The Ohio Renaissance Festival is a true playground of activity. Spread out over thirty-five acres of rolling hillsides and tree cover are acrobats, musicians, MMA champions, dancers, equestrians, and more. There is no shortage of entertainment throughout the faire, that can be counted on.

But what about our guests who have a less ‘See’ and more ‘Do’ approach to festival fun? Many of you come through the gates excited to participate and bring home a little something special made with your own two hands. Maybe you’re after a scavenger hunt or the chance to learn some historical dances? If you are looking for ways to get your hands dirty, we can help!

Make Your Own

A rich source of pride for our fair village is the number of artisans and crafters who demonstrate their skills for the crowd. What we now see as a unique skill in the 21st century was once an essential part of village life. Families devoted themselves generation after generation, honing their skills and passing them down to keep the trade and promise of stability alive. Now, you can learn a touch of the trade for yourself under the guide of a trained professional.

Make Your Own Candle – Melting Dragon Candles – Market Square
💲 Enjoy designing and making your very own candle or fun scented sand art.

Make Your Own Silks – Silk Gypsies – Poet’s Crossing
💲 Learn how to utilize rich color dyes to make you very own silk scarf.

Make Your Own Knife – Bodtker Ironworks – Whimsy Woods
💲 Try your hand at smithy work when you grip the hammer and make your own knife.

Make Your Own Bauble – Lyons Pyre Glasswerks – Market Square
💲 Can you stand the heat? Give glassblowing a try and make your own baubles.

Roll of Destiny – Market Square – All Ages

💲 Roll the dice and begin your adventure! Roll of Destiny provides guests with a series of interesting and creative challenges on a village-wide scavenger hunt. Expect clever riddles, mind-boggling puzzles, and daring feats of heroism from the NPCs if you want to succeed. This immersive experience is perfect for all ages and can be a great way to get to know the village if you are new to the festival. This is a vendor booth, so you will need to pay the shopkeeper before you begin your quest. Check them out in Market Square right behind the Tipsy Cauldron.

Eight Hands Round – Chess Field – All Ages

Watch the village of Willy Nilly come together and celebrate the faire season with traditional renaissance folk dances. Sit back and enjoy the show or join in yourself and dance around the maypole as you braid ribbons together. This makes for a wonderfully charming experience along with a chance to interact with our ORF cast members.

Lady Ophelia’s Dance – Whimsy Woods – All Ages

Join Lady Ophelia as she teaches you traditional Renaissance court dances and enchanting galivants from around the world. Nestled under the trees of Whimsey Woods, this is a great chance to make friends across the faire. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking to learn a few new steps, it’s great fun.

Pirate Playtime – Chess Field – Children under 12

Nautical chaos abounds with the pirate crew leading the gams. Learn how to talk like a pirate and play well-known pirate games like Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Rover, and Tag. Get to know the crew and make friends as you dare to challenge the seven seas. Perfect for your active kids or to get their energy out before the carriage ride home.

Fairy Playtime – Whimsy Woods – Children under 12

Let your wings flutter and the glitter sparkle as you play with the Fae-bles of ORF. Enjoy classic recess games like Simon Says, Red Lantern/Green Lantern, and more. Introduce yourself to the fairies and make special memories as you play along. This is a good opportunity to let your kids run around and wear themselves out under the shade of the trees before grabbing a snack or heading to the next show.

Safer Swords – Minstrel’s Grove – All Ages

If smacking each other silly with foam swords sounds like your idea of a good time, then you’ve come to the right place. Challenge your loved ones and friends to a duel with handcrafted foam larping swords. This is a vendor shop, so of course, they would like you to buy something after the fun. That being said, they have a selection suitable for all ages and sizes and it’s a fun way to settle disagreements.

Swordmaster Challenge – Whimsey Woods – All Ages

Perhaps the challenge of a weapons master is more suited to your skills. Test out a stunning array of professional-quality larping weapons when you step into the challenge ring. Find the weapon that best suits you, or just experiment and see what you like. This is a vendor booth, so there will be helpful shopkeepers ready to answer your every question. Stop by and add that beautiful orcish ax to your garb or see if a ranged spear might be more your style.

There’s plenty to see and do at ORF in 2025, and we’re just getting started. When you come here, you’re not entering just another theme park. You never know what you’ll find around every corner. Seeing people walk out proud as a peacock with a glass ball they made themselves, or a kid promising to use his new foam weapon responsibly, that makes our day. You never know when a first-time experiment can become a lifelong passion, continuing the tradition of passing down knowledge.

Share your adventures online and be sure to tag #orf2025 so we can follow your quest!