Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome To HollyGrove!

Calling all lords and ladies with a penchant for jests and jousts!

Have some questions about all the fun you can have at the Michigan Renaissance Festival? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list of some of the most common questions we hear from our patrons. Take a look and see if you find what you’re looking for.

Welcome To HollyGrove!

Calling all lords and ladies with a penchant for jests and jousts!

Have some questions about all the fun you can have at the Michigan Renaissance Festival? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list of some of the most common questions we hear from our patrons. Take a look and see if you find what you’re looking for.

Admission FAQs

We do not issue rain checks or refunds. We are open rain or shine, and all acts will be performed as scheduled unless conditions threaten the safety of the participants.

Yes. Please have your hand stamped at the gate when you leave. When you re-enter the Park, show your stamped hand for re-entry. Festival only allows same day re-entry to the grounds. Re-admission is not allowed after 7pm.

Certainly! Your dog is welcome to join you at the festival on any day that we are open this season. Please refer to the ticket prices for admission details. Your furry friend must be at least 6 months old and have current vaccination records. Kindly review our dog policy for additional information.

Regrettably, the festival is not accessible on weekdays (Monday to Friday), with the exception of one Monday each year, which is Labor Day, and one Friday each year, which is Festival Friday. You may refer to the festival season schedule to check which particular day that is.

No, but we have a costume contest that occurs every day. Check our downloadable weekly schedule under each theme weekend to review the time and location of the contest.

All stage shows including jousting are included in the admission. You may choose to purchase arts and crafts items, food or beverage, or enjoy some rides and games (costs vary).

General admission tickets for adults and children can be utilized on any one festival day throughout the season, ensuring maximum flexibility for ticket holders. As long as the ticket is used within the designated festival period, individuals may use their ticket at their convenience.

We’re a rain or shine event! All general admission tickets are valid for any single day of our festival season, so pick the day that works best for you.

Tickets & Discounts

Please refer to our tickets page for price information: Tickets Page

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted by most vendors and food booths at the festival. Moreover, ATMs are conveniently located throughout the park for your convenience. Please note that the festival does not accept personal checks or foreign currency at any of its locations.

Please refer to our discounts page for more details.

We salute our amazing first responders and military personnel/veterans with a special discount on admission to our park all season long. Festival Friday: Free admission for you! All Other Days During the Season: Enjoy $5 off your general gate admission ticket.

 

First Responder personnel who qualify for discount admission include: Firefighters, EMT’s, Uniformed Police Officers, State Troopers, 911 Dispatchers, Correction Officers, Evidence Technicians, Investigators, Medical Professionals & Nurses. To take advantage of this discount, presenting proper identification demonstrating eligibility is required (e.g. Government-Issued ID, Military ID, Hospital ID, etc).

Please visit our discount page for details on locations and additional discounts available throughout the season.

We have a dedicated Will Call window at the Festival Box Office, located right next to the main entrance gate.

Upon arrival at this window, you will be provided with your medallion, 5 complimentary tickets, a t-shirt, and a mug all in one convenient pickup.

For those who pre-purchased Royal/Season passes, the earliest you can retrieve your passes would be during our kick-off party at the Detroit Eastern Market, Shed 5 (2934 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48207). We host our event every year during the 1st Sunday in August at 10am. Outside of that time, we do not host any other time to allow you to pick up your pass before opening day.

Tickets can be purchased either online or at the festival box office, allowing you the flexibility to choose the method that best suits your needs.

Tip: A helpful recommendation for individuals who have bought tickets online is to present their ticket using their mobile device to the gate attendant. It is essential to ensure that the barcode is easily scannable by making it visible. To mitigate potential issues related to mobile connectivity, it is advised to capture a screenshot of the ticket that displays the barcode.

In the event that you are unable to locate the original email from etix.com after purchasing tickets online, we kindly request that you send us a message and we will be more than happy to reissue the tickets to you via email.

Please note that all complimentary tickets included with the Royal Pass purchase must be redeemed within the first four weekends [click here to view themed weekends] of the festival, including Festival Friday. These tickets are valid for both adults and children. Tickets do not have to be used all on the same day. Each Royal Pass purchase includes 5 complimentary tickets.

Common FAQs

Location: 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly, MI 48442

Year: 2024 Hours

When: Weekends (Sat. & Sun)

Dates: Aug. 17 – Sept. 29th

Time: 9am – 7pm

Open One Holiday: Labor Day, Sept. 2

Open One Friday: Festival Fri., Sept. 27

Weather: Rain or Shine

Jousting happens 3 times a day. 1pm, 3pm & 5pm. This is FREE to enjoy and included with festival admission.

At the Michigan Renaissance Festival, only dogs are permitted on the premises. Dogs aged six months (no exceptions) or older, regardless of size, are welcome to join. Please note that other animals such as chickens, birds, snakes, cats, monkeys, turtles, or any other non-dog pet are strictly prohibited. For more details regarding our guidelines on bringing dogs, kindly refer to the policy section of this page.

The event takes place amidst serene natural surroundings of grass, dirt, mud, rocks, and gravel.

Festival Friday is primarily designed for school-aged children, who visit the festival as part of their field trip activities. To cater to this younger demographic, the main shows that typically occur on regular weekends are toned down, and the atmosphere is generally more family-friendly. Consequently, this day is considered one of the least busy, with no feast or happy hour and only a single pub crawl scheduled. However, the evening culminates in a masquerade ball, which offers a fun and enjoyable experience for festival-goers. Festival Friday is open from 9a – 7p.

Yes. Normal hours, 9a – 7pm.

Treat your group to an unparalleled outing filled with adventure and excitement. Traverse the winding paths of our meticulously reconstructed 16th century village, explore over 80 artisanal shoppes showcasing one-of-a-kind crafts and delectable food options, partake in skillful games and take part in an assortment of human-powered rides. Be regaled by the countless costumed characters who entertain with daily performances. With seven themed weekends on offer, each presenting a fresh experience embodying unique programs, activities and more, there is something for every group to discover.

The Lost and Found facility is situated inside the gift shop, adjacent to the festival gate. In case you were unable to visit the festival’s Lost and Found location and lost an item, kindly note that our lost and found items are transported to our main office on the subsequent Monday after the festival concludes. To check if your item has been found, feel free to contact our office at 248-634-5552.

It is strictly prohibited for any patron (customer) to bring any sort of musical instruments within the festival premises.

There is no camping or overnight parking on the Festival grounds. However, there are close camping sites listed on the Groveland Oaks/Oakland County website. Also check out the Hollycamp Ground located in the area.

The event takes place amidst serene natural surroundings of grass, dirt, mud, rocks, and gravel. Visitors using wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs are welcome to attend. We also have designated parking spaces and portable toilets that are easily accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Although it may be enjoyable to participate in the festival’s theme, feel free to dress in a way that will ensure you have a fulfilling festival experience.

Certainly! Kindly refer to our weddings page for comprehensive information.

You have the flexibility to decide how much money you bring with you. Our food offerings cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, with prices varying between $3 and $20. Please be aware that vendors independently determine their own prices, which are not connected to the festival.

Please note that vendors set their own prices, independent of the festival. Most vendors accept debit and credit cards, and ATMs are available on-site for your convenience.

Dining FAQs

Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the festival gates; however you may bring in food for infants and toddlers. The Festival will allow one (1) unopened (factory sealed) 16.9 oz bottle of water per person to be brought through the front gate. No re-useable/re-fillable bottles are allowed. All flasks must be empty before entering the Festival gates! You may bring a cooler to leave in your car if you wish. If you choose to do so it must remain in your car. In addition, the festival has a standing policy allowing exit and re-entry. Don’t forget to get your hand stamped as you exit. Please note: all bags are inspected at the front gate! (This is for our employee’s and patron’s safety!)

For individuals and families dealing with food allergies, you may bring food items inside the festival gates. IMPORTANT: You must be able to verify the allergies with a note from your physician; medical back up goes a long way to help you get what you need.

