Kentucky Highland Renaissance Festival

The Kentucky Highland Renaissance Festival turns Eminence into Briarwood, a 14th-century village built on a permanent fairground in North Central Kentucky. You are within easy reach of Louisville, Lexington, and Cincinnati, making it a straightforward day trip or weekend plan. Inside the gates you will find castles, market lanes, shops, and taverns, all staged around the world of Robert the Bruce.

You spend the day moving between artisan stalls and scheduled shows, with plenty of interaction from the Briarwood Players and other costumed performers. Book your time around armored jousting by Round Table Productions, then switch gears for the Pickled Brothers Circus. Don’t miss the human-powered rides and the Gaelic Gambol Celtic dance troupe; for guests 21 and over, the Twisted Thistle and HooDoo’s Pub pair drinks with live music.

The festival runs Saturdays and Sundays from late May through mid-July, with a rotating theme each weekend: Opening Weekend, Pirate Weekend, Viking Weekend, Steampunk Weekend, and a Celtic/Highland Weekend finale. Plan to arrive at 10:00 AM for the opening gate ceremony and cooler morning hours. Adult tickets run about $23, and buying online often costs less; wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen, and use the misting bridge or Faewood Grove when the midday heat peaks. Most vendors take cards, but cash helps at smaller food stands and for tipping; the site is family friendly, and outside food or drink is not allowed.

For overnight stays, book in Eminence or the wider Shelby County area to keep the drive short; Louisville and Lexington also work as hotel bases within about an hour. Regional vacation rentals near the Kentucky river valleys can be a quieter option. The festival is rain or shine unless conditions turn severe, pets are generally limited to service animals, and you are welcome to wear a costume as long as any weapons are sheathed and peace tied at the gate.