is surrounded by a larger border reading Ohio Renaissance Festival.

A mythic figure of chivalry and honor, knights have long captured the imagination. Tales of slaying dragons, rescuing damsels, and defending ones valor come quickly to mind. From the fantastic legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table to the athletes of modern day jousting, the gleam of armor and thunder of hoofbeats seems to make the blood run hot and the cheer of the crowds all the louder. This mug is dedicated to knights of lore and the jousters who keep us enthralled.

A knight in full armor sits atop a horse in heraldic livery. He raises a lance as though he is about to enter the lists. The horse rears, it’s hooves a potent weapon. The inner banner says Ohio Renaissance Festival with little diamonds between the words. Another banner of Celtic knotwork surrounds it, a banner at the bottom has the year 2015. The knights lance pierces both borders

The sight of Queen Elizabeth has come to be a much-treasured part of attending ORF. From her first appearance at the opening gate to the Knighting Ceremony, her majesty still finds time to stop for portraits and get a little shopping in. For the 25^th Anniversary mug, we decided to feature HRM in full regalia as the most recognizable figure of our dear festival.

Queen Elizabeth, (as played by Connie Pfeiffer) in royal finery, crown atop her head and a shield against her chest which says Ohio Renaissance Festival 2014. The inner border around the figure says Celebrating 25 Glorious Years. The outer border is filled with small Tudor roses.

Did You Know: The Ohio Renaissance Festival was once a King Henry VIII faire! From 1990 -91, King Henry (Sam Fields) and his queen Anne Boleyn (Tamara Romo) were our royal couple. In 1992, Queen Elizabeth (Laura Hunt) was greeted by Willy-Nilly for the first time.

The jester was an essential part of any royal court. Often the only individual who could openly mock the peasant and royal alike, the jester was an much needed tool for good humor and the occasional slap of reality. Jesters often came from humble origins, learning to do anything that might amuse their employers from music to acrobatics, witty repartee to fart jokes. And some even got themselves land and a title for their efforts! The Ohio Renaissance Festival continues on the proud tradition of tomfoolery with this mug of special hilarity.

A playful jester in the recognizable three tipped hat jingles merrily in his bell bedecked costume as he strums a lute. A large set of banners beneath says Ohio Renaissance Festival 2013. The inner border contains filigree details while a second border surrounds that.

Did You Know: James VI (Elizabeth’s 1^st cousin, twice removed) had a jester by the name of Archibald Armstrong. Though he began as a sheep thief, Archy danced between beloved favorite and mischief maker in English, Scottish, and Spanish courts.

The symbolism of heraldry is immersed in history and complicated interwoven political alliances and enemies. The coat of arms was more than just a way to tell people who you were, as its design alluded to one’s reputation and standing and was often used to trace noble lineage. The lion is a common addition symbolizing courage, nobility, and valor. Even its pose can carry meaning as a beast ready to attack or a guardian calmly protecting its territory.

A stylistic lion stands rampant with its claws poised to strike and its mouth open for a bite. It is flanked by two circles with the year 2012 split between them respectively. The lion has a filigree style decoration beneath its feet. At the top of the stamp, it says Ohio Renaissance Festival.

Many of our guests are surprised to discover that our jousting matches are not scripted or choreographed, but 100% horse charging, metal clanging, lance splittingly real. The sport of jousting has found a resurgence of popularity in the modern day, where the crowd can cheer and gasp at every pass. This mug represents the jousters who call ORF home and return season after season to continue the tradition and delight guests.

A jouster on horseback brandishes his lance while holding his checkered shield close for protection. A horse in fine livery stamps the ground, eager to begin the charge. The jouster and horse stand on a shield shaped background with a dark border that says Ohio Renaissance Festival. A smaller banner has the year 2011 on it.

Tales of dragons ransacking kingdoms and carrying off princesses are bread and butter for those of us with a love of fantasy. These reptilian symbols of unchecked power and stolen, hoarded wealth are no less relevant in the modern day then they were hundreds of years ago. In the old tales, corruption and evil exist to challenge the hero. They give them opportunities to prove their courage and faith and return in triumph to a grateful kingdom.

