The 2024 season of the Ohio Renaissance Festival is underway! With more to see and do than ever before, it’s no surprise that guests want to make the most out of their visit. There’s no way to take in everything after just one trip around the village, so let us help you out with our expert tips on getting the most out of your families’ visit to the ren fare.
Arrive Early, Stay The Day
Traffick piles up quickly and can eat into your festival time. Arrive early if you can. Take some time to garb up in the parking lot and talk with some of the people you meet. Anyone there this early is an ORF devotee and can give you some great advice and help you feel welcomed. Likewise, pace yourself throughout your festival experience so you can stay till closing.
Pay Attention to the Weather
The Ohio Renaissance Festival is open rain or shine. Be sure you are prepared for the day ahead. Our dedicated performers are still out there, ready to entertain and bring you the best of their skills. The shows make changes slightly to ensure the safety of our actors, so think of it as getting a Rainy Day Special because you cared enough to come take a seat.
Read the Schedule/Check the Map
Did you know you can check out the Schedule and Map of the grounds on our website? Before you pay the village of Willy-Nilly a visit, go over the schedule and decide what shows you would like to go see. The map can show you where the stages and events are located. Give yourself plenty of time to make it from one show to the next or to eat and indulge in a bit of shopping.
Eat Before Joust
You can tell it’s almost time for the joust to begin when the parade passes by and the Queen waves at the crowd! Though it’s tempting to find a seat and enjoy the show, take this opportunity to grab a bite to eat before the joust ends. You’ll have a quicker time grabbing your food and an easier time getting a place to sit. By the time the crowds come around, you’ll be ready to head to the next show!
Participate!
The shows are stunning, the food is delicious, and the shopping can’t be beat. But the fun doesn’t end there! Check out the Mini Adventures page and take a look at all the special events for you to participate in. From themed playtime with the cast of the faire to Viking Trade and Wench Collecting, you can become part of the festival atmosphere by joining in.
The Best of the Best
Every show in the festival is worth seeing season after season. That being said, there are a few performances that stand out as the most popular. If you only get to visit once, be sure to catch the following:
Birds of Prey – Guinness Arena of Champions – 1:30 pm / 4 pm
Cincinnati Barbarians – Barbarian’s Ring – 12:30 pm / 2:30 pm / 4 pm
Human Combat Chess Match – Chess Field – 2 pm
Moonie the Magnificent – Swordsmen’s Stage – 11:30 pm / 1 pm / 2:30 pm / 4 pm / 5 pm
Mudde Show – Muditorium – 11:30 am / 1 pm / 2:30 pm / 4 pm
Kamikazi Fireflies – Kamikazi Fireflies Stage – 12:15 pm / 1:45 pm / 3:15 pm / 4:45 pm
The Swordsmen – Swordsmen’s Stage – 11 am / 12:15 pm / 1:45 pm / 3:15 pm
What are your best ORF experiences so far? Be sure to tag us with #orfstories so we can follow your adventures!