There are certain events in the DC region that we absolutely make a point to visit every year. The Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, MD, is one of these events. It runs every weekend from the end of August through most of October, which means the weather is usually glorious.

Generally considered to be the second largest Renaissance Festival in the United States, the Maryland fair is held in a permanent village called Revel Grove. This lends the fair an air of realism and…well…permanence that would be missing if the village were temporarily constructed for just one season.

This year, the festival brought to life the year 1521, King Henry VIII, and Queen Katherine of Aragon. For a few hours on the weekend, it really feels like 16th century England has come to life. Just a tad cleaner. And less plague-y.

If you’ve never been to a Renaissance fair, want to go to one, or are just curious. Here’s a few of our best shots from this year’s excursion….

There are plenty of shops that are all too eager to part you from your hard-earned cash, but that’s not why we go. We go for the entertainment, and there’s truly something for everyone.

Spread out over 10 different stages, plus dozens of other places where entertainers just pop up, the entertainment is usually fantastic.

With 10 stages of nonstop entertainment, though, some planning is probably in order. If it’s your first visit, you’ll likely be a bit paralyzed by all of the options. My advice? Just start wandering. (But be sure to grab a map and schedule at the front gate on your way in.)

Whatever you see will be magical, and you’ll eventually be able to make a plan for some acts you want to see–whether it’s a certain type of music, that sword-swallowing dude, or a children’s storytime. Like I said, there’s something for everyone here.

There’s music…

There are costumes galore…..

There are plays….

There’s jousting….

There are clowns….

There are turkey legs….

There are magicians and variety acts…..

And there’s this guy…..

The Maryland Renaissance Festival is near the top of our annual “don’t miss” list. It really should be on yours as well.

The 2014 season runs through October 19. Tickets are $22 for adults, $10 for kids ages 7-15, and FREE for kids 6 and younger! Ticket lines at the gate are usually pretty long, so it’s a good idea to grab yours online in advance.

Did you make it to this year’s festival? What did you think?