By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Renaissance Festival offers chance to step back in time
fair1.jpg
Tennessee Renaissance Festival is in full swing in Arrington. Festival dates are May 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 and Memorial Day, May 27. The event is in its 34th year of offering a glimpse into 16th Century England.
fair4.jpg
Costumes from the era are one of the many attractions at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival.

Travel back to 16th century England at Tennessee Renaissance Festival during weekends in May. 

Enjoy colorful pageantry of costumed villages, artisans and musicians, laugh with merry entertainers, and cheer for your favorite knight in a full-armored joust. Castle Gwynn, a full-sized replica of a 12th century border castle, welcomes festival-goers to tour the first floor and castle grounds. 

The event offers themed weekends. Artisan and Crafts Weekend is May 11-12, Pirate Invasion Weekend is May 18-19, and Celtic Weekend is May 25-27. 

Located off Highway 96 between the towns of Franklin and Murfreesboro, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival is easily accessible from I-24, I-65, and I-840, just 25 miles south of Nashville. The festival address is 2124 New Castle Road, Arrington, TN, 37014

Artisan and Crafts Weekend, also Mother’s Day weekend, will offer a perfect opportunity for pictures with mom and to discover a special gift. A marketplace will offer treasures and unique handcrafted items from around the globe. See demonstrations of talented artisans crafting their wares. 

New this year will be a Fairy House / Hobbit Habitat Contest on May 11-12. Winners will be determined each day (time and location to be announced). All Fairy Houses and Hobbit Habitats must be constructed of all-natural materials and on a portable, sturdy base for table display. 

The habitat or house can be anything you wish (as long as it's family-appropriate). Please make sure your name and phone number are clearly labeled. The competition, to encourage creativity and the arts, is open to two age groups: 4-14 years, and 15 years and up. 

Pirate Invasion Weekend, Huzzah! The hills will be swarming with rascals and rogues as a crew of pirates invades our shire of Covington Glen. Young Rascals and Pirates aged 12 and under can participate in the Children’s Pirate Costume Contest on both May 18 and 19. 

Contest location and time will be posted at the Information/ T-Shirt Booth (the first tent as you enter the festival). 

Celtic Weekend will add a Celtic flair. Enjoy the fun as the event honors early Britons – men, wear your kilts. Wee Bairns, lads and lasses, get ready to “count the freckles” in the Children’s Area. Listen and hum along as Celtic melodies echo through the forest glen. 

Several fields and stages offer various events throughout the festival’s days. Royal jousts are offered at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. on the Tournament Field. Da Vinci Brother Comedy Opera is offered on the Bazaar Stage at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.

For more information, pricing, and a complete list of activities, visit Tennessee Renaissance Festival’s website at www.tnrenfest.com.