Viking Weekend

July 18-19, 2026

Call of the Storm

The roots of history run deep, twisting and gnarled, crossing over and under, through and between. These ancient tendrils connect us all, stories of sorrows and triumphs linked through an uncountable number of labyrinthine strands. It is a thing often forgotten. But in the heat of summer, in the little town of Merriwick, something has stirred, and it calls us all to remember. The bearers of this Midsummer summoning bring forth the horns and rallying cries of the old Norse ways. “Skäl!” They toast, and their hearts swell with the crack of thunder and the rumbling of the cold, deep sea. Their celebration is not just their own; it is an invitation to honor all lineages, all the ancient blood, all the old stories. As you step through the town gates, you carry with you the long, winding roots of your own ancestry. Come, heed the call, and remember. 

Ancient lore and lineage collide in a wild, summer celebration! Put on your finest leather, braid your hair, and join in the Viking gathering, or bring the rich clothing and stories of your own traditions! The storm beckons all!

Feast of Fools Weekend

July 25-26, 2026

Merrymaker’s Masquerade

An air of mischievousness has overcome the Village of Merriwick! Familiar faces hidden behind a mask or a painted face, there is an air of mystery, merriment, malarkey, and mischief. Her Majesty has embraced the cheekiness of our resident jesters and has ordered a Feast of Fools to celebrate their contributions of amusement to the court.  With the full ceremony and spectacle of any royal to-do, this celebration of silliness and tomfoolery is an occasion any reveler won’t want to miss. Don all thy frivolous fool-like finery, from striped socks to harlequin hats, tasseled trimmings, and bell-toed boots, and join in the joyful, wild antics of this featherbrained fête! 

Mischief and merriment will reign! For just one weekend, the Village of Merriwick will be utterly transformed into a colorful wonderland where jesters are celebrated and revelry reigns. Don thy brightest attire and paint a smile for the Feast of Fools Weekend at Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire!

Dark Fantasy Weekend

August 1-2, 2026

Twisted Fairytales

There are two sides to every story. With the fading of the Thunder moon, a tide of darkness approaches the Village of Merriwick. It creeps between the spires of the grand Towne Gate, slinks from the murky riverbank, and whispers through the fields. The veil between the mortal world and the magical realm has slipped, and from the deepest of shadows, beings of twisted tales and spooky stories step forth. Fairies of the Unseelie Court lead this dark and dazzling parade, trailing along a troupe of witches, vampires, goblins, satyrs, and all manner of creatures of the under-realms. Flowers wither, thorned vines grow thick, fruits turn over-ripe to sickly sweetness, and the hairs rise on the necks of mortal-kind in the mere presence of this celebration of the magnificently monstrous and fabulously feral. 

Bear your claws, your pointed teeth, and your twisted horns as the Village of Merriwick undergoes a transformation from charming English town to something straight out of a dark fairytale! Embrace the magic of nightfall and fall under a spell as Her Majesty's summer revels step into the moonlight for Dark Fantasy Weekend at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire!

Pirate Weekend

August 8-9, 2026

Treasure and Trouble on the High Seas

Word of Merriwick’s wild Midsummer revels have reached all the way out to sea, and pirates are certainly not the type to miss out on a party. The saltiest of dogs have hoisted their mainsails to reach our shores in time to join our revelry. How will our Queen receive this invasion of sea rovers? Will she alert the sheriffs to apprehend any rogue marauders or show mercy in honor of the celebratory season?

Perhaps this Pirate invasion can impress Her Majesty with unexpected decorum and style! From flouncy shirts to grand damask coats, golden earrings, and hats bedecked with ostrich plumes and ruffled trim, this dastardly fashionable bunch have set their course to drink, sing, gamble, and sweettalk their way a good time for Pirate Weekend at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire!

Fae & Fables Weekend

August 15-16, 2026

The Wydlewood Dream

Their steps jingle with the bowing of branches in the breeze, and their laughter carries the silvery shimmer of summer moonlight. The Wyldwood Fae are the benefactors of Her Majesty’s blessing this weekend! They have been beckoned from their unseen kingdom by our Glorious Queen Elizabeth - from satyrs and mushroom-kin to elves and unicorns and the myriad of folk in between. Led by the wise and twinkle-eyed Queen Glorianna, the fae will sprinkle their magic across our Village of Merriwick and frolic with our patrons to celebrate this magical summer season.  

Come, mortal, and step into the faerie ring!

Magic is in the air, and The Queen of the Wydlewood Fae welcomes all those who wish to join in her summertime festival, be you faerie, elf, sprite, or other enchanted creature! Sprout a pair of wings, find the curious sparkle in thine eye, and suspend all disbelief as you set foot into the faerie realm for Fae & Fables Weekend at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire!