Performers & Edutainers
Oakenmist proudly presents our talented performers and educational entertainers! Please check the schedules for specific performance times.
The Hooligans
Performing Saturday and Sunday at the Bawdy Stage
The Hooligans are an Irish band with a heavy emphasis on the "-ish", known as much for their shenanigans and tomfoolery as they are for their tight harmonies and fast tempos.
Chaste Treasure
Performing Saturday and Sunday at the Bawdy Stage
Truly a treasure, but Questionably Chaste, this trio of upper class ladies brings you sass thru song.
Piper Jones Band
Performing Saturday and Sunday at the Bawdy Stage
The Piper Jones Band has one mission: to bring spirited, magical dance tunes and songs to everyone - from Celtic music veterans to those hearing it for the first time.
HoCo Pirate Adventures
At the main entrance
Every month, a roughly 1-mile path somewhere in Howard County, Maryland transforms into a trail of clues left by Captain Evie and First Mate Sawyer and leads to adventure and treasure for kids of all ages!
We are partnering with the Oakenmist Renaissance Faire for a smaller and free version of our monthly Pirate Treasure Hunt!
Sugar Sirens
All Weekend - Squires' Spot
Come see the treasures of the deep, crafted by mermaids. Meet a mermaid, open pearl oysters, explore mirror glass bracelets, and try on fun and bright pirate hats. These handmade items bring a little magic to everyone!
The Ogre Trading Post
All Weekend - Squires' Spot
The Ogre family and their trading post pop up at festivals whenever possible to trade things - jokes, trinkets, funny faces, scary stories and more!
Hebrew Hammer
Just outside the main entrance
Daniel has been a blacksmith for nearly 10 years, and is now the primary blacksmith at The Blacksmith at Trenton, a forge that's been in business for almost 200 years, using techniques that are hundreds of years old.
Avian Encounters & Dragon Wings
At the back of the Marketplace
Avian Encounters specializes in interactive close-up experiences with birds of prey, including supervision, holding opportunities and professional photo moments with falcons, owls, ravens, and crows. We are federally and state licensed, and our team is experienced in providing safe and educational programming for patrons of all ages!
Zephyr Dreaming
Broommaking Demonstrations Saturday & Sunday
Zephyr Dreaming combines a love of the natural world with the crafting traditions of olde to create unique, handmade brooms and other original artworks. We love honoring the forgotten things and giving them new life. Stop by Saturday or Sunday for demos on broom making using traditional and diverse materials.
Sean, The Whipsy Rover
Demonstrations & Teaching Sessions
Saturday & Sunday at the outdoor Arena
Sean, The Whipsy Rover, travels the land teaching the art of the whip to one and all, young and old. Come on by, learn to crack a whip, and maybe leave with a whip of your own to keep practicing. The lessons are free, the experience is priceless!!!
Use of the Sling
Demonstrations & Teaching Sessions
Saturday & Sunday at the outdoor Arena
Joe has been slinging for about 7 years. He's competed in slinging competitions in the US and in Spain (Ibiza) and has a YouTube Channel dedicated to slinging. Visit Joe to learn what a sling is, how they're made, how they're used, and even try some slinging yourself!
Use of the Boomerang
Demonstration and instruction
Saturday and Sunday at the outdoor Arena
Not only will there be a demonstration of short-range boomerang throwing and catching, but you'll have the chance to step in the ring and do it yourself!
The Bard and the Bird
Performing Saturday and Sunday
The Bard and the Bird is a Maryland-based musical duo blending Americana, bluegrass, folk, Irish, and country influences. Chris (“the Bard”) and Holly (“the Bird”) combine storytelling originals, singalongs, and energetic pub-style performances with a repertoire that spans spirited folk, sea shanties, and harmony-rich tunes.
Julia Marks
Performing Saturday and Sunday at the Proper Stage
Julia has been playing the cello for over 20 years and is delighted to be continually learning new ways to enjoy music! They first fell in love with the Renaissance Faire and historic music when performing Madrigals in high school. Julia is thrilled to be back at Oakenmist for the second time to bring baroque and folk tunes to our lovely audience!