If you have any questions, please call 248-634-5552.

Kindly acknowledge that our open-air theme park attracts a large number of visitors exceeding 250,000 during its operating season. This implies that all areas of the venue unavoidably contain some degree of allergy contaminants.

Due to high volume production, The Renaissance Festival food locations cannot accommodate or guarantee separation of cooking surfaces. Those guests who suffer from sensitive or life-threatening allergies (such as peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, eggs and wheat) should exercise extreme caution as foods are transported, stored and prepared in close proximity.

Mid America Festivals is providing this information for informational purposes only. Neither MAF, its subsidiaries, affiliates, suppliers, vendors and/or employees assume responsibility for sensitivity or allergy to any food product or ingredient provided by or in our festival.

The Renaissance Festival makes every effort to accommodate the needs of our guests. If you adhere to a specific dietary regiment or have food allergies, Gluten Free and Vegetarian options are available to guests with special dietary requirements. Please refer to the festival program booklet for locations which you receive at the gate entrance.

At the Michigan Renaissance Festival, an extensive array of diverse and exclusive food options awaits patrons. Alongside classic turkey legs and skewered delicacies, visitors can indulge in culturally diverse dishes, traditional English fare, pub-style nourishment, burgers, and an assortment of other culinary delights catering to individual preferences and budgets. See our food options.

Indeed, we are pleased to share that we have a total of three restaurants available to our patrons: The Dragon’s Den and The Dragon’s Lair, both of which offer patio seating. Prices differ for each restaurant, varying from $8 to $22. Rest assured, all three locations are clearly marked on the festival map, which can be conveniently downloaded from our website or obtained upon your arrival to the festival.

Parking FAQs

In our ongoing commitment to improving your experience at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, we’ve updated our parking process. We’ve partnered with a professional parking company to ensure a smooth and efficient parking experience. For more details, please visit: Michigan Renaissance Festival Parking.

The parking lot typically opens at 8:00 am for patrons to park.

Handicap parking is available. You show your handicap sign or tell the attendant you have a plate and they will flag you to the handicap parking which is located near the front gate entrance.
Unfortunately we do not have this accommodation. Expecting mothers can be dropped off at the front gate entrance.
No, we do not have RV/Camper parking.
It is recommended to seek advice from the parking attendant regarding your intention to drop off an individual at the entrance gate. You may proceed with dropping them at the gate and subsequently park your vehicle before meeting them at the designated location.

Regrettably, we are unable to offer any form of shuttle service at this time.

Directions & Traffic

Inevitably, Festival traffic influxes can cause heavy congestion and prolonged wait times. In an effort to mitigate these difficulties, here are some recommended strategies to streamline your arrival and departure:

Please DO NOT rely on applications like Google or Waze as they may re-route you if there is traffic.

WHEN TO ARRIVE:
The majority of our patrons arrive between 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., so to avoid long lines, we invite you to arrive early so you can be at the gate. Parking is available as early as 8:00 AM.

WHAT TO BRING:
Our gates are open rain or shine. Comfortable shoes are a must!

BRING CASH:
Many booths at the Renaissance Festival only take cash. There are also ATMs located throughout the festival grounds for your convenience. While there are many ATM’S available on site in multiple locations, the lines can be long.

PLAN ON WALKING:
The Renaissance Festival covers a lot of area, with an amazing number of food vendors, artisan shops, and stages. Because it covers such a large area, plan on doing a lot of walking.

ANTICIPATE CROWDS:
Please consider visiting us during the first three weekends of the festival to avoid the increased traffic and crowds that occur during the last four weekends, which are typically our busiest time of the season. This will allow you to have a more tranquil and enjoyable experience.

CELLULAR SERVICE:
Cellular service didn’t exist in the 16th century 😉, so while VERIZON has helped significantly with service, some days with higher crowds have less reception. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Renaissance atmosphere!

We strongly advise against parking on the sides of the streets or in unauthorized areas during the festival. Any vehicles found parked illegally are subject to impoundment.

