Prepare to don your finest medieval garb, gather your loved ones, and journey back to the enchanting village of Willy‑Nilly‑on‑the‑Wash — the Ohio Renaissance Festival awaits! From the moment you pass through the gates of the 16th-century village, you’re swept into a world filled with laughter, magic, and unforgettable memories. Running every weekend from August 30 through October 26, 2025, the festival transforms ordinary Saturdays and Sundays into immersive adventures for all ages.
Themed Weekends: A New Tale Every Sat/Sun
One of the best things about the Ohio Renaissance Festival is that no two weekends are the same. Each themed weekend offers something entirely unique—one weekend you might find yourself crossing paths with fairies and dragons, and the next you’re cheering on kilt-clad warriors at the Highland Games. Little ones light up during Fantasy Weekend when they get to meet mermaids, play in the Fairy Garden, and dance with woodland creatures. On Pirate Weekend, it’s all about swashbuckling fun, pirate etiquette, and sea shanties echoing through the lanes. And for kids who dream of time machines and superheroes, Time Travelers Weekend is a can’t-miss experience—where comic books and corsets collide in the most delightfully nerdy way.
Themed Weekends
Opening Weekend (Aug 30–Sept 1): Three days of first‑day fun kicking off the season with a big bang.
Fantasy Weekend (Sept 6–7): Witches, fairies, mermaids, and dragons captivate young hearts. Don costumes and dive into enchantment, including daily Fairy Playtime at 12:30 pm
Feast of Fools (Sept 13–14): Expect delightful tomfoolery AND the legendary Pumpkin vs. Watermelon War on the Chess Field—team colors encouraged!
Pirates Weekend (Sept 20–21): Ahoy, matey! Sea shanties, a pirate ship, Pirate Playtime, and lessons in pirate etiquette—celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Time Travelers Weekend (Sept 27–28): From steampunk to sci‑fi cosplay—expect COSI exhibits, costume contests, and a full-on Comic‑Con vibe in a Renaissance setting.
Viking Weekend (Oct 4–5): Join the Norse horde, trade in the Viking Trade Game, and immerse in sagas and shield‑raising.
Highland Weekend (Oct 11–12): Tartan, bagpipes, heavy‑hammer tossing, haggis eating, wolfhounds—and a full dose of Celtic pride.
Romance Weekend (Oct 18–19): Celebrate Sweetest Day with mass vow renewals at St. Peter’s Chapel—a heartbeat‑speed moment of love.
Heroes & Young Adventurers (Oct 25–26): Kids under 12 attend free, military & first responders get $3 off, and fantastical “knighting” ceremonies add heroic.
Special Events and Mini Adventures
The magic isn’t just on stage—it’s in the air, around every corner, and in every interactive adventure designed to engage young minds and curious hearts. Families love the festival’s mini-adventures, which are like secret side quests you can discover throughout the day. Children can trade shiny trinkets with Vikings, or join the hilariously messy battle of Pumpkin vs. Watermelon on Feast of Fools weekend. These bite-sized experiences are perfect for keeping kids engaged and smiling all day long.
For parents looking to unwind, the Ohio Renaissance Festival offers plenty of grown-up fun too. You can feast like royalty at the Royal Feast, sip on mead during a wine or whiskey tasting, or catch the raucously funny (and definitely 21+) Naughty Bawdy Pub Show. But don’t worry—everything is designed with families in mind, and the grounds are easy to navigate with kids in tow.
Special Events
Royal Feast: A five‑course banquet with a souvenir tankard from 3–5 pm daily
Naughty Bawdy Pub Show: Friar Finnegan’s cheeky comedy—21+ entertainment at 5:30
Whiskey & Wine Tastings: Hosted by the Witches of Willy‑Nilly and local vineyards—flavors with festival flair
Ale Trail: Sample craft brews, cider & mead while playing games, making friends, and collecting a keepsake kooziePremium Joust Seating: Watch armored knights from the comfort of the dais with cushioned, crown‑topped seats, ice cold drinks, and a flag to cheer on your favorite jouster!
Mini Adventures
Viking Trade Game: Swap shiny trinkets or smiles with costumed artisans—kids adore the thrill of the trade
Fairy & Pirate Playtimes: Daily play sessions (Fairy at 12:30 pm in Whimsy Woods; Pirate at 2:30 pm on the Chess Field) create laughter and active engagement
Pumpkin vs. Watermelon War: Cheer on this face‑painted spectacle during Feast of Fools—family fun at its best Wench Pin‑Collecting: Keep an eye out for the International Wench Guild—collect seven “W” pins for a quirky prize.
Looking to Plan Your Visit?
With so many sights to see and places to visit, it’s no wonder most visitors plan their day before they arrive. Take a moment to consider your family’s adventure at the Ohio Renaissance Festival.
Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30 am–7:00 pm, August 30–October 26, 2025
Tickets: Purchase online—including add‑ons like the Royal Feast or tastings—or at the gate.
Pro Tips:
Dress For The Weather: Weekend themes are a blast, but remember the weather can be unpredictable. Take a look at your local forecast and dress with that in mind. If all else fails, be sure to pack a change of clothes just in case.
Arrive Early: Is there something special you want to do? Be sure to get your tickets on-line and arrive early to check in. Internet service on the grounds can be spotty, so be sure to download your ticket confirmation.
Take a Break: With so much to do, it can be overwhelming to try and fit it all into one day! Don’t rush yourself. Take a moment to relax and breathe with your friends and family before trying to make it to the next show.
It’s hard to put into words just how magical this festival really is. With over 150 costumed characters wandering the streets, 60+ shows happening daily, and more turkey legs than you can count, the Ohio Renaissance Festival is more than just an event—it’s a world you get to live in, even if only for a day. Whether your little one wants to be knighted, you’re ready to cheer for jousting champions, or you just want to spend a weekend laughing, playing, and making memories together, this is the place to do it.
So dust off your fairy wings, shine your boots, and start planning your visit. Because the Ohio Renaissance Festival isn’t just entertainment—it’s an experience your family will treasure forever.