Michelle Mountain
Performing Saturday and Sunday at the Proper Stage
Michele's forte is in traditional Celtic and Irish folk music, as well as religious music. Her warm and evocative voice is a strong accompaniment to the tasteful arrangements and precise patterns of her instrument, and betrays the same joy in performance. You are in for a wonderful treat anytime Michele performs! Stop by and stay a while!
Baltimore Krampus
Just inside the main entrance
In Baltimore, the folklore of the Krampus—the horned, "half-goat, half-demon" companion to Saint Nicholas—has evolved into a vibrant community tradition that blends Alpine legend with local charitable spirit. Far from being purely a figure of holiday terror, the Baltimore Krampus often serves as a "good guy" and defender of the innocent, using these gatherings to collect thousands of donations for Toys for Tots to support local children.
Maugorn the Stray
Performing Saturday and Sunday at the Proper Stage
Maugorn The Stray here. You may recognise me from Pennsic; busking in the market, singing for my supper at Beast & Boar, playing for dancers into the night, or serenading folks in other reputable or disreputable venues.
Amtgard
Demonstrating All Day Sunday
Amtgard is a world-wide organization dedicated to medieval and fantasy combat sports and recreation. We use padded weapons, fantasy and authentic clothing, and imagination to immerse players in a world of heroic combat, quests, crafts, and more. No matter if your interest is competitive sports fighting, finding an outlet for your creative talents, or honing your leadership skills, Amtgard has something to offer you!
The Black Knights
Saturday & Sunday, Around the Faire
We are the Black Knights, edutainers extraordinaire! We normally can be found at other Renaissance festivals walking around and performing for Faire-goers. We do weapons demonstrations and love taking pictures, so don't be afraid to ask for one even if we appear to be taking a break. Can't wait to see everyone at Oakenmist!
Period Herbology
Saturday & Sunday in the Marketplace
The Carroll County Master Gardeners demonstrate use and growth practices of indigenous plants used during the Renaissance, when Europeans began the colonization of the New World.
Baltimore Academy of Defence
Demonstrating All Day Saturday
Have you ever wished to be a swashbuckling pirate? Tired of wishing you knew how to swing that cutlass on your hip? Then join us for the Pirate Sword Experience! The Baltimore Academy of Defence will teach you real historical swordfighting techniques used by the pirates of old! Join us for this presentation and become the buccaneer you were always meant to be!
La Compagnie du Griffon Doré
To the right as you enter the main entrance
Step back in time with the Compagnie du Griffon d’Or, a fellowship of history lovers, reenactors, and friends who bring the 14th century to life! Based in the Historic Highlands of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, our company portrays the world of knights, nobles, and common folk during the age of the Hundred Years’ War and the Auld Alliance between France and Scotland.
The Society for Creative Anachronism
Barony of Bright Hills
All day Saturday in the Combat Arena
Travel back through time and learn about the daily lives of people from all regions of antiquity.
Period demonstrations, education of both martial arts as well as period arts and sciences to include embroidery, illumination, fiber arts, armor, and more!
Maryland Kunst des Fechtens
In the arena space all day Sunday
We are a group dedicated to learning the martial arts of medieval and Renaissance Germany, otherwise known as
Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Members of our club primarily learn the art of the longsword but may also delve into saber, rapier,
sword and buckler, spear, polearms, messer, dagger, or more esoteric weapons.
Maryland Training in Historical Swordsmanship (MyTHS)
In the arena space all day Sunday
Demonstrations and discussions on combat using period techniques - and an opportunity for children to attack with boffers (using those techniques) against MyTHS members.
McDaniel Honey Farm
By the entrance to the mead garden, both days
Teach about honey bees and their products (honey, beeswax, propolis, pollen, etc.), as well as providing tastes of and vend several different varieties of honey and hive products. We'll also demonstrate how beeswax candles were made in the Renaissance!
Onias The Mage
In the booth, strolling and at the Proper Stage both days
Performing at events for more than 20 years, Onias discusses the history of magic, performs with a combination of comedy, storytelling and mysticism, and will teach you - regardless of your age - some basic magic!
We thank you for your support!