Northbound: Follow I-75 S to Holly Rd in Grand Blanc Township. Take exit 108 from I-75 S, Take E Baldwin Rd and Dixie Hwy to the grounds.
Southbound: Follow I-75 N to Dixie Hwy in Springfield Township. Take exit 93 from I-75 N, Follow Dixie Hwy to the grounds.

Guest Services

We apologize, but we do not have a private space for breastfeeding. However, several nearby shops welcome breastfeeding mothers. Our First Aid location is also accessible for your convenience.

Unfortunately, we do not have this accommodation.

Our premises are equipped with portable toilets featuring hand sanitizer dispensers. Additionally, we offer handicap accessible portable toilets for the convenience of all attendees.

Guests are welcome to bring certain items on the premises, including umbrellas, purses (which may be subject to search), backpacks (which may also be subject to search), baby bags (also subject to search), folding chairs, strollers (including those for pets) and wagons.

Please note that we do not offer rental services for strollers, wagons, or regular wheelchairs. However, we do welcome our patrons to bring their own scooters, wheelchairs, wagons, or strollers.

Certainly, our scooters known as Amigos can be rented at a cost of $50. Please note that we operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not offer reservations. To rent one, you may proceed directly to the will call window at the festival box office located on-site.

We do not have lockers or any type of storage/holding area for patrons belongings.

Unfortunately, costume rental services are not available.

Several shops have a variety of coverings, but in general, they tend to be relatively small. There are partially covered seating areas available.

Any child who is separated from their parent or guardian will be presented to a PR (Public Relations) officer and escorted to the Information Booth, located just inside the gift shop next to the front entrance. Security will remain with the child until the parents are located. If you find a child who has been separated from their group please take them to the nearest MIRF staff member or shoppe owner for assistance.

Tips to prevent unplanned separation
  • Make sure everyone in your group has contact phone numbers.

  • If you have young children we highly recommend giving the child something with your contact information on it JUST IN CASE they get separated from the group. This can be anything from a sticker with your contact number to a small card they have in their pocket.

  • Have your group pre-plan meet up times and locations if you plan to split up.

During the Festival hours, there is a fully staffed medical services team available to assist. The staffed First Aid station is situated within the Festival grounds, next to the jewel mining booth. In case of major emergencies, kindly instruct someone to contact the closest food merchant and request medical assistance. The food merchants can quickly connect to emergency personnel and MIRF staff via their radios. It is recommended to convey as much relevant information as possible about the situation.

At the park, WiFi is not available and cellular service may experience intermittent connectivity issues. We also recommend that guests print or take a screenshot of their ticket email prior to their arrival.

The Michigan Renaissance Festival allows guests to bring in one factory sealed 16oz bottle of water per person.

We unfortunately don’t have water refill stations on-site.

Entertainment

Our downloadable weekly schedules for each theme weekend are posted every Wednesday. However, please note that the schedule for the first weekend may be delayed. We kindly request that you refrain from contacting us via email, phone call, or social media to inquire about the schedule. Rest assured that it will be made available by Friday of that themed weekend at the latest.
With your admission to the Festival, access to all stage shows is included. While not required, our talented entertainers would greatly appreciate any gracious tips should you thoroughly enjoy their performances.

We’ve designed our festival to be inclusive of all ages. While there’s a dedicated space for kids, please note that certain performances are intended for adult audiences.

The Michigan Renaissance Festival boasts an impressive lineup of more than 17 live stages featuring a diverse array of entertainment, from jugglers, and musicians to magicians, dancers, acrobats, comedians, and jousters. For a detailed listing of featured acts, please refer to our entertainment page.

At 12:30 PM on each festival day, the residents of HollyGrove assemble in the Valley of Aberdare to commence the Parade, making their way through the entire village to welcome all esteemed visitors of the King and Queen.

Opening ceremony begins promptly at 8:30a within the holding area of the festival. The holding area is the location where the festival box office and gates are located.

Policies

Can I Bring My Dog to the Festival?

Yes, dogs are welcome every day we are open, but there are specific rules you must follow. No dogs under 6 months old will be allowed under any circumstances. No exceptions will be made.

