ContestsConcerts + Events

LISTEN LIVE

A Day at the Michigan RenFest In Holly

I love being at the Michigan Renaissance Festival right at 10am… they put on a show before they even open the gates.  You’re not even in yet, and they’re already…

woman holding a turkey leg at the Michigan RenFest in Holly

Doni at the Michigan RenFest in Holly! HEY! It’s a turkey leg! You know who would really love this?

Donielle Flynn

I love being at the Michigan Renaissance Festival right at 10am... they put on a show before they even open the gates.  You're not even in yet, and they're already harassing you... but in a fun way. Once inside the gates, the festivities at the May Pole begin shortly after 10.  The king and queen are there and everything is splendid at the Michigan RenFest in Holly.  My day is already off to a great start.  Scroll down to get straight to the pics or read on and find out some things you may not know about the Michigan RenFest.

On my latest visit, I saw something I hadn't seen before: a cat chilling on a leash.  Opening weekend is Pirates and Pups, so I was a little surprised to see a cat.  The cat is named Morf.  Morf and his owner have a show at RenFest.  How cool is that?  You can see Morf the Magnificent and Captain Sean on the Mother Oak Stage.  After all these years of going to the Michigan RenFest, I still never know what I'm going to see.

Put Some Clothes On

I made my way over to Hearts Delight.  This is my go-to for costuming.  I've been treated well every year by these wonderful people, so naturally, I return every year.  Once again, they hooked me up in an amazing outfit, and off I went to enjoy the festival in proper garb.  I love dressing up for RenFest and I love checking out everyone else's outfits.

We bumped into Zach The Cleaner of Glass (window washer) and his wife, Spring at Hair Flips.  The owner, Holly, was a super cool lady.   Like many of the shops you'll find at RenFest, Holly is a local business owner.  I have a ton of respect for her hustle.

The OG Tomato Guy

From there we headed over to a place I knew in the 90s as Vegetable Vengence.  You will find it tucked away in the bottom left corner of the festival grounds.  You pay money to throw tomatoes at a guy who is insulting you like no other.  I loved visiting Vegetable Vengence even though I knew I was running the risk of getting ripped to shreds.  Some (most) of what was said would not be cool in today's world.  We met Shawn, the owner of the newly reincarnated Tomato Torment.  Shawn is the nicest insulting yet wholesome tomato guy you're ever gonna find.  He is also wicked smart.  Shawn has a background in stand-up and improv.  He incorporated cameras into his stand and has over 100,000 YouTube subscribers (including me) as the OG Tomato Guy.  Go see him and throw some tomato pieces.  Support insults and general bad behavior.

We also went to jail, hit up the pickle man, checked out some shows, and met the Michigan Viking Alliance.  The Michigan RenFest has been expanding on the jousting side.  They have a living history encampment at RenFest.  I love that these people dedicate their time trying to authentically show you what life was like for Vikings. And let's never forget about the SOUNDS of the Shire.  I love the bands.

The Michigan Renfest in Holly Live on Facebook

We also took a bunch of pictures of pirates with their pups and Austin, from the WCSX promotions team had his traditional turkey leg.  Scroll down and let the picture bring these moments to life.  I love the Michigan RenFest in Holly. It's truly one of my favorite places.

IMG_4241.jpgDonielle Flynn

I love the harrrassment begins before the gates actually open. Up top, you see two people giving the crowd some good natured crap before letting us in. lol

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4249.jpgDonielle Flynn

It was Pirates and Pups weekend, but Captain Sean brought his cat! They have a show! You can see Morf The Magnificent on the Mother Oak Stage at the Michigan RenFest

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4357

IMG_4357.jpgDonielle Flynn

IMG_4358.jpgDonielle Flynn

Tyr of the Forest holding Little Clara... It's her first time attending the Michigan Renfest!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4255-rotated.jpgDonielle Flynn

Doni gets her garb on at Hearts Desire Clothier! It's time to go full RenFest!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4356.jpgDonielle Flynn

Lord Cordin helped Doni get her look together at Hearts Delight Clothier

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4296.jpgDonielle Flynn

I always visit the Pickle Man! PICKLES! GET YOUR PICKLES!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4328.jpgDonielle Flynn

THIS DOG! Suave (brother Rico was at home) was the biggest dog we saw all day. Suave is a sweet boy and will beg for turkey. Helen and Art owners were super cool people.

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4308-rotated.jpgDonielle Flynn

The holy grail of turkey legs! Available now at the Michigan RenFest!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4330.jpgDonielle Flynn

The Faerie Ensemble: Cobweb, Honey Comb and Cloverleaf. you can find them on FB: mrffae

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4323.jpgDonielle Flynn

The mermaid told the little girl to put her hands on the glass while the mermaid retrieved the girl's wish to grant it.

