Every weekend in May, the countryside outside the small communities of Triune and Arrington, Tennessee, is transformed into the 16th century village of Covington Glen for the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival. A visit to the TN Ren Fest is a step back in time to see the Queen of England and her courtiers, jousting knights on horseback, musicians, dancers, jugglers, live chess matches and more.
Here are five tips to help you get the most out of your visit to the Tennessee Renaissance Festival.
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival takes place every year on Saturday and Sunday, every full weekend in May as well as on Memorial day Monday, so plan your May schedule with the TN Ren Fest in mind.
Plan to arrive early while the day is still cool and before the crowds arrive. The weather in Tennessee in May can get surprisingly hot in the afternoons. Gates open at 10am and the festival closes at 6:00 pm each weekend in May, rain or shine.
Put together a simple costume and come as a playtron - it's just more fun to attend as a pirate, gypsy, monk or princess! Ideas for costumes can be found at the "More about the Tennessee Renaissance Festival" and the "Top Five Ways to Prepare for a Renaissance Festival" links below in the Supporting Links section.
Plan to tour Castle Gwynn at the Tenn. Ren Faire. A free tour of the castle's first floor and grounds are included with your festival admission. Tours are conducted from noon until 4pm each day, and the earlier tours are less crowded and cooler.
Check the Tennessee Renaissance Festival website (provided below) for rules, theme weekends, entertainment and other information. Also see "Top Five Ways to Prepare for a Renaissance Festival" in the Supporting Links below. To avoid lines, order your tickets online (see Supporting Links for the link) and your tickets will be mailed right to your door, or waiting for you at Will Call at the festival.
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival can be a relatively educational experience for children and teens. Each weekend the Tennessee Renaissance Festival has a different theme, such as Family Weekend, Pirate Invasion, Romance Weekend and the Jousting Tournament. Check the official TN Ren Fest website for the schedule. See the Supporting Links below.
May in Nashville is unpredictable: Drenching rain one day, 80º sunshine the next, followed by weather in the 50s. Check the weather before you decide what to wear and carry the day/s you plan to attend.
Thanks for the info. H5
Sounds like fun!
select one here...