Award Winning Event Gets Even Better

Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the Castle’s new “Italian Quarter,” with its own special character and style to make the festival even bigger and better.

Knights prepare to joust at the Castle of Muskogee’s annual Renaissance Festival.

The Oklahoma Renaissance Festival won the prestigious RedBud award for “Best Event in 2010” from the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. Entries were evaluated by out-of-state judges based on a variety of criteria including value and overall creativity. And now, construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the Castle’s new “Italian Quarter,” with its own special character and style to make the festival even bigger and better.

The Italian Plaza includes 12 new shops for artisan Renaissance wares plus new food, drink and entertainment venues. An Italian pub with a huge deck offers a grand place to hang out and observe the colorful stream of characters filling the streets.

The growing village of Castleton displays the rich cultural tapestry, the beauty and the grandeur you would have found in Renaissance England, right here in Oklahoma. You’ll be transported back to the 16th century as the Castle and the village come alive with over 600 costumed stage and street performers, merchants and artisans providing entertainment fit for royalty.

New acts this year include The Tortuga Twins, who won the 2010 National Renaissance Festival award for best non-musical act after performing in numerous Renaissance festivals across the New World. Also performing this year are the Beerside Scoundrels, another nationally touring act with a rousing repertoire of pub songs to get your feet tapping. Plus, you’ll find all your other favorite acts appearing on the 15 stages scattered throughout the Castle grounds.

The award-winning Renaissance Festival features over 600 costumed stage and street performers.

In the Tournament Arena, you’ll see the Knights of Noble Cause clash with sword and pike as they joust. Watch as the Birds of Prey demonstrate the hunt just as it was during the time of Kings and Lords. Move to the Living Chess Match and cheer on your Red Griffin favorites.

Stroll down twisting, tree-lined village lanes filled with quaint shops displaying rare, one of a kind, hand-crafted goods. Stop at one of the inns for a flagon of ale, or don the latest Renaissance fashions, found in the marketplace. Follow the aromas of the fire-roasted food, then let the kids play some of the games or watch the performers while you enjoy a huge smoked turkey leg.

Fascinating fun and entertainment for all ages will be found at the expanded, better-than-ever Oklahoma Renaissance Festival. The festival is held every weekend, April 30 through May 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Student Day is May 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit www.okcastle.com.

For more information, contact

Castle of Muskogee

(918) 687-3625

www.okcastle.com