If you’re new to Maryland or planning your first visit to the Maryland Renaissance Festival, you’ll quickly discover there’s no shortage of things to experience. It’s a full day of family-friendly entertainment, featuring live comedy, music, thrilling jousting matches, and a variety of arena shows running throughout the day.
If you’re booking a cruise out of Baltimore, it’s worth arriving a few days early—or staying a bit longer after your trip—to explore the area. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking to make the most of your time here, there’s plenty to see and do beyond the port.
A great place to start is the Maryland Renaissance Festival, often called “Renfest.” Held in nearby Annapolis, this popular event runs from late summer through fall and offers a full day of entertainment. You’ll find live jousting tournaments, comedy shows, music, artisan shops, and plenty of food and drink—all set within a recreated 16th-century village. It’s a fun, family-friendly experience and a unique way to kick off your trip.
Located in Annapolis, the festival is extremely popular, so buying tickets in advance is essential. All tickets are sold online, and many dates sell out quickly.
From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the King and Queen at the castle gates, setting the stage for a fully immersive experience. Inside, you’ll find artisan shops, food vendors, and even costume rentals if you want to fully embrace the Renaissance atmosphere—though many guests come dressed in their own period attire.
The arena is one of the main attractions, with multiple shows scheduled throughout the day. From high-energy jousting tournaments to themed performances, there’s always something happening. The crowd plays a big role, cheering on their favorite knights and adding to the excitement. It’s a must-see—just be sure to stay hydrated, especially on warm, sunny days.
As you explore the grounds, you’ll encounter an impressive array of handcrafted goods. Vendors offer everything from jewelry, swords, and daggers to custom leatherwork, clothing, and pottery. You’ll also find unique items like wood carvings, perfumes, blown glass, and detailed dragon-themed art—all showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
The jewelry selection stands out in particular, with handmade pieces ranging from ear cuffs to intricate, portrait-style designs.
Beyond shopping, the festival includes home goods and interactive experiences. You’ll find hand-engraved drinking horns, pottery, candles, and leather mugs, along with activities like hair braiding, henna tattoos, and face painting—all adding to the immersive feel of the event.
When it comes to food, it’s easily one of the highlights. Vendors are spread throughout the grounds, offering a wide variety of options at reasonable prices.
Savory favorites include:
Smoked turkey legs
Seafood like oysters, mussels, and shrimp
Crab cake sandwiches
Crab pretzels (a must-try)
“On-a-stick” items like steak, pork chops, and mac & cheese
Meat pies
Sweet treats:
Hot apple dumplings with vanilla ice cream
Fried ice cream
Funnel cakes and fries
Cookie cones
Beverages:
Fresh lemonade
Tea and coffee
Soft drinks
Vegetarian and vegan options:
Veggie rice bowls
Falafel
Stuffed potatoes
Salads and wraps
This is just a sample—there’s food everywhere, so it’s worth taking your time and trying a few different options.
Before you go, keep a few rules in mind: outside food and drinks are not permitted and must remain in your vehicle, and offensive clothing is prohibited. For full details, it’s best to check the official festival guidelines.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season runs from August 29 through October 25, open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. The festival is located at 1821 Crownsville Road in Annapolis, Maryland, with nearby hotel options available if you’re planning to turn your visit into a weekend getaway. Visit rennfest.com
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Another must-visit spot is the National Aquarium in Baltimore. It offers an immersive journey through a wide range of ecosystems—from vibrant coral reefs filled with colorful fish to a lush tropical rainforest inspired by the Amazon.
As you explore, you might spot sloths resting high above, iguanas tucked among the greenery, and a variety of exotic birds, including macaws perched near cascading waterfalls. The attention to detail makes each exhibit feel like stepping into a different world.
The aquarium is also very family-friendly, featuring interactive areas where kids can learn about marine life and even touch certain sea creatures in shallow pools. Throughout the exhibits, you’ll encounter everything from electric eels and poison dart frogs to caiman and many other fascinating species.
While the aquarium no longer hosts dolphin shows, you can still view dolphins in their habitat. From the lower viewing areas, you’ll often see them swimming gracefully—and if you’re lucky, they may even glide up close to the glass.
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Assateague Island
Situated near Ocean City, MD, and Frontier Campground, this island is approximately three hours from the port. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a beach destination where wild ponies roam freely. When you visit, please remember to keep a distance of at least 40 feet from the horses, as they are truly wild and adapt to all weather conditions. According to legend, these ponies are descendants of those shipwrecked near Ocean City, which is just a short distance away.
