The Tennessee Renaissance Festival: Spend a Whimsical Weekend in Williamson County
The 2025 Tennessee Renaissance Festival came to a close on Memorial Day Weekend after a successful season that spanned weekends in the month of May. This year marked the festival’s 39th year welcoming fairies, royalty, goblins, ghouls, and more to the scenic Castle Park grounds in Arrington, Tennessee. Tucked into the enchanted park forest, the renaissance festival is a celebration of community and fantasy, giving festival-goers a chance to participate in a whimsical tradition.
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival began in 1986 and was founded by Mike and Jackie Freeman of Castle Gwynn, Williamson County’s very own castle on the hill, which is also the Freeman’s incredible private residence. In 2022, Williamson County Parks and Recreation took over the management of the renaissance festival, carrying the torch of community and wonder brought to Tennessee all those years ago. The event continues to thrive, drawing around 70,000 people to the grounds each year. Guests can spend the day watching royal jousting matches, shopping for artisanal goods, rubbing shoulders with fairytale creatures, and enjoying authentic turkey legs as they wander the outdoor market known as Covington Glenn.
The Logistics: Tickets, Parking, & Tips
The 2025 festival was hosted on May 3-4, May 10-11, May 17-18, and May 24-26. Although the exact dates change depending on the calendar year, you can expect similar dates and times in the coming festival seasons. The Tennessee Renaissance Festival typically takes place from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., with gates opening at 8 a.m. and ticket scanning beginning at 9 a.m. Until the festival gates officially open, there is a common space available for early attendees.
You can purchase tickets online or in person, though pre-purchasing is strongly encouraged, as on-site tickets are slightly more expensive and first-come-first-serve. Saturday festival tickets are $28 when purchased online or $38 when purchased on-site. Sunday and Memorial Day tickets are $25 online or $35 on-site. Children between the ages of 3 and 12 are $5 online or $10 on-site. Children under the age of 3 are free, though it is required that they have ticket reservations. Upon entering the festival, you receive a wristband, ensuring re-entry into the festival should you need to leave the grounds. There is a military discount, with $20 day passes for current or active members of the U.S. military. Likewise, there are a variety of specialty passes and group tickets available for purchase leading up to the event. For example, the Royal Court Pass grants exclusive access to all 9 festival days, early admission, private restrooms, keepsakes, and premium seating at the joust. Keep in mind that special events throughout the festival may require an addition fee. You can stay up to date with the Tennessee Renaissance Festival website for additional ticket information.
Parking is always included in your admission fee. The address of Castle Park is 2135 New Castle Road, Arrington, TN, 37014. Sherriff deputies and parking attendants are in place on festival days to ensure that parking is as smooth and safe as possible. Although the parking area is expansive, be aware that traffic may be inevitable, with peak times typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There is field parking on the park grounds, in front of the gate, and across the street, closer to Castle Gwynn. If you park across the street a shuttle is available; however, if you’re up for it, a quick 10 minute walk will lead you right to the festival gates. Additionally, accessible parking is available in the festival lot. If this applies to you, keep your accessible parking sticker visible and follow parking prompts for necessary assistance.
Pets, aside from service animals, are not permitted on the grounds. Smoking is allowed, but only in designated areas. Be aware, also, that the Tennessee Renaissance Festival does not serve or sell alcohol.
A Weekend at Castle Park: What to Expect
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival is an outdoor event, and is held rain or shine. If there is a weather emergency, however, the event will be postponed and day pass tickets will be transferred to the following festival day. As Tennessee weather can be unpredictable, it’s a good rule of thumb to be prepared for it all. Especially if you plan your costume days or months in advance, be mindful of the likely possibility of heat or rain. As always, drinking plenty of water, getting enough to eat, and wearing sunscreen will ensure your comfort and safety during the festivities.
Entering the festival gates, be prepared for lively crowds, an eclectic assortment of costumes, incredible vendors, and exhibits that transport you to a different time and place. At Castle Park, you can immerse yourself in the spirit of 16th century England with an enchanted twist, encountering valiant knights, noble men and women, and fairytale creatures along your journey. On your path you might find potions, unicorn rides for kids, magic wands, and finely crafted swords. Note that weapons, whether they’re purchased on the grounds or brought as part of a costume, must be peace-tied in order to ensure the safety of all guests. Festival employees reserve the right to refuse weapons if deemed hazardous.
In addition to incredible sights throughout the grounds, you’ll hear the sound of music, from spirited fiddles and lyres to the carrying voices of incredible performers. Wherever you wander, the word “Huzzah!” is a common proclamation, announcing or concluding events. The 16th century cheer is also a common way for food vendors to express thanks for generous tips. The Renaissance Festival is above all else a family-friendly event, and encourages fun for all age groups, with top-notch entertainment and immersive exhibits to keep everyone entertained. If you’re up for a side quest, you can try your hand at some fairwide festival games.
