Maryland Renaissance Festival — Local services in Edgewater

A fun day out. A lot of people visiting, somewhat busy but not overly so. A lot of fun being had by all, didn't really see any issues with any parts of the crowd interacting with one another in a negative way noticed.

If you're thinking of visiting, buy your tickets waaaay ahead of time, they sell out fast! Parking is plentiful, and there are people in place to direct you, but it can be a walk to/from the main gate. Parking rows can be a little tight (trying to back out at the end of the day) , especially if people park too far forward (unmarked grass field parking).

The terrain is a little hilly, and is a mix of mulch, dirt, and straw. It was pretty dusty when we were there, and I can imagine it would get pretty muddy if it were to rain. If you're in a regular, hospital type wheelchair, or struggle with uneven/hilly ground it might be best to consider any other options that might be available. There were plenty of people with the mobility type scooters there and they seemed to have no real issues getting around that I saw.

There were plenty of vendors and stores to peruse and there were lots of different acts/shows taking place all over the venue at differing time. The "main event" the jousting was fun, and the actors did a great job, but it was far from the best jousting I have seen at a Ren fair.

Food was plentiful, with lots of different options, and wasn't overly expensive giveN the type of event that it was. Drinks were also available all over, and around $2 for a bottle of water/soda, so again not overly expensive considering that it was an event setting.

There were plenty of porta-let type facilities available, and they were kept reasonably clean, especially given the amount of people there, so kudos to those that were servicing them, I thankless job I am sure!

Overall it was a lot of fun, my 13 and 9 YO daughters had a blast, and are already hitting me up for next year. If you're interested in going, try it! I am sure you will have a blast. You can either dress up or not, either way you're made to feel welcome and...

The overall experience is good, but there are a few things that can ruin it for you. The food is adequate at best. Be prepared to spend an exorbitant amount on food, especially if you are bringing the family. The goods for sale are very pretty, shiny, and feel great, until you see the highly marked up prices. A $120 silk scarf sold there can be purchased for less than 1/2 in any store that carries them. A wooden sword, made from a soft wood like pine, with no paint, primer, or poly coating will easily cost you $35+. The bigger the sword, the higher the cost. The ATM lines are at least 45 minutes long and have a $7 surcharge from the Bank of Glen Burnie. I also witnessed more than a few people have their cards rejected for whatever reason. As I was leaving, I tried one of the ATM's and it rejected my credit card also. Yet I used the card during the day and for dinner, after we left the event. While most vendors of non-parishable goods accept plastic, almost no food or drink can be purchased without cash. The crowds are huge, even on Sundays. The tickets seem to have no set number towards capacity and it can be felt inside of those gates. There were a few positives also. The port-a-poties were very plentiful, clean, and well-stocked. I never saw a single line for the women's side. The performances get better every year. While the court is a hit or miss, the horse riders were very skilled and some have definitely improved their acting. I saw only one item (chicken tenders) run out throughout the entire weekend. Everything else was plentiful. The exit process was smooth. Even the parking lot and ride out of the area was very easy. The day can be fun, but be prepared to be crowded and spend without a care. I suggest getting there 15 minutes before gates open and once inside, do the activities you came for before the...

I had a really nice time. Parking was super easy with staff directing everyone. Leaving was easy as well with the multiple exits. I wasn't a fan of the porta poddies considering the heat and my outfit. I feel like a permanent location would have regular bathrooms, especially when anticipating people in big costumes with all sorts of bits and parts and such. I do wish the tournament areas were shaded because the sun was out in full force this weekend. I absolutely loved the fruit stands, and the food lines weren't bad. I do wish there was more space to just rest at. I brought a blanket with the intent of laying it out for my family to relax on but everywhere I went I felt like we would be in the way. The rules that were listed online seemed really strict, especially with the whole not being allowed to give out trinkets and such. It wasn't really clearly defined as to what would be considered "inappropriate attire" so I was wondering if people were being asked to leave or prevented from entering. The park was packed, and it was very hard to move. I felt bad for anyone that needed mobility devises or strollers in there. I just had a wagon to hold my partner's child's things and a blanket. I found it ridiculous that the park only permits one single bottle of water per person. Everyone is in really elaborate and at times heavy costumes that get really hot so it's just asking for heat casualties. Other than that, I did have a good time. I am curious to know if anyone was able to find leather body armor. I've been slowly upgrading my set to real leather, and I usually get it at the fair, but I wasn't able to find a single...