GUIDE TO THE
Tennessee Renaissance Festival
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival is an annual tradition that attracts thousands of visitors, many in creative costumes as entertaining as the festival itself. A rural field in Arrington is transformed into the 16th-century village of Covington Glen, featuring delicious food, live music, performances, artisan vendors, and jousting knights on horseback.
When is the Tennessee Renaissance Festival?
Join the fun annually every Saturday and Sunday in May, plus Memorial Day Monday. The festival operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Find additional event information here.
Where does the Tennessee Renaissance Festival take place?
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival is held at Castle Park (2135 New Castle Road, Arrington, TN, 37014). It is an outdoor event held in an open, natural setting. The festival operates rain or shine, so bring your poncho if rain is expected!
About the Tennessee Renaissance Festival
Presented by Williamson County Parks and Recreation, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival has been a community favorite since 1987. This month-long festival brings 16th-century England to Arrington, as over 50,000 festival-goers, merchants, and performers gather to enjoy the Renaissance era.
Purchasing Tickets
Tickets for the Tennessee Renaissance Festival are typically available on April 1st of each year.
Find additional ticket information here.
Events Lineup
Live Performances:
Live entertainment is included in the cost of your ticket. Many of the performers, like juggler Paolo Garbanzo and music group Empty Hats, are crowd favorites and return year after year. In addition to musicians, you can catch a knife-throwing show, a sword swallower, fairies, storytellers, and even Robin Hood and Queen Elizabeth I.
Fairy Flower Crown Craft:
Children ages 5–10 can create their own whimsical flower crown with guidance from fairy instructors. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance (festival admission required).
Courtier School:
Participants will learn courtly manners of Covington Glen, including greetings, posture, fan language, sword etiquette, and a final Knighthood/Ladyship ribbon ceremony. Open to ages 8+. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance (festival admission required).
Queen’s Promenade:
A Regency dance lesson where participants learn traditional ballroom steps from a master of dance. Open to ages 13+. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance (festival admission required).
Fairy Habitat & Hobbit House Competition:
Guests can showcase their creativity by designing and displaying a fairy habitat or hobbit house in the Queen’s Garden Glen.
Live Performances:
Live entertainment is included in the cost of your ticket. Many of the performers, like juggler Paolo Garbanzo and music group Empty Hats, are crowd favorites and return year after year. In addition to musicians, you can catch a knife-throwing show, a sword swallower, fairies, storytellers, and even Robin Hood and Queen Elizabeth I.
Fairy Flower Crown Craft:
Children ages 5–10 can create their own whimsical flower crown with guidance from fairy instructors. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance (festival admission required).
Courtier School:
Participants will learn courtly manners of Covington Glen, including greetings, posture, fan language, sword etiquette, and a final Knighthood/Ladyship ribbon ceremony. Open to ages 8+. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance (festival admission required).
Queen’s Promenade:
A Regency dance lesson where participants learn traditional ballroom steps from a master of dance. Open to ages 13+. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance (festival admission required).
Fairy Habitat & Hobbit House Competition:
Guests can showcase their creativity by designing and displaying a fairy habitat or hobbit house in the Queen’s Garden Glen.
Visit Tennessee Renaissance Festival for specific dates & timing on special events.
Parking Information
On-site parking is included with festival admission and is provided in a grassy field. Parking gates open at 8 a.m.
Please follow all prompts from Sheriff’s Deputies and parking attendants.
Nearby Things To Do in Franklin
Make a weekend of it! Just about 10 minutes from the Tennessee Renaissance Festival grounds is the award-winning winery from Kix Brooks, Arrington Vineyards.
Neighboring Arrington is historic downtown Franklin, which offers shopping, restaurants, outdoor adventures, and more. Popular nearby stops include The Franklin Theatre, historic homes and walking routes, local boutiques, and seasonal dining spots. Enjoy the full weekend or explore for a week! Franklin has plenty of accommodations to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Tennessee Renaissance Festival have a dress code?
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival encourages costumes from the Renaissance era and fantasy realms, but regular clothing is also permitted.
Does the Tennessee Renaissance Festival have food?
Yes, you’ll find lots of food options at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival! Barbecue, fried pies, ice cream, baked goods, and much more.
Bring plenty of cash since most vendors can’t accept cards due to the festival’s rural location. There are ATMs on site in case of a shopping emergency, but to avoid the surcharge, bring some green!
Is the Tennessee Renaissance Festival pet-friendly?
Pets are not allowed at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Approved service animals for festival patrons and guests are an exception and welcome within most areas of the festival.
Free Vacation Guide
Plan your visit with our FREE 2025 Vacation Guide! Consider it the ultimate road map to Franklin with our top recommendations for where to stay, eat, shop, and explore.