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4290.jpgDonielle Flynn

Doni's big mouth lands her in jail.

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4320.jpgDonielle Flynn

Pirates and Pups! Here's Evie with owners, William and Kate

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4270.jpgDonielle Flynn

One of my favorite pics of the daY! HUZZAH! Austin has been captured.

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4336.jpgDonielle Flynn

Colleen Reagan loves the Michigna RenFest! Colleen makes her own headresses including this one!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4341.jpgDonielle Flynn

Tom and Milo stop for refreshments! Pirsates and Pupps!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4333.jpgDonielle Flynn

Tons of shopping at the Michigan Renfest! The Glassblowing sop is amazing!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4332.jpgDonielle Flynn

The Queen is here!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4318-rotated.jpgDonielle Flynn

Doni and Austin make their way to mermaid cove

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4314.jpgDonielle Flynn

Bones and Allen of the Viking Alliance... living history!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4315.jpgDonielle Flynn

Here's a peek at the Living Encampment. It's just a bunch of Vikings going about their RenFest day.

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4343.jpgDonielle Flynn

I always have to stop by and soak in the vibes at the pubs!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4267.jpgDonielle Flynn

The OG Tomato guy is ready to go! Shawn has over 100,000 YouTube subscribers! Check him out live at the Michigan RenFest!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4316-rotated.jpgDonielle Flynn

Doni and Austin gear up for the parade! HUZZAH!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4344.jpgDonielle Flynn

Here comes the Michigan RenFest parade!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4346.jpgDonielle Flynn

Huzazh! The parade goes on..

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4348.jpgDonielle Flynn

and on lol.. I love watching and hearing the parade at the Michigan RenFest

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4317-rotated.jpgDonielle Flynn

Doni needs Google Maps to get to work... there's no way she's escaping from here.

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4313.jpgDonielle Flynn

Amber and Barley are out for Pirates and Pups weekened! Barley tried to snag Austin's turkey leg! Can you blame him?

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4310.jpgDonielle Flynn

TheWashing Well Wenches always draw a huge crowd!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4334.jpgDonielle Flynn

Pub it pu! Who's ready fr a mug or two?

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4259.jpgDonielle Flynn

We renamed Zach the Window Washer. Heis Renfest name is "Zach the roysal cleaner of glass." Doni, Spring, Holly (the owner of Hair Flips) and Zach The Royal Washer of Glass!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4307-rotated.jpgDonielle Flynn

AUSTIN! Austin loves turkey legs. NONE SHALL PASS!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4303.jpgDonielle Flynn

What does the future hold for you?

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4302.jpgDonielle Flynn

I loved these cute ligth catchers at Fire and Ice creations! Rebecca makes them by hand. They're laser cut and filled with resin! The windows glow in the dark!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4299.jpgDonielle Flynn

Cat Calypso - Adrienne made her own costume! How great is this!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4243.jpgDonielle Flynn

Greetings from the queen and king of the Michigan RenFest!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4298.jpgDonielle Flynn

All RenFest costumes are not created equal. Chris from the WSCK promo team considers THIS a RenFest costume. #fail

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4294-rotated.jpgDonielle Flynn

I love the flower ladies at the Michigan RenFest!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4293.jpgDonielle Flynn

Dungeons and Dice Bags! This place is D&D level Overlord!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4291-rotated.jpgDonielle Flynn

It's Pirates and PUps weekend at he Michigan Renfest! This guy followed directions. :)

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4251.jpgDonielle Flynn

Cloverleaf of the Faerie Ensemble... what an amazing look!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4273.jpgDonielle Flynn

Swinging at the Michigan RenFest!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4272.jpgDonielle Flynn

Street performers at the Michigan RenFest. There's music everywhere!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4304.jpgDonielle Flynn

Doni at the Michigan RenFest in Holly! HEY! It's a turkey leg! You know who would really love this?

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4252-rotated.jpgDonielle Flynn

I love these faerie wings for the kids!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4268.jpgDonielle Flynn

Doni prepares to throw tomato at the OG Tomato Guy. He insults people... nicely

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4269.jpgDonielle Flynn

Shawn offers take-home tomatoes... they're guarenteed never to spoil. lol

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4254.jpgDonielle Flynn

Pirates and PUPS! This noblewoman shows off her pooch!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4263.jpgDonielle Flynn

Doni and Austin from the WCSX promo team are dressed up and ready to get their Renfest on!

renfest 2023 holly


IMG_4351.jpgDonielle Flynn

RenFest Modern day souveniers!

renfest 2023 holly

Donielle Flynn has two kids, two cats, two dogs, and a love of all things rock. She’s been in radio decades and held down top-rated day parts at Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington DC radio stations throughout her tenure. She enjoys writing about rock news, the Detroit community, and she has a series called “The Story Behind” where she researches the history of classic rock songs.