Tennessee Renaissance Festival The 36th Annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival returns this May to Covington Glen in Arrington, Tenn. Travel back to 16th Century England where the Village of Covington Glen comes alive with the bustle of a Renaissance Marketplace. Artisans from all over the country display their wares from silks to swords; from gems to jewels. Flavors, aromas and tastes of specialty foods and drinks greet the festival-goer. Hear Renaissance musicians and merrymakers voices echo through the trees. The festival is held weekends in May and Memorial Day Monday from 10am to 6pm. The event has free parking and children under 5 are free. It is a cash only event once on-site (with the exclusion of some vendors), but you can purchase tickets online in advance. Festival admission also includes a visit to the Castle Gwynn gardens grounds. New this year is “Tea with the Queen.” Sit with the Queen and her court and share tea, pastries, tea sandwiches, and small deserts. Only a select few are invited to her Majesty’s private glen and garden, so make sure to RSVP in advance. This experience is perfect for all ages. The Queen’s Tea takes place all festival days from 3:30-4:30 in the Queen’s Tea Glen. Advance ticket sales are required for this event. The Queen’s Tea ticket cost is separate from the cost of admission into the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Only 35 tickets will be sold daily and can be purchased in advance online.
Theme Weekends May 7 - 8: Opening Weekend Hot n’ salty pretzels, right off the stick. Bring the family and celebrate the opening of the 36th year. May 14 - 15: Artisan and Crafts Weekend Travel through the marketplace for treasures and unique handcrafted items from around the globe. See demonstrations of talented artisans crafting their wares. Check out the Artisans & Activities page on their website for full list of all our artisan shops. Fairy House / Hobbit Habitat Contest Weekend To encourage creativity and the arts, a Fairy House / Hobbit Habitat Contest will be held on both days of the craft weekend. Winners will be determined each day (time and location TBA). All Fairy Houses and Hobbit Habitats must be constructed of natural materials and on a portable, sturdy base for table display and family-appropriate. Contest is open to two age groups: 4-14 years and 15 years and up. Rules and registration can be found on their website. May 21 - 22: Pirate Invasion Weekend Huzzah! The hills are swarming with rascals and rogues as a crew of scuvry pirates invade the shire of Covington Glen. See the swashbuckling and sword-brandishing of pirates galore. Young Rascals and Pirates aged 12 and under can participate in the Children’s Pirate Costume Contest on both days of Pirate Invasion Weekend and can register on their website. May 28 - 29 - 30: Celtic Weekend Add a little Celtic flair to the Faire. Enjoy the fun as they honor those early Britons - men, wear your kilts!
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