WHAT’S NEW IN 2018
MooNiE the Magnif'Cent: This silent comedy show, performed by actor Philip Earl Johnson (a.k.a. MooNiE), involves juggling, balancing, a little magic, and a lot of audience participation.
Shipwrecked Stage: The festival has cut the pirate ship in half and turned it into a stage, where it will host several special guests throughout the festival's run.
Whiskey Tastings: For the 21+ patrons, obviously, Henry's Hideaway will hold daily whiskey tastings consisting of five premium whiskeys and instruction.
Things To See
Below is a mere sample of the action, comedy, music, and song on the festival’s 14 stages.
Miami Valley Falconry: This regional educational and conservation group will perform a live birds of prey show, including goshawks and Harris hawks.
Cirqa Brava: The acrobatic duo, Sophia A. Balantine and Marina Petrano, will combine comedy with high-flying aerial stunts.
Christophe the Insultor: This Elizabethan heckler will insult you, your friends, and total strangers in a highly creative and vulgar fashion.
The Mudde Show!: The Tri-State-based Theatre in the Ground company will perform comedic versions of "Dante's Inferno," and "Beowulf," redeeming your awful memories of high school English.
The Knights of Valour: Just to be clear. Unlike other jousts at other festivals, this is a full-contact jousting competition. Yes, you might see someone die, though we hope not.
Oops! Comedy Knife Throwing: Just think twice before you volunteer.
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FESTIVAL FAVORITES
The festival offers a variety of games and rides, including the following: Storm the Castle Climbing Tower, Drench a Wench, Catapulting Frogs, Axe Throw, Vegetable Vengeance, pony, camel, and war horse rides, Jacob’s Ladder, Barrel of Bedlam, Witch’s Hat Slip Giant Slide, and many others.
THEMED WEEKENDS
Family & Friends Weekend: For Labor Day weekend, adults can get two admission tickets for the price of one (Sept. 1-3)
Time Traveler's Weekend: Dress up as a character from your favorite movie, TV show, comic book, or any kind of sci-fi/fantasy work and get in for $15.72. There'll be a costume contest, too. (Sept. 8-9)
Pirate's Weekend: Pirates invade the village with such attractions as the Pirate Stunt Show and Pirate Play Time. Adults and kids can also enter the "Talk Like A Pirate" contest. (Sept. 15-16)
Fantasy Weekend: Don some fantasy finery and join the witches and fairies of the village. There'll be a fantasy costume contest as well. (Sept. 22-23)
Feast of Fools: The village would be full of various types of fools. The feast includes the Fool Olympics and King of Fools contest. (Sept. 29-30)
Highland Weekend: The village will celebrate Scottish heritage by hosting a haggis eating contest, traditional highlander games, and a knobby knees contest. Albannach, an internationally touring traditional Scottish band, will perform as well. (Oct. 6-7)
Barbarian Invasion: Join the barbaric hordes in a test of strength contest and a turkey leg eating contest. (Oct. 13-14)
Romance Weekend: To celebrate Sweetest Day at the fest, men can enter the Men in Tights Contest while the women compete for who's wearing the Best Bloomers. There will also be a mass renewal-of-vows ceremony for couples at the chapel. (Oct. 20-21)
Tricks or Treats Weekend: Children 12 and younger can don their Halloween costumes, gain free admission, and trick-or-treat around the village. There will be costume contests for kids and adults and a pumpkin decorating contest for the kids. (Oct. 27-28)
WANT TO GO?
What: Ohio Renaissance Festival
When: Sept. 1-Oct. 28, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Renaissance Park, 10542 East State Route 72, Waynesville
Cost: $21-23 (adults), $9.50 (kids aged 5-12), $60 (adult season pass)
More info: 513-897-7000 or www.renfestival.com
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