What Are the Requirements to Bring My Dog?

To bring your dog to the festival, the following terms must be met:

  1. Fill Out the Dog Registration Form:

  2. Cost:

    • It is $10 per dog if you bring your own photo.
    • If we need to take a photo of your dog, there is an additional $5 fee.
    • Each dog must pay a fee for admission. No exceptions.
  3. Vaccination Requirements:

    • You must bring proof of up-to-date vaccinations, which include:
      • Rabies
      • Distemper
      • Parvovirus
      • Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
  4. Check-In:

    • Bring your dog to Pet Registration prior to entry.
  5. Leash Requirements:

    • All dogs must be on a leash at all times.
    • Leashes must not exceed 4 feet in length.
  6. Dog Behavior:

    • Owners must clean up after their dogs.
    • Only one dog per person is allowed. If you are a family with more than one dog, each dog must be accompanied by a separate person.
    • Dog owners must report any accidents to First Aid immediately.
    • All dogs must have their festival tag visible at all times.
  7. No Other Pets Allowed:

    • Only dogs are permitted within festival gates.
    • No other pets will be allowed on festival grounds!
  8. Age Restriction:

    • No puppies under the age of 6 months are allowed by any means necessary. No exceptions will be made.

 

Service Animals

Are Service Animals Allowed?

Yes, all service animals will be admitted into the festival in accordance with ADA regulations.

  1. Registration:

    • Service dog owners are not required to fill out the Dog Registration Form, register, sign in, or pay a pet fee.
  2. Entry:

    • Service dog owners may enter any gate.
  3. Vaccination Proof:

    • Service dogs must wear their collar with appropriate proof of required vaccinations, if any.
  4. Misrepresentation:

    • It is unlawful to misrepresent a pet as a service dog.

 

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at 248-634-5552. We look forward to seeing you and your furry friends at the festival!

Firearms:
No firearms or anything resembling a firearm are allowed.

Weapons Check:
All weapons must be inspected at our Weapons Check booth, located near the front archway. After inspection, your weapon will be secured, and your hand will be stamped.

Swords, Axes, and Daggers:

  • Must be fully sheathed with no part of the blade visible.
  • Must be secured with a plastic zip tie (peace-tied).
  • Cannot be drawn from their sheath at any time.
  • Only swords, axes, and daggers are permitted—no other weapons are allowed.

Other Weapons:

  • No sharp or pointed objects are allowed on costumes or accessories.
  • No items that resemble real weapons or could be mistaken for them.

Bows:

  • Bows are only allowed if unstrung, including those used by competitors (bows may be strung for competition but must be unstrung immediately after).
  • Arrows must have tips removed and be peace-tied. Competitors must adhere to this rule before and after competition.

Toy Weapons:

  • Plastic, wood, and foam toy weapons are allowed.
  • They must not be used in a manner that could accidentally hit someone.

General Rules:

  • Weapons must not appear capable of causing harm.
  • Festival staff reserve the right to refuse entry or remove guests who do not follow these rules.

Zip Ties:
Zip ties are available at the Weapons Check booth. If you have questions or need to modify your attire, please ask at the front gate or visit the Weapons Check booth near the front archway entrance.

Michigan Renaissance Festival – Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Our Commitment:

The Michigan Renaissance Festival is dedicated to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for everyone. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.

What We Don’t Allow:

Discrimination or harassment based on:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Gender
  • National origin
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Creed
  • Marital status
  • Veteran’s status
  • Public assistance status
  • Sexual orientation
  • Any other legally protected category

This policy applies to all employees, vendors, and independent contractors.

What is Harassment?

Harassment is any behavior that makes someone feel uncomfortable, intimidated, or unwelcome. This includes:

  • Unwelcome comments or jokes about someone’s race, gender, age, etc.
  • Touching, patting, or pinching that is unwanted.
  • Displaying offensive pictures or objects.
  • Making unwanted sexual advances or comments.
  • Threats or promises related to job security in exchange for favors.
 

