LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Knights in armor posed for photographs near pirates sipping drinks beneath tents. Fairy wings brushed past handcrafted weapons and flower crowns. Children stopped to pet ponies while visitors in corsets, cloaks and antlers wandered muddy pathways lined with artisan booths.
For one weekend, an ordinary corner of Leonardtown transformed into something else entirely.
The third annual RenFest Southern Maryland returned to Brüdergarten Beer Garden in Leonardtown this month, bringing together families, fantasy enthusiasts and traveling vendors for a celebration filled with live entertainment, handmade goods, costumes and immersive experiences. Founded in 2024, the festival has steadily grown into a recognizable Southern Maryland event blending Renaissance traditions with creativity and community.
Despite rainy conditions and puddled walkways, steady streams of visitors moved between artisan tents and entertainment areas throughout the day, many arriving in elaborate costumes ranging from knights and pirates to woodland creatures and fairies. Families paused for pony encounters and themed attractions while festivalgoers gathered near stages for music and performances.
Throughout the grounds, attendees explored artisan booths, watched performers and embraced the opportunity to step into a fantasy-inspired world for an afternoon.
Festival organizers describe RenFest Southern Maryland as an event where “fantasy, history and humor” come together, and visitors are encouraged to “escape reality and celebrate play.”
Traveling Artisans Find Community In Leonardtown
Among vendors drawing attention was Fire & Feathers Unique Bone and Fur Creations, operated by Nancy and Wayne Carlisle, who traveled from West Virginia to participate.
For Nancy Carlisle, however, Leonardtown still feels familiar.
“I actually grew up in Southern Maryland,” Carlisle said. “I grew up in Hollywood, graduated from Leonardtown High School.”
After relocating to West Virginia, Carlisle said she began creating jewelry and artwork using ethically sourced bones, fur and reclaimed materials.
“Everything is authentic and everything is ethically sourced,” Carlisle said.
According to Carlisle, materials often come from roadkill, natural findings on her property or local trapping efforts connected to conservation and nuisance animal management.
The work, she said, carries a deeper meaning.
“Making people happy and turning reclaimed remains — turning death into art,” Carlisle said. “Re-breathing life into the spirit of the animal that it was.”
Decorative pieces displayed throughout the booth incorporated hand-foraged plants and natural elements collected by Carlisle.
From Science Teacher To Full-Time Creator
For another vendor, the Renaissance festival circuit represents an entirely different life path.
Holly Stone, owner of Featherstone Florals, creates fantasy-inspired floral crowns and elaborate headpieces sold at Renaissance events across the East Coast.
Less than two years ago, Stone was teaching high school biology, chemistry and astronomy.
“I used to make people cry for a different reason,” Stone said with a laugh. “Now people feel beautiful and they’re full of joy.”
Stone said she began making headpieces in January 2025 and now travels to festivals full time.
“There’s definitely more happiness in my heart doing what I’m doing now,” she said.
Though she never considered herself artistic growing up, Stone described the work as creatively fulfilling. Returning customers visited her booth throughout the weekend, some purchasing additional pieces after discovering her work online.
This year’s Leonardtown event also marked a personal milestone.
“This is the first weekend my daughter’s ever come with me to sell,” Stone said.
More Than Costumes
While costumes and fantasy remain central attractions, the festival appeared to serve another purpose — creating space for connection.
Groups gathered in costume between performances, strangers paused for photographs and visitors stepped temporarily outside everyday routines. Some arrived in full armor while others wore fairy wings, elaborate crowns or pirate attire. Many embraced the festival not simply as spectators, but as participants — singing with The Hooligans, listening to Leonardtown musician Brandon Kennedy, watching belly dancers and acrobats take the stage, or cheering theatrical performances that brought Robin Hood and his merry band to life.
Vendors sold handcrafted armor, fantasy décor, medieval-inspired accessories and custom art. Musicians entertained nearby while themed areas encouraged children and families to explore.
For many Sunday visitors, RenFest Southern Maryland seemed less about historical accuracy and more about something simpler: imagination, creativity and community.
And judging by the costumes splashed with rain and muddy boots still moving between vendor tents, Southern Maryland appears eager to continue making space for events where fantasy and local community meet.
Family-Friendly Fantasy Experiences
Beyond artisan vendors and costumes, families explored interactive attractions, including a fairy-themed trail filled with whimsical displays, storybook-inspired scenes and photo opportunities. Pony encounters and children’s activities added to the festival’s mix of fantasy and family entertainment.
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