What's New This Year?
Every year, Oakenmist has a different main focus – some aspect of the Faire to improve on from previous years which is our primary goal.
This year, the goal was to feature more musical talent that patrons were familiar with, at a high level.
At the same time, we also broadened our edutainer group – and every performer and edutainer that’s new is listed below.
Huzzah!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!