For more than three decades, the castle gates of HollyGrove have been swinging open for the annual Michigan Renaissance Festival.
The festival invites guests beyond castle walls to witness glimpses of the Renaissance through pageantry and tradition. Located in Holly, Michigan, it includes activities and events for people of all ages, from radiant cocktails and Renaissance weapons for adults, to mocktails and magic shows for children. This year, the festival is spotlighting a Ninja Warrior Challenge, which welcomes participants to test their wall-climbing and zip-lining skills. Other new events include a petting zoo, a create-your-own wand workshop and Viking-themed area.
Whimsical is a key facet of the theme, as many guests dress like fairies or elves, and practice both spear and knife-throwing. A jester can also be seen mocking visitors, encouraging them to throw tomatoes at him. Knights often joust in a performance area, with pirates practicing their plank-walk on tightropes nearby. Renaissance festivals are also widely celebrated for their unique food and treats. Giant turkey legs served off the bone, often eaten without cutlery, are a fan favorite.
Devan Anzarut has been attending the Michigan Renaissance Festival since he was a kid. He said ever-changing booths and activities keep him coming back to experience something new each visit.
“It’s just a good time,” Anzarut said. “(It’s) good people-watching, (and you can) see all the different things you can (do).”
Like many at the festival, Anzarut and his group of friends came dressed to impress, wearing elf ears and leather armor. Even Lucy, Anzarut’s dog, was dressed in green dragon scales.
“We like to include her (Lucy),” Anzarut said. “(Every fair) you see the same costumes. It’s more adult (than Halloween), but if you want to go (for) fairies, mushrooms or just be whimsical, you can include that here.”
Chris Horton, a Grand Valley State University alum, attended the festival to help his wife Erin run the booth for her small business, Fae Wilde Artisan Crafts. Despite working the event, Horton said he was able to walk around, watch a live falcon show and listen to the tune of the sea shanties being performed.
“Everyone is obviously very passionate and artistic,” Horton said. “We just love it.”
Horton added the festival is worth the long drive from Grand Rapids due to its uniqueness.
“Coming out to this renaissance fair is not like anything I’ve seen in Grand Rapids,” Horton said. “It’s different, cool and worth it to explore something like this.”
There is still one weekend left to visit the Michigan Renaissance Festival, playfully themed “Sweet Endings” for one last hurrah before the castle gates close again for the year.
