Celebrating the Renaissance Spirit

Costumed performers and artisans present Renaissance music, magic, comedy, juggling, jousting, tomfoolery, arts, food, drink and more at the 20th annual Oklahoma Renaissance Festival in May.

Jousting is always an exciting activity to watch at the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival.

The Renaissance was a rebirth of the human spirit, igniting a passion for beauty expressed through poetry, art, music, intellect and romance. This pivotal time cultivated a desire for a noble life, for a freer opportunity for expression, and for the melding of intellectual curiosity, diverse culture and exotic commerce.

Experience a rich cultural tapestry, and the beauty and grandeur of Renaissance England, right here in Oklahoma. You’ll be transported back to the 16th century as Castleton Village comes alive with over 600 costumed stage and street performers, merchants, and artisans providing an entertainment experience fit for royalty. Enjoy special daytime events like the Queen’s Tea, the Royal Luncheon, and the King’s Smoker. And be sure to get tickets for the after-hours entertainment at the Masqued Ball, the Pirate’s Feaste, and the Ceilidh.

The Castle is excited to welcome new performers for 2015. Chris Ivanovich will be performing up-close magic at the Crown Inn. The Maguire Brothers will be providing vocals on the Chessboard Stage, and attendees are certain to enjoy the Celtic rock of Cleghorn the third weekend of festival. The Late Mountebank & Wonder Elixir of Life Company can be found in the Cave. You will find all your other favorite acts appearing on 15 stages on the Castle grounds.
You’ll find a dazzling array of artisan creations at 134 different Renaissance merchant shops, and Oklahoma Renaissance Festival is proud to include new merchants in the Village this year. GraysLand Acres features goat milk products. Find amazing embroidery at a Tailor of Two Cities, and be dazzled by new jewelry creations at Handmade by Waite. Rabbit Hero Creations crafts the unique and unusual. Visit the new Masque Shoppe adjacent to the Italian Quarter, and once in the Italian Quarter, be sure to check out Absalom’s Dreams, a new Hookah Bar and Silk Road experience.

Find expanded seating in the Tournament Arena this year, where the Heroic Knights of Old clash with sword and lance in full contact jousting. Also watch Knight Wings Birds of Prey present thrilling conservation education with raptors. Then, move to the new seating area for the Living Chess Match and cheer on your favorites.

Stroll down twisting, tree-covered village lanes filled with quaint shops displaying one-of-a-kind, handcrafted goods. Don the latest Renaissance fashions found in the marketplace, and stop at one of the inns for a flagon of ale. Follow the aroma of fire-roasted food, let the kids play some of the games, or watch the performers while you enjoy a huge smoked turkey leg.

Entertainment for all ages will be found at the 2015 Oklahoma Renaissance Festival! Dates and hours for the festival are weekends, May 2-31, plus Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Student Day is May 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Like The Castle of Muskogee on Facebook.

For more information, contact

The Castle of Muskogee

www.okcastle.com
 

About Author Sheryl Sowell

Sheryl Sowell was born and raised in Tulsa, OK. She graduated from Will Rogers High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Northeastern State University in 2007. She has worked for Value News as editor, writer and advertising copywriter since 2008. She enjoys meeting and interviewing people for Value News articles, learning about their backgrounds, and helping to promote their businesses and local events. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes and crafts from Pinterest, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending time with family and friends. Sheryl lives in Tulsa with her fiancé Paul, their daughter Scarlett, and their two dogs, Gunner and Boo.