Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets
How much do tickets cost for the 2025 Faire?
Welcome all who come to enjoy our humble Faire! This year all faire-goers must have a ticket to get in to the Faire.
Children ten and under are FREE but each must have his or her own ticket, no exceptions.
- Ticket purchased beforehand online: $13 plus taxes and fees per person.
- Ticket purchased at the door: $17 plus taxes and fees per person.
The following are available for online purchase in advance of the event only:
- Single-Day Family Pass: $22 plus taxes and fees for two parents and three children (10 and under.)
- Weekend Pass: $25 plus taxes and fees per person for admission Saturday and Sunday.
- Royal VIP Weekend Pass (both days) with Commemorative 3rd Annual Faire Mug: $45 plus taxes and fees per person.
For all online purchases, please request enough tickets so each child has his or her own ticket. Thank you!
Can kids come in for free?
Yes, children ten and under may attend the Faire for free, however each child attending the faire must have his or her own free ticket and must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
What is included in the cost of my ticket?
All tickets provide entry to the Oakenmist Faire for fun and merriment for the date(s) purchased.
What's included in the cost of my Royal VIP ticket?
The Royal VIP Weekend Pass tickets provide entry to the Oakenmist Faire for fun and merriment the entire weekend, plus a super cool 2025 3rd Annual Commemorative Oakenmist Mug.
Does Oakenmist offer Group Discounts?
Yes, we offer group rates, please contact us at info@oakenmist.com at least two (2) weeks in advance of the Faire for more information.
Does Oakenmist offer Weekend Passes?
Yes, you may purchase a weekend multipass ticket that includes both Saturday and Sunday entrance through our online ticket vendor. These tickets must be purchased online in advance of the faire to get the discounted multipass rate.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, tickets will be available at the door, however tickets purchased at the door must be paid for electronically via Zelle or Venmo. No cash or checks will be accepted for admission to the Faire.
How can I avoid lines?
The Howard County Fairgrounds has ample room for guest vehicles and patrons attending the Faire. We do not anticipate overly long lines at our event.
Can I leave the Faire and then come back in later?
Yes, of course! Guests planning to re-enter the grounds should get their hands stamped prior to leaving or be able to provide proof of ticket purchase for re-entry.
Can I get a refund?
There are no refunds for tickets; Oakenmist reserves the right to refund in extraordinary circumstances. To prevent the traditional scammers, we strongly suggest that you not purchase someone else’s tickets.
General Information
Are the Fairgrounds ADA Accessible?
Yes, the Main Hall is ADA accessible. There is also a handicap parking lot close to the Main Hall that has been designated for handicap parking. Please be aware that the handicap lot is an unpaved gravel surface. Guests are encouraged to drop off wheelchair users or people with mobility concerns in front of the Main Hall before parking.
Is the Faire air conditioned?
Yes, the Main Hall is air conditioned and covered for your comfort.
Is WiFi available at the Faire?
No, WiFi is not available at the Faire. The Fairgrounds are covered by all major wireless carriers.
Where are the bathrooms?
Bathrooms are located about one third of the way down the right hand side of the Main Hall as you walk into the building.
Are there diaper changing stations onsite?
Changing tables are available in the men’s and women’s restrooms located on the right side of the Main Hall as you enter the building.
Can I bring a stroller or wagon?
Absolutely!
Is there an ATM at the fairgrounds?
Yes, there is an ATM next to the Proper Stage near the entrance to the Main Hall.
Is there camping on or near the fairgrounds?
Unfortunately, Howard County Fairgrounds does not allow camping onsite, instead we suggest checking out some of the hotels, motels or campgrounds nearby.
Is there a photo booth to commemorate our visit to the Faire?
Yes, the pillory at the front of the Main Hall is a fun and unique opportunity for Faire-themed photos! Put your group’s villain in the stocks for their crimes and let everyone know what they did!
Where should I bring items that may have been lost?
Items may be turned in to the Lost & Found at the Information Booth at the entrance to the Main Hall.
Parking & Directions
Where do I park?
General parking is in the gravel lots to the right as you come into the fairgrounds. There are designated parking attendants with reflective vests to assist you with parking.
Guests requiring accessible entry or handicap parking can request access through the restricted barriers to the lot that is closest to the Main Hall. Please notify one of the parking attendants when you arrive onsite.
Is there a charge to park at the Faire?
No, parking at the Howard County Fairgrounds is free for all guests.
Do you have directions to the venue?
This will get you a Google Map to the Howard County Fairgrounds.
Is there handicap or accessible parking at the fairgrounds?
Yes, guests requiring accessible entry or handicap parking can request access through the restricted barriers to the lot that is closest to the Main Hall. Please notify one of the parking attendants when you arrive onsite.
Food & Drink
What kinds of food and drink are there at the faire?
There will be several food trucks in front of the Main Hall including tasty NY style delicatessen fare from Deli-ish & delicious frozen treats from Sno Balls Sweets and Treats! A Mead Garden is available for guests 21 and older at the far end of the Main Hall. There are also vendors selling baked goods, drinks and tasty snacks at booths within the Main Hall.
Can I bring my own food or drink from home?
We highly recommend sampling the tasty treats brought to you by our food vendors. They are here to delight your tongue and taste buds! However, you are also welcome to bring snacks or food from home.
Is there a dining area? Where can we sit to eat?
Whether you’re salivating over a dish from one of our food vendors or brown bagging it from home, there is a dining area with tables available at the front of the Main Hall.
Merchants, Performers & Edutainers
Where can I find information about the vendors / performers / edutainers who will be at the Faire?
Performers and edutainers with demonstration or performance times:
Saturday, August 16
Sunday, August 17
Vendors:
Vendor list with links
Where is my favorite performer in the Main Hall?
