The Tennessee Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly event taking place in Arrington, Tennessee, during four weekends in May. The exciting Ranaissance-themed fair features jousts, comedy, live music, magic shows, and other entertainment. The young and the old can also test themselves in games of skill or crafts.
Guests can step into a bygone era of the 16th-century English village of Covington Glen, enjoy its vibrant atmosphere, and even meet for tea with Her Majesty, the Queen. A bustling village marketplace channels Medieval vibes with wondering bards, jesters, jugglers, magicians, and merchants, displaying wares like swords, silks, and jewels.
Program highlights
The jousting arena of Covington Glen is always surrounded by excited crowds as knights in shiny armor ride their horses and fight each other. The Tournament Field hosts three shows every day. More breathtaking action awaits at the Knife Throwing Show and the Daring Horseman performance, striking the audience with gravity-defying riding skills and unbelievable stunts. Buckle and Swash is another popular show, which combines pirate comedy with sword-fighting.
The younger audience will appreciate a mermaid show, a traveling troupe of singing and dancing fairies, Fae Folx, and storytelling from Robin Hood and Maid Marian. In addition, everyone can try fun games and activities, such as pony rides, archery, and tests of strength. Live demonstrations by glassblowers and other artisans also provide an educational experience.
Theme weekends
Every weekend, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival runs themed entertainment and activities. The fair starts with the Viking theme, followed by Fantasy and Folklore, featuring hobbits, fairies, dragons, and other fantasy characters. The third weekend is dedicated to all things pirate, as a crew of buccaneers invade Covington Glen. The final weekend celebrates Celtic culture with plenty of music and dance.
Contests
Tennessee Renaissance Festival hosts a Costume Showcase on every day of the festival. The best-dressed guest will receive scrolls and a chance to meet the Queen, who will determine the winner of the daily costume contest. The Fairy Habitat & Hobbit House Competition is held during the second weekend of the festival. The winner will be determined by a public vote at 2 pm.
Queen's Tea and Promenade
Queen's Tea is a unique opportunity to immerse oncelf in the spirit of a Renaissance era fully. Every day, guests can visit the Queen's Tea Glen to drink tea with pastries, sandwiches, and desserts with the Queen and her Court. Ticket price is $35.
Queen's Promenade is an exquisite dance course, which allows participants to learn the art of Regency Dance. With the help of a skilled master of dance, everyone can master the elegance and skill once reserved for the noblest of society. Ticket price is $25.
Marketplace
The bustling Marketplace of the Tennessee Renaissance Festival guarantees a superb shopping experience. Everyone can find something to his or her liking, from goat milk soap, lotions, balms, and scrubs to elite tea and quality period costumes, hats, and feathers. Shop for Medieval, Renaissance, and Elizabethan clothing, kilts, fairy wings, and other accessories to blend in with the crowd at the village of Covington Glen,
Tickets and hours
Tennessee Renaissance Festiva opens its gates from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and on Memorial Day Monday. General admission at the gate for adults is $38 on Saturday and $35 on Sunday. Children (3-12) pay $10. Online tickets are cheaper and go on sale on April 1.
