LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Swordplay, sand crafts, and spirited fairies took center stage at RenFest Southern Maryland, a two-day Renaissance faire held May 24–25 at Brüdergarten, where crowds gathered to revel in a realm where history and fantasy intertwine.
Billed as an “enchanted weekend of live entertainment, food, laughter, and lore,” the festival featured three stages, a bustling village of vendors, and family-friendly activities steeped in medieval flair. Hosted in the heart of Southern Maryland, the event invited attendees to trade in reality for revelry with a full menu of whimsical attractions.
The Barony of Dun Carraig, a local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism, drew guests into castle life with live sword demonstrations, tactile medieval artifacts, and historical education — all offered free of charge. Nearby, Heather Liverman mesmerized onlookers with live metalsmithing demonstrations, using a torch to sculpt intricate works of art.
Younger guests and the young at heart enjoyed pony rides from Tales & Hooves, a pirate carnival packed with prize-laden games (and sneaky buccaneers), and a sand craft station courtesy of Spin It Again. Gingersnap the Fairy’s photo booth and Renu’s colorful face painting added to the fantasy-world immersion.
One of the standout vendors was Feather Stone Florals, where former science teacher Holly Stone sold out of her handcrafted bouquets by day’s end. “I design each arrangement to make people happy. One of the women who bought from me earlier said she hadn’t felt beautiful in a while and started crying,” Stone said. “Seeing people light up when they find the right one — that’s why I do this.”
The weekend also featured banner-making with Freedom Palette, rock painting with The Plant Shop, tarot readings under the Blue Rose Wellness tent, and even quick games of Dungeons & Dragons at the Swords & Spoons booth.
Though the festival leaned into its playful, theatrical charm, it also served as a showcase of local artisans and community collaboration. From swordplay to storytelling, the event offered a glimpse into a dreamlike village where imagination reigned supreme — if only for a weekend.
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