Embrace your Scottish heritage while taking part in a lineup of medieval-era games in Michigan this weekend, or just wear your kilt or tartan with pride while strolling the “village” of Hollygrove.
The Michigan Renaissance Festival is open weekends, now through late September, a tradition at its grounds near Holly in Oakland County. The Aug. 23-24 theme is “Highland Fling,” featuring a mix of amateur and professional competitive highland games, according to organizers.
“Cheer on the lively ‘Men in Kilts’ contest, where tartan pride and playful spirit take center stage, bringing vibrant Scottish tradition to life in a fun, festive way!” the festival’s website says.
The annual festival centers around medieval European society, with highlights of global cultures as well. Festival-goers also are known to “cosplay” as pirates, fairies, steampunks and other cultural styles loosely associated with the Renaissance.
Here’s what to know about the Michigan Renaissance Festival.
When is the Michigan Renaissance Festival in 2025?
The Michigan Renaissance Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends until Sept. 28, 2025, according to the event website.
The festival grounds are open on Labor Day, Sept. 1, and Friday, Sept. 26, for Festival Friday, a family-friendly day featuring school field trip visitors.
What is the Michigan Renaissance Festival?
The festival is an annual celebration of Renaissance-era European culture, set in a “village” built in the 16th-century style.
Staff and attendees typically dress in period-themed costumes, play games and activities, watch performances and indulge in food and drink, all reenacting medieval European society.
Where is the Michigan Renaissance Festival located?
The Michigan Renaissance Festival takes place near Holly, at 12600 Dixie Highway.
The festival grounds, called the Village of Hollygrove, are set up to re-create a Renaissance-era European town.
Where do you park for the festival?
Parking on the festival grounds is available at a cost.
To park on the festival grounds, you’ll need to purchase a parking pass. Options include a daily pass available online or buying a pass once you arrive. Parking passes cost $15, plus fees for one day of parking.
How can you compete at the festival?
The festival features competitions in archery, belly dancing, axe throwing, barbecue, fairy houses and gardening.
If you’d like to join the fun and showcase your talents, visit the festival’s website to sign up at a cost.
What can you buy at the festival?
An artisan marketplace gives festival-goers a chance to peruse and purchase apparel, toys, glass art, pottery, leather and metal goods, jewelry, paintings, edible treats and sculptures and other creations to mark their time in the Renaissance era.
For a more in-the-moment experience, check out massages, henna, hair braiding and face painting.
What are the festival’s theme weekends?
If you have a favorite medieval interest, get ready to explore your passion at one of the festival’s theme weekends.
Here’s a look at the festival’s upcoming theme weekends:
How much are tickets to the festival?
Festival admission costs $27.95 for adults, $18.95 for children ages 5 to 12, $25.95 for seniors, plus fees. Children ages 4 and younger get in free.
Attendees can also purchase other ticket options like a weekend pass, season pass or family 4 pack at various prices.
What am I allowed to bring into the festival?
Guests are welcome to bring certain items on the premises, including umbrellas, purses (which may be subject to search), backpacks (which may be subject to search), baby bags (also subject to search), folding chairs, strollers (including those for pets) and wagons.
Can you take your dog to the festival?
Yes, dogs are allowed at the Renaissance Festival, but you must follow certain rules, according to the festival’s website. Other types of animals are not allowed.
You’ll need to register your dog, provide proof of vaccination, stop by the pet registration booth, pay a $10 fee, bring a photo of your dog or pay $5 to have one taken, keep your dog on a leash not more than 4 feet long and clean up after your dog.
Pets are limited to one dog per owner; dogs must wear a festival tag; be friendly, well-behaved and nondisruptive; dogs must be at least 6 months old and any accidents must be reported immediately to first aid, the website says.
Can you bring a musical instrument to the festival?
No, musical instruments of any kind are strictly prohibited for any patron.
Do you have to dress up to attend?
Although it may be enjoyable to participate in the festival’s theme, it is not required.
If you do decide to dress up, the costume rules include:
Family-friendly: Costumes and clothing must be appropriate for all ages. Avoid anything offensive, violent or inappropriate.
Footwear: You must wear shoes at all times.
Security screening: If you’re wearing bulky or layered clothing, you may need to go through additional security checks.
Inappropriate attire: We have the right to deny entry to or remove anyone wearing clothes that we find inappropriate or distracting to other guests.
Dress code standards: Please dress as you would for any public place that requires proper attire.
No revealing clothing like booty shorts or shorts that show your buttocks.
No swimwear or bathing suits.
Men’s clothing: Please keep your nipples covered.
Can you bring weaponry into the festival as part of a costume?
Yes, costume weapons are allowed, but there are rules, including:
Firearms: No firearms or anything resembling a firearm are allowed.
Weapons check: All weapons must be inspected at our Weapons Check booth, located near the front archway. After inspection, your weapon will be secured, and your hand will be stamped.
Swords, axes, and daggers:
Must be fully sheathed with no part of the blade visible.
Must be secured with a plastic zip tie (peace-tied).
Cannot be drawn from their sheath at any time.
Only swords, axes, and daggers are permitted.
Other weapons:
No sharp or pointed objects are allowed on costumes or accessories.
No items that resemble real weapons or could be mistaken for them.
Bows:
Bows are only allowed if unstrung, including those used by competitors (bows may be strung for competition, but must be unstrung immediately after).
Arrows must have tips removed and be peace-tied. Competitors must adhere to this rule before and after competition.
Toy weapons:
Plastic, wood, and foam toy weapons are allowed.
They must not be used in a manner that could accidentally hit someone.
General rules:
Weapons must not appear capable of causing harm.
Festival staff reserve the right to refuse entry or remove guests who do not follow these rules.
Zip ties: Zip ties are available at the weapons check booth. If you have questions or need to modify your attire, please ask at the front gate or visit the weapons check booth near the front archway entrance.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Renaissance Festival Highland Fling planned. What to know