Home All News 44th annual Michigan Renaissance Festival (Aug. 17 – Sept. 29, 2024) 250,000+...

44th annual Michigan Renaissance Festival (Aug. 17 – Sept. 29, 2024) 250,000+ people

August 7, 2024

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Started in 1979, the Michigan Renaissance Festival has been going strong ever since.

It was created by Jim Peterson (who was also supposedly a promoter for the band The Rolling Stones). The festival was held in Clarkston 1979-85. Then it moved to Dixie Hwy in Holly where it is now. Peterson is now in his 80’s and lives in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

The festival takes place in Holly, Michigan at a 17-acre fictional village called Hollygrove, where you’re transported back to the Late Middle Ages & Early Renaissance period of the 1500’s.

Over 500 performers entertain, including jousting (“cheat to win!”) and battles.

There are costumed knights, wizards, viking, pirates, all sorts of fantasy characters.

Make sure you eat a massive turkey leg and drink a big tankard of ale.

You are welcome to dress up in medieval and fantasy clothing.

Be sure to look out for:

The Queen, the Mayor of Hollygrove, Christophe the Insultor, the Ded Bob ventriloquist comedy show and more.

The official kickoff pre-festival party is always at Eastern Market’s Shed 5 in Detroit.

Are you interested in working at RenFest? They hold auditions every May for actors and musicians. Call 248-634-5552.

If you have a hearty appetite, be sure to check out the Feast of Fantasy inside Blackstone Castle. This is a 6-course gourmet meal and occurs every day at 11:30am and 3:00pm. It costs $80/person and is totally worth it.