A tall tower of stone is beset by a large dragon, his wings unfurled, his tail is wrapped around the tower as he cranes his long neck, searching for stray knights. Three smaller towers are in the background, providing scale. A Celtic knotwork border surrounds the figures with the word Ohio at the top and a banner saying Renaissance Festival at the bottom. Beneath this is the year 2010.

Did You Know: Dragons appear in many forms in cultures across the world. From Quetzalcōātl, a god of the Mesoamerican Aztec pantheon to Jörmungandr of world ending fame in Norse mythology, every lore carries its own understanding of the dragon.

The Tudor Rose was created when the Houses of Lancaster and York unified, ending the War of the Roses in 1485. Since then, the rose has become a symbol of the Tudor dynasty, a heraldic emblem of England, and a lasting mark of the English monarchy. It represents unity, peace after conflict, and a historic connection to the church (then still Catholic). This iconic symbol of royal pageantry can be spotted throughout the Ohio Renaissance Festival grounds.

The rose is depicted here as “slipped and crowned,” adorned with the initials E.R. for Elizabeth Regina—Queen Elizabeth. Surrounding the rose is a banner inscribed with the Latin phrase “Semper eadem” (“always the same”), one of Her Majesty’s personal mottos. A second outer border frames the piece with the words Ohio Renaissance Festival and commemorates the festival’s 20th anniversary.

When King Philip II of Spain planned a massive naval assault against England, Queen Elizabeth prepared a bold defense. The Spanish Armada, however, was plagued with misfortune from the start. Sir Francis Drake led a surprise raid in Cádiz, destroying 30 ships and delaying their launch by a full year. Their veteran commander died before departure, storms battered the fleet, Elizabeth’s privateers launched relentless attacks, reinforcements were blocked, disease ran rampant, and local resistance rose against them. Their ultimate defeat helped secure English sovereignty for generations.

An English galleon, once a naval warship turned privateer vessel, charges through crashing waves under full sail. The ship’s design closely resembles what the pirate ship would have looked like while sailing. A hemp rope border frames the artwork, with the year 2008 displayed on a hanging tag. A larger outer ring bears the words “Ohio Renaissance Festival,” separated by two crossed cutlasses.

Knights, despite all the fairy tales of noble heroism, were first and foremost mercenaries. Skilled on horseback and hand-to-hand combat, knights served their lords in a military capacity. Paid in land, title, and coin, a smart knight could indeed be a profitable one if he could survive long enough to enjoy it. In time, the granting of a knighthood became far more ceremonial and was used as a way to recognize those who had done the land a great service.

A knight’s helmet sits on top of a large shield with two greatswords crossed behind it. A crown sits at the bottom of the shield. The word Ohio is on the shield above a large banner that says Renaissance Festival with the year 2007 on it.

Often thought to be inspired by the Celtic god Cernunnos or by the Green Knight of Arthurian legend, the Green Man first appears in the 12^th century (though the motif dates back to the Romans) and has come to be known as a symbol of the wilds, and thus the functions of the natural world. A popular symbol even into the modern world, it comes as no surprise to find him among fans of fantasy and superstition alike.

The Green Man figure with foliage surrounding his human face sits beneath a crown with the year 2006 on it. Beneath him are the words Ohio Renaissance Festival.

Breaking tradition for a royal occasion, the 2005 mug features a radiant portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, adorned in all her golden glory. Her regal raiment gleams with intricate detail, framed by an ornate border inscribed with “Ohio Renaissance Festival 2005.” A true collector’s gem, this mug marked the 15th anniversary of the festival with a bold tribute to the monarch who rules the realm.

A heartfelt thank you to the generous collector who helped restore this piece of festival history.