We have a Main Hall map here that lists our participants by area.
Do your merchants accept credit cards?
Yes, for the most part our merchants accept credit cards. We also have an ATM machine available within the Main Hall near the Proper Stage.
What is SCA?
Oakenmist Faire is particularly unique in our close relationship with a group known as the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). The SCA has a considerable presence in the Maryland area and promotes the study and sharing of historic arts and crafts, weaponry, lifestyle and culture from the medieval period. There are many SCA folks participating in our event who are here to answer questions and share their knowledge of this period in history. These educational entertainers provide an interesting and unusual opportunity for those attending our Faire to experience and learn about our past. SCA will be based in and around the combat arena in the middle of the Faire on Saturday.
What is Amtgard?
Amtgard is a Live Action Roleplaying (LARP) and combat society focused on the Sword & Sorcery, Medieval and Ancient genres. This fun, inclusive and welcoming organization originated with folks who enjoyed the tabletop and video game cultures but wanted to play out their adventures with their friends in a more real world experience. Amtgard members utilize foam and magical weapons in combat and are at Oakenmist Faire to share their love of stories, combat and characters with people of all walks of life. Feel free to ask questions and engage with our Amtgard friends as they walk around the Faire and engage in both weapon and magical combat on Sunday. You are also invited to join their Discord channel or Facebook page to ask about upcoming events!
Folks we need to thank
Sunfeather Studio
Although she is also (probably) a vendor, Talyn of Sunfeather Studio schooled us a bit on the use of photography and helped to un-AI our original logo. We thank her for spending her time – uncompensated – for helping us!
The Faerie Community
There are numerous folks within the Faerie realm who have provided direct assistance, advice and suggestions along our journey. They include Nina from Big Whimsy, Katie from the Enchanted Fairy Festival, and Cat from Mythicon.
Richmond Moon Market
The Richmond Moon Market, through it’s Medieval Marketplace, provided part of the catalyst for the Oakenmist Renaissance Faire. They are currently in the startup phases of a Renaissance Faire of their own in central Virginia; keep your eyes open for announcements!
Our Volunteers
We appreciate all of our volunteers, some of whom we’ll highlight here. Jamie helped provide image guidance (as well as physical peoplepower last year); Flying Phoenix Studios‘ Alison has been instrumental in ensuring that things continue to move forward.
Policies
Behavior & Conduct
Oakenmist is a welcoming, inclusive, accepting, family-friendly event. We believe in the right to self-expression and strive to be a safe space for all. Behavior that is disruptive, profane, threatening, violent or bigoted will not be tolerated. Any guest behaving in such a manner as determined by Oakenmist staff may be expelled without refund. We thank you for your cooperation!
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings on the Fairgrounds or in or around the barn areas. Smoking is permitted outdoors but please be considerate of others and please discard smoking materials in appropriate receptacles. These rules and conditions also apply to those using electronic cigarettes or vapes.
Pets
No pets are allowed unless they are a trained service animal that does work or performs a task for a person with a disability. Some performances and exhibits at the Oakenmist Faire may include animals specifically engaged for education, exhibit or performance purposes. Owners with permitted animals must retain control of their animals at all times and must keep them on a leash or harness while visiting.
Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and at this time may not be allowed in the Faire per fairground policy. For more information about service animals, please review the following: Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA.
Please do not leave any pets in your vehicle while you are visiting the Faire.
Weapons
Metal weapons may not be drawn except for the small number of those used by event demonstrators and performers; wooden weapons are allowed but must remain sheathed or peace-tied (meaning “it is part of your garb or persona and cannot be drawn at the event”); foam weapons are acceptable.
Costumes & Cosplay
Many of our performer, vendors, staff, volunteers and guests wear period-appropriate dress called garb; others wear street clothes as may be worn every day IRL (in real life). Period garb is certainly not required to attend the Faire, but if you would like to don costumes or period-appropriate attire, we encourage you to wear your own or to purchase garb and/or accessories from our talented merchants at the Faire.
Regardless of whether you wear garb, we kindly request that your dress be appropriate to wear in public. Proper attire is required for the duration of your visit to the Faire, and we must maintain an environment suitable for guests of all ages. Footwear is required; clothing that depicts vulgar, offensive or bigoted language or images as determined by Oakenmist staff will not be permitted, and Oakenmist reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing inappropriate attire or attire which is overly revealing. We encourage period and creative dress which meets these criteria.
Oakenmist Faire is a family-friendly event (especially on Saturday) and draws patrons of all ages, including those under the age of 18.
Alcohol
For all faire-goers 21 years of age or older, mead and similar beverages can be sampled, purchased and consumed inside the roped-off Mead Garden located at the far end of the Main Hall. This area also offers an opportunity for faire-goers to taste and purchase some of the best craft beverages that Howard County and the State of Maryland have to offer. Any bottled or canned items purchased from the vendors of the Mead Garden must remain unopened while you are at the Faire or on the fairgrounds, from the point of purchase until no longer on the fairgrounds.
Consumption of alcohol at the Faire is not permitted in any other area of the fairgrounds at any time.
Photography, Sound & Audiovisual Recording
Photography for personal use is permitted. DSLR, cellular telephone and other handheld cameras are allowed. All film and recording rights reserved. Commercial film and sound recording rights with respect to the Oakenmist Faire are expressly reserved. Commercial use of photographs, movies, tapes or video recordings of the Oakenmist Faire without written consent of Oakenmist Faire management is strictly prohibited. All production and promotional materials © by the Oakenmist Faire, any reproductions in any form without written permission of the Oakenmist Faire is strictly prohibited. Please email info@oakenmist.com to discuss any questions associated with photography, sound or audiovisual recordings.