Ohio Renaissance Festival Crowned America's #1 Renaissance Festival, Kicks Off 2026 Season September 5 The Ohio Renaissance Festival (ORF) will officially open its 2026 season on September 5, welcoming visitors to its 30-acre re-created 16th-century English village for nine weekends of entertainment, artisan shopping, and family-friendly activities. The festival, located in Waynesville, Ohio, will run from September 5 through November 1, with daily events held on Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day. Gates will open at 10:30 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. each day. This year’s season marks a significant milestone for the festival, as it was recently named the #1 Renaissance Festival in the United States by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice poll. The honor, titled “Best Renaissance Festival in the Nation,” highlights the festival’s popularity and its ability to immerse visitors in a vibrant, historically inspired environment. The event is set in the fictional Elizabethan village of Willy Nilly-on-the-Wash, where Queen Elizabeth and over 150 costumed characters will bring the 16th-century setting to life. The festival’s entertainment offerings are diverse, featuring dozens of live performances across more than 20 stages. Highlights include the adrenaline-fueled Full-Armored Tournament Joust, comedy acts, sword-fighting duels, acrobatics, and musical performances. The village also hosts a variety of costumed characters, such as knights, pirates, nobles, and jesters, who engage with guests throughout the event. The Medieval Marketplace is another key attraction, showcasing hundreds of independent artisans who sell handcrafted goods such as clothing, jewelry, pottery, weaponry, leather goods, and home décor.#usa_today #ohio_renaissance_festival #waynesville_ohio #willy_nilly_on_the_wash #dave_ashcraft