Examples of Harassment:

  • Using racial slurs or negative stereotypes.
  • Sharing offensive materials, such as images or writings, around the workplace.
  • Making sexual comments or jokes about someone’s clothing or body.
  • Unwanted physical contact or touching.
  • Spreading rumors about someone’s character or work because of their identity.
  • Suggesting that someone’s job depends on granting personal favors.
 

What to Do If You Experience or Witness Harassment:

If you experience or see harassment or discrimination, you should report it. You can talk to:

  • Your immediate supervisor.
  • Any member of management.
  • The General Manager.
  • The President of the festival.

We will investigate all reports fairly and confidentially. Everyone involved in the investigation must participate if asked.

Possible Consequences for Harassment:

  • Counseling the person involved.
  • Transferring them to another position.
  • Probation with a warning.
  • Suspension with or without pay.
  • Termination of employment or business relationship.

 

 

 

Your Responsibility:

If you have questions about whether behavior is allowed, talk to your supervisor or manager.

By participating in the festival, you confirm that neither you nor anyone under your direction has committed violence or inappropriate behavior toward minors or vulnerable adults. If it is found that this statement is false, your relationship with the festival can be terminated immediately.

Alcohol Policy:

  • Alcohol is only for guests 21 or older with a valid ID.
  • We can refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated.
  • No outside alcohol is allowed at the festival.
 

We Protect Against Retaliation:

Anyone who reports harassment or discrimination or helps in an investigation is protected from retaliation.


This policy aims to keep the Michigan Renaissance Festival a welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to reach out to the management team.

Michigan Renaissance Festival – Costume and Dress Code Policy

Costume Guidelines:

  1. Family-Friendly: Costumes and clothing must be appropriate for all ages. Avoid anything offensive, violent, or inappropriate.

  2. Footwear: You must wear shoes at all times.

  3. Security Screening: If you’re wearing bulky or layered clothing, you may need to go through additional security checks.

  4. Costume and Weapons Policy: If your costume or weapon doesn’t meet our guidelines, you may be denied entry or asked to leave unless you can change to meet our standards.

  5. Inappropriate Attire: We have the right to deny entry to or remove anyone wearing clothes that we find inappropriate or distracting to other guests.

  6. Dress Code Standards: Please dress as you would for any public place that requires proper attire.

    • No revealing clothing like booty shorts or shorts that show your buttocks.
    • No swimwear or bathing suits.
  7. Men’s Clothing: Please keep your nipples covered.


Remember: Our goal is to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone, so please follow these guidelines. If you have any questions about what is acceptable, feel free to contact us in advance!

Michigan Renaissance Festival – Smoking Policy

Smoking Rules:

  • Who Can Smoke:
    • Only people 21 years or older are allowed to smoke cigarettes.
  • Where You Can Smoke:
    • Smoking is not allowed in the following areas:
    • Pubs
    • Enclosed buildings
    • Vendor booths
    • Seating areas near stages

 

Please find designated smoking areas to smoke your cigarettes.

Marijuana Use:

No marijuana smoking is allowed anywhere on the festival grounds, even if you are over 21.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about our smoking policy, feel free to call us at 248-634-5552.

This policy ensures that everyone can enjoy the festival in a comfortable and safe environment. Thank you for following our rules!

Michigan Renaissance Festival – Photography and Video Policy

Film Rights and Usage:

  1. Commercial Use:

    • You cannot use photos, videos, or audio recordings from the festival for commercial purposes without written permission from the marketing department.
  2. Camera Equipment:

    • If you want to use a camera with a lens over 12 inches, you must get approval from the marketing department before taking photos at the festival.
  3. Questions?

    • If you have any questions, please contact us at 248-634-5552.

Notice to All Attendees:

  • Photos and Videos:

    • Photos and videos will be taken at the festival.
    • By attending, you agree to be included in these recordings.
  • Use of Images:

    • Your presence at the festival means you allow us to use these photos and videos for marketing and promotional purposes.

Effective September 3, 2024: In light of a recent incident, trinket trading will be temporarily banned for the remainder of the 2024 season. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.