The idea of dragons has changed throughout the centuries from a simple winged worm to a creature of fire and flight and expanded into multiple subclassifications round the world. This medieval tapestry dragon symbolizes how the fair can grow and change and still be known as a place for people to come and experience a little magic in the everyday.

A heavy clay dragon stands out from the mug in stark medieval display. Its wings unfurled, its beak like mouth open with a tongue slithering forward. The dragon stands on a shield backdrop with some delicate filigree decorations and the words Ohio Renaissance Festival 2004 accompanying them.

A name that echoes out through history almost as much as the king he helped make, Merlin has been called a wizard, a druid, a priest, and a madman. For many, he represents the conflict between knowledge and power, tradition and progress. His plans are as mysterious as his capabilities, and for the ren faire, he is a potent reminder of our innate desire to explore and learn.

A stately Merlin in full wizards robes and cap extends his hands to clasp a star between his fingers. A Celtic knotwork border extends around him with the words Ohio Renaissance Festival above and the year 2003 below.

Born from the severed head of Medusa when she was slain by Perseus, the Pegasus is beyond reproach on land and in the air. She symbolizes the struggle to find freedom, the strength in creative pursuits, and overcoming limitations. For the Ohio Renaissance Festival, the Pegasus reminds us to find wonder in the everyday and to allow a little more time for flights of fancy no matter how old you are.

A Pegasus in flight, its wings unfurled, stands majestically with its tousled mane overlooking the skies. A leafy border surrounds her with the year 2002 between the leaves. Ohio Renaissance Festival is in a plaque beneath the Pegasus.

Did You Know: During the Christmas revelry in 1561, Robert Dudley (Queen Elizabeth’s favorite) played the role of Prince Pallaphilos, patron of the Honourable Order of Pegasus. This is believed to be a play on Dudley’s official role as Master of the Horse.

Because the lion was considered to be the king of beasts and the eagle the king of birds respectively, the gryphon was a powerful symbol of might and leadership. They were said to guard priceless treasures with ferocious talons and sharp beaks, and proved to be particularly vindictive against horses. The gryphon is often used in heraldry to display the families prowess in military pursuits and courageous nature.

A full body gryphon sits with a claw outstretched and its wings opened but relaxed. A Celtic knotwork border along the bottom underlines the year 2001 while the words Ohio Renaissance Festival stand out above the gryphon.

The symbolism of heraldry is immersed in history and complicated interwoven political alliances and enemies. The coat of arms was more than just a way to tell people who you were, as its design alluded to one’s reputation and standing and was often used to trace noble lineage. The lion is a common addition symbolizing courage, nobility, and valor. Even its pose can carry meaning as a beast ready to attack or a guardian calmly protecting its territory.

A bold heraldic lion stands proud, claws raised in a fierce pose and mouth open mid-roar—ready to defend the dawn of a new millennium. Echoing medieval crests, the lion is framed with elegant filigree beneath its feet and a classic banner reading “Ohio Renaissance Festival” arched above. A timeless symbol of strength and tradition as the festival roared into the 21st century.

This mug has been lost to time for us. We are sure there are many floating around in private collections.

A special thank you to Bethany Elliott Woods for providing an image of this mug, which we had lost from our archive.

Under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I, England gained prosperity through the sea by trade, naval supremacy, and colonialism. Yet the ocean was still a strange and unfathomable place, full of sailors tales and mysteries. Sea monsters often represented the unknown, and the insurmountable forces of the natural world. The unpredictable nature of the sea, able to bring bounty or cause destruction, was respected through these powerful creatures.

A sea serpent stands in medieval styled resplendence with its head up and its body folded neatly. A rope border surrounds the creature with the year 1999 by the sea monsters head and the words Ohio Renaissance Festival around it.

While being a knight was a privilege, the expectations could not be higher. A knight lived to serve Her Royal Majesty and, governed by a strict Code of Conduct, had to be courageous, chivalrous, devout, and generous. Knights competed in grand tournaments on hose back and in hand-to-hand combat for entertainment and prestige, then displayed courtly manners and grace when at the queen’s feast.