Festival Events & Exhibits
As your quest unfolds, it is good to keep a map of the festival grounds on hand, if only to get your bearings as you plan out your day. Some special events that you won’t want to miss include the Fairy Flower Crown Craft, the Queen’s Promenade, the Fairy Habitat and Hobbit House competition, live chess matches, mermaid meet-and-greets, glass blowing, the Buckle & Swash Pirate show, and live jousts that take place 3 times a day. While the 2026 schedule has yet to be released, you can review the 2025 schedule if you’re curious. This will give you a general idea of day to day event operations, as many acts return each year. Most events, unless separately ticketed, are included with general admission. A few things to note about events and exhibits include:
- Smaller events, such as the mermaid meet-and-greet and various character performances take place at designated stages throughout the grounds. These areas are very easy to locate and well marked with exhibit signs and time-stamps.
- Most performers are passionate professionals who tour various renaissance festivals across the country, year-round. Accompanying them, some performers are Williamson County locals who also get to play a huge role in the special event. Many performers are regulars, and have been a beloved part of the Tennessee Renaissance Festival for years.
- The Royal jousts take place on the large jousting tournament field. Impressively, the jousting at our festival is not choreographed; the knights perform authentic, live jousts.
- Many performers, such as fairies, Hob the Troll, and the king and queen, make appearances on the grounds throughout the day, interacting with and bringing joy to guests.
Another unique, coveted experience at the Tennessee Renaissance is the opportunity to visit the grounds of Castle Gwynn, which are just a short shuttle ride away from the festival grounds. Weather permitting, outside castle visits take place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during festival days. Guests are taken to Castle Gwynn in coordinated increments. To avoid a line, visiting the castle earlier in the day is highly recommended.
Vendors & Food
Most vendors do not accept credit, though some vendors with higher priced items do. Having cash on hand is encouraged. Should you forget, there are ATMs conveniently located on the grounds. Some of the incredible items for sale this year included stained glass pieces, precious jewelry, sun catchers, elf ears, medieval garb, armor, artisanal crafts, bird whistles, tiaras, incense, and handcrafted goods that you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else. In addition, there’s official Tennessee Renaissance Festival merchandise for sale, both on the festival grounds and on the grounds of Castle Gwynn. The Covington Glenn Marketplace is a vibrant place of trade a commerce. If you’re familiar with “trinket trading,” a long-standing bartering system implemented at the festival, do keep in mind that only vendors marked as such accept trades. Otherwise, traditional transactions are required.
Aside from the very popular turkey legs (be prepared for long lines if you want one of these), there’s a wide assortment of food to choose from. You can find fair food, ramen, gyro, quesadillas, tacos, skewers, pitas, desserts, and more under colorful, clever painted signs in the designated food areas. The grounds are filled with the nostalgic, sweet smell of kettle corn, a popular snack of choice at the festival. There are also beverage and water stations throughout, ensuring guests stay hydrated during the event. Each year, the festival works hard to make sure that there are food options for all. There was no exception to this in 2025, with an incredible line-up of popular vendors. You are most likely to encounter vendors who do not take credit cards in food areas. Expect cash payments for meal purchases.
Medieval & Mystical Fashion: What to Wear to the Renaissance Festival
Each festival weekend is themed, with costume showcases and more encouraging friendly competition. To get an idea of possible categories, 2025 themes included Viking Victory, Fantasy and Folklore, Pirate Plunder, and Celtic Celebration. Dressing on theme, however, is not required, and on any given weekend you’ll find an eclectic mix of Renaissance era costumes, characters, and casual outfits at Castle Park.
This year, some extremely creative outfits included elf princesses and princes, vengeful pirates, woodland creatures, mushrooms, sprites, butterflies, wizards, and even a knight whose armor was made entirely of Altoids containers. Some festival-goers opted to dress as their favorite fictional characters, including recognizable characters from Shrek, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and even Star Wars.
Although the Tennessee Renaissance Festival does encourage outside-the-box creativity, it is important to keep in mind that the environment must be safe and welcoming to guests of all ages. Shoes are a must, and festival employees do have the right to address attire that may be inappropriate. And, although dressing up is a great way to join in the fun, you certainly aren’t required to come in costume. Many festival-goers opt for subtle accessories or to simply wear a t-shirt and jeans to the event, making the grounds a nice blend of modern and mythical fashion. All are welcome!
Once Upon a Time in Williamson County
Experiencing a renaissance fair at least once in your life—even if you aren’t sure if its your scene—deserves a prime spot on the bucket-list. A rare opportunity to immerse yourself in fantasy and fable, it’s unlike anything else. Where else would realistic elf-ears, mushroom shaped hats, and cloaks be the peak of fashion? In addition, artisanal goods and events that transport you back in time, such as knighting ceremonies and the royal joust, are sure to spark a sense of imagination and excitement.
Though there are several renaissance festivals hosted throughout the country, for years many people have flocked from far and wide, specifically to be a part of the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Since its advent, we’ve been lucky enough to have the sought after event practically in our backyard. Among other wonderful features, one of the incredible perks of Williamson County is its proximity to some of the biggest and most recognized events in the state, including both the renaissance festival and Iroquois Steeplechase, which also takes place every May in Nashville’s Percy Warner Park. As summer makes its grand debut here in Middle Tennessee, there is certainly no lack of creative and family-friendly things to do. As proven by another successful Tennessee Renaissance Festival in 2025, creativity and community are alive and well here in Williamson County. Huzzah to that!
Some More Photos from the 39th Annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival:
