Dreams You Dreamed Really Do Come True At Maryland Faerie Festival

Nestled in the woods of Darlington, Maryland is a place that creatures with wings and horns gather once a year to celebrate the start of the warm summer months.

The Maryland Faerie Festival is held at Camp Ramblewood in the north east part of the state. For one weekend only, you can enjoy food end entertainment that is perfect for young and old. The 2016 dates are June 11-12.

2016 Activities on MarylandFaerieFestival.org

Bring the little ones to the Children Craft Cove and Glamour Glen to make wings, wands and masks! Take the whole family on a nature walk which runs 3 times each day! You won’t want to miss the Greenman March on Saturday as they bless the festival with their chants and songs! And that's just a few of the activities available.

2016 Entertainment Schedule on MarylandFaerieFestival.org

Sway to music provided by Frenchy and the Punk, Sofeya and the Puffins and the Bards of Stagg. Attend the Seelie Court and you might catch sight of the Fae Queene.

2016 Vendors on MarylandFaerieFestival.org

Did we mention shopping? ALL THE SHOPPING! Clothing, jewelry, collectable art and much more - all with a fantasy twist! Stop by to say hi to the following Fantasy Artists of Etsy vending at the 2016 Maryland Faerie Festival: John (shown below) and I at Lithia's Creations and Sarah at ToadstoolsNTreestump.

Buy Tickets at MarylandFaerieFestival.org

Festival gates are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Daily admission prices are: $5 for ages 3-12; $15 for ages 13-19, and children under 3 and over 100 are FREE! Have a little fun and get a $1 discount on admission for coming in costume!

There is a $5 fee per car for parking. (Be prepared, the parking area is grass and not paved. Any rain during the week previous may make the parking area soft and possibly difficult for cars without 4WD, so plan ahead.)

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About Fantasy Artist of Etsy Blogger

Lithia turned her knowledge of glass into a way to make cool jewelry and accessories from discarded plates and cups. Her husband hammers away nightly at leather and makes fun pouches and flasks. They're just two old school geeks having fun in the second half of their lives.

Ren-Ready Fae Folk

Renaissance fairing and festivaling is upon us and so many of our FAE members are readying their wares and stocking tents and stalls, practicing the permanent smile and brushing up on a country dance step or two.

Here is but a small sampling, a little flair and flavor from the FAE.

Elvish Princess Crystal Headdress by Knightime Creations

Yellow and Black Faerie Wings by NightLily Design

Specialty Pirate Hair Jewels by CrystalKittyCat

Custom Color Wool Three Quarter Circle Cloak  by MyElegantMuse

Arianwen Elven Cap Headdress in Chain Maille by Hawkwolf

Heart of Inara Art Nouveau Elven Arm Cuff or Ankle Bracelet by Thyme2dream

Arizona Renaissance Festival

Ahhh, where else other than a Renaissance Faire can you see a skeleton band catching a ride in a funeral cart, after providing music for beautiful belly dancers?

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is an 8-weekend extravaganza which takes place in Apache Junction, a small town much closer to Phoenix than this blogger's home in Tucson. But it's well worth the trek! This coming weekend is the last one for this year, so it's not too late to go out and enjoy yourself as much as I did!Jamila Lotus is the belly dance troupe associated with the skeleton band pictured above. Their performance includes fire, sword dancing, and quite a bit of amazing skill. Arrive early for the show if you want a good seat, I saw them twice this year and they were packed both times!
Bollywood-style finger veil dancing may not be the most Renaissance-appropriate thing, but it's very enjoyable. Just look at the attitude these two dancers from Ghazaal Beledi are displaying! I just love them. This troupe and live band has a show that changes depending on their mood. You may get to see fan veils, fire fans, or even a lively Irish jig!

I'm a horrible photo journalist, as I don't have photos of any of the other shows I saw, or great costumes. I tend to get caught up in the moment and I forget to dig my camera out. As such, I can't show you the amazing acrobats of Barely Balanced, the drums and bagpipes of Tartanic, the sweet greyhounds, or the drool-worthy wares presented by hundred of merchants. You'll have to take my word on it and get yourself out to the Faire!