The bust of a knight faces the viewer in full armor with a winged heart atop his helmet. A sword is behind him, on the hilt it says the year 1998. Banners around the knight say Ohio Renaissance Festival.

One of the most recognizable beasts of myth and legend, the unicorn has been said to purge blighted water and heal the sick. Unable to be approached by any but the ‘pure of heart’, stories of their existence and humanities desire to possess them for their magical abilities capture the imagination. The unicorn stands proudly as a symbol of purity and incorruptibility.

A unicorn head with its mane fluttering in the breeze sits with a large rope border and filigree leaves around it. The words Ohio Renaissance Festival are around the unicorn head with the year 1997 below.

Embodying the spirit of independence and endurance, the horse is an important symbol to the renaissance world. The world couldn’t turn without them, from mounted combatants to agricultural development. The care, breeding, and training of the horse was of such importance that a quality horse master was a covetable position for many. We celebrate the horses of renaissance faires from the jouster’s mounts to the pony rides with this special mug.

A horse head with it’s tack on sits between two large Celtic borders. A banner saying Ohio Renaissance Festival stands above it. On the right side of it’s head there is a 19. On the left there is 96.

Lions are powerful symbols of strength, courage, and leadership, often regarded as kings of the animal kingdom. Across cultures, they represent nobility, protection, and authority. In spiritual and mythological contexts, lions can also embody wisdom, pride, and resilience in the face of adversity. Lions have long been associated with royalty, often depicted on coats of arms, thrones, and regal insignia as emblems of sovereignty and power. Their majestic presence symbolizes the authority, dignity, and protective strength expected of a ruler.

A large lion’s head with a splendid mane stands out from a floral border with the year 19 – 95 on either side of its head. The words Ohio Renaissance Festival stand out above it.

King Henry VIII was a charismatic and influential monarch who played a pivotal role in shaping the course of English history. His establishment of the Church of England marked a significant moment of religious independence, allowing England to assert greater control over its spiritual and political affairs. A patron of the arts and education, Henry supported the growth of culture in England, commissioning impressive architectural works and encouraging scholarly pursuits. Henry VIII remains a defining figure of Tudor England whose legacy continues to influence the nation’s identity.

A woodburnt styled portrait of King Henry VIII in his most recognizable pose is surrounded by furled borders with the Tudor rose standing out. A banner below him has the year 1994 while banners around his head say Ohio Renaissance Festival.

In the Elizabethan era, wizards and magic symbolized the tension between the known world and the mysterious forces beyond human understanding. They often represented wisdom, hidden knowledge, and the desire to control fate, reflecting both fascination and fear of the supernatural. Embodying themes of transformation, ambition, and the limits of human power, wizards often served as figures who challenged societal norms, standing at the edge of the natural and the mystical.

A mischievous wizard stands in star covered robes, one hand grasping a staff while the other casts a bright magical spell from a wand. Roses cling to a banner that says Ohio Renaissance Festival with the year 1993 on a flag.

Medieval knights symbolized honor, bravery, and chivalry, serving as the embodiment of noble ideals in both warfare and society. They were protectors of the realm, upholding justice and loyalty to their lords and kings. Beyond their martial role, knights also represented the virtues of courtesy, humility, and devotion, especially through the code of chivalry. In literature and legend, they often appeared as heroic figures on quests, defending the weak and fighting for righteousness.

A knight in full parade regalia sits atop his horse. Roses cling to a banner that says Ohio Renaissance Festival with the year 1992 on a flag.

This simple coin stamped mug has a simple knight on horseback with his lance held high. A crown at the top has the word Ohio while Renaissance Festival arches around the central image. The year 1991 is at the bottom.

A heraldic crest proclaims the opening year of the Ohio Renaissance Festival! Set on a bed of thistle leaves is a shield with a knights helmet atop it. The shield has a banner with two lions flanking a crown, all symbols of royalty. A border of diamond shapes has the words Ohio Renaissance with a banner holding the word Festival and the year 1990.