Weekends & Labor Day: August 30 - October 26, 2025 10:30 am — 7:00 pm

Solve the cypher hidden in this year’s mug for your chance at a legendary prize.

✨ The Prizes Await…✨

Those who successfully solve Merlin’s Challenge will be entered to win exclusive prize packs filled with festival treasures.


The Grand Prize includes:

Two 2026 Season Passes to the Ohio Renaissance Festival!
Plus additional enchanted goodies fit for a true riddle-solver

Other prize packs include collectible merch, ORF surprises, and magical perks.

How to Play Merlin’s Challenge

  1. Get the Mug – Purchase the 2025 Collector’s Mug at the Ohio Renaissance Festival.

  2. Study the Design – Look closely… the mug holds a hidden cypher.

  3. Crack the Code – Use the clues to solve the riddle.

  4. Submit Your Answer – Enter your guess using the form below.

Limit one entry per email address. Duplicate entries will be disqualified.