The Castle of Muskogee: Oklahoma Renaissance Festival

Jun 2

“Your gateway to another world.”

*This was a hosted visit. We got free tickets to go have a blast at this event, but we would have gone even if we didn’t get the free tickets.

2024 Season

6 Weekends: April 27th to June 2nd

Saturdays & Sundays (plus Memorial Day)
10:30am - 6:00pm, rain or shine

Top-notch Adventure!

OKRF (The Oklahoma Renaissance Festival), officially known as The Castle of Muskogee, is truly impressive and so much fun. Droves of Renfest fans drive to OKRF each year, and now I know why. You may recognize me as the RN (Renaissance Nurse) from the Medieval Medicine Show. I took this opportunity to take a vacation from musical medicine to visit Castleton. Memorial day weekend, my college roommate, Jo, and I were so thrilled to be hosted at this amazing festival for the chance to write this blog. OKRF was definitely worth the drive. You’ll find so many thoughtful features in this larger, established festival that boasts over 25 years in operation. The cast and other performers are clearly having a blast, too.

Realm

The extensive grounds of Castleton are split into different regions: Bavarian Forest, King’s Highway, Village Centre, Tournament Arena, Castle Keepe (air conditioned), Celtic Quarter (including the air conditioned Cave with bar and stage), Italian Piazza, Castleton Harbour, and The Woodlands. The structures are substantial, some reaching 3 stories, and shade and benches are plentiful. These themed areas feature tons of delightful drinks, stages, and shops.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Jo and I adored the interactive Courtly Dance at the Maypole. Dancing was one of the things that made me a diehard Renfest fan in high school. At OKRF they will help you find a partner and teach you the dance! You can also watch or participate in wrapping the Maypole.

The Human Combat Chess Match gives you the chance to see all your favorite characters fight.

If you came dressed to impressed, try your luck in the Costume Contest or just come and watch.

Be sure to catch the afternoon Joust at 1pm or the Joust to the Death at the end of the day.

We enjoyed fighting one another with realistic, foam weapons at the Sword Master’s Challenge.

In the Royal Quest, children can get stamps on their official warrant throughout the festival and bring it back for a late afternoon audience with the King and Queen.

Tons of stages provide exciting entertainment: music, comedy, juggling, family friendly shows, and more bawdy ones. For incredible feats check out The Wheel of Death, Bob the Incredible Juggler, and Crazy Boy Coy. Laugh with the Washing Well Wenches. For music, check out sämäs, The Jolly Rogers, Wolgemut, Ez ‘n Dil, and cool down in the air conditioned Cave area with Tartanic and Music the Gathering. There were even more groups we didn’t get to see. It was fun recognizing some overlap with Kansas City. Check out the Daily Schedule for current groups, show times, and locations.

There are many exciting vendors to tempt you if you have the shopping bug or want to buy some presents. Jo bought a beautiful new outfit at The Highland Kilt Company and a laurel crown at McNoodles.

There is so much to taste from chimney cakes and funnel cakes to bacon wrapped venison poppers from the Pauper Eatery. There are, of course, turkey legs. We returned to the Cappuccino Inn 3 times in 2 days for refreshing drinks: I loved the Pickpocket (frozen lemonade/iced tea combo), and Jo loved the smoothies.

We purposefully planned our visit to include Memorial Day. This is a popular day with KC visitors. The 3 day weekend allows more time for driving and more days of fun. On Monday, be sure to experience the very moving veteran and family member parade and ceremony honoring Memorial Day.

Schedule and Special Events

OKRF is held for 6 weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) in the spring including Memorial Day from 10:30am - 6:00pm, rain or shine. Confirm current dates, weekend themes, and times on their website.

Castleton really shines with special events. Be sure to buy tickets in advance online, and line up early for the best seats.

Queen’s Tea: as a tea aficionado, I truly enjoyed the 2pm Queen’s Tea. This is a full afternoon tea with 3 tiers of tea sandwiches and desserts. A variety of entertainers will delight tea ticket holders. Queen’s tea was high on my list of experiences at OKRF.
Smoker: a raunchy, rowdy 21+ event hosted by the ladies of the Scarlet Pillow and buccaneers of the harbor for drinks, cigars, and bawdy songs, jokes, games, and pickup lines. (Bring your ID.)
Pub Crawl: have a grand time visiting pubs and being entertained throughout the festival. Keep your commemorative stein. (Bring your ID.)
Castleton Tastings: 21+ event with different tastings like wine, mead, or whiskey on different days; check the website for dates. (Bring your ID.)
Explore the Torture Chamber and Catacombs beneath the Castle and the Ultimate Maze near the May Pole.
In addition to events during the festival day, you can buy tickets to special evening events like The Masque Ball, Pirate’s Feaste, and Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-lee).
The Castle of Muskogee has events at other times: Fireworks, Halloween Festival, Castle Christmas, and Time Traveler’s Ball (New Year’s Eve).

Festival Tickets

RN and Jo seek an audience with the Royals

Confirm current pricing online. Tickets are $5 cheaper if you buy them online. Children, seniors, and students can also get a reduced price. In addition to a one day pass, you can buy a weekend pass, or season pass. This festival is extensive. I would be sure to at least get a weekend pass! 2 days wasn’t enough for me.
If you visit the festival often, consider the limited availability Friends of Festival premier season pass which includes extra features like a private pub, reserved pavilion, special discounts, events, and preferred parking.

Tips

Bring cash so you don’t have to spend time at the ATM. Be sure to tip performers at least a dollar when you watch their shows (more is always welcome). Some shops take credit cards, but many tasty food booths do not.
Castleton has its own coins of the realm, real coins that can be used throughout the land. Trade US currency back and forth for these coins at the “Bank of London”. You can also keep them as a souvenir. Angus, featured on the 1 coin, can sell you an extra special coin, if you find him near the petting zoo.
No pets or firearms are allowed at this festival. All blades must be peace tied (so you can’t draw them).
Buy a printed program at the gate for $1 (free online). The Daily Schedule grid in the middle is handy. Identify a few key things you want to see and plan your shopping and eating around that schedule. Make sure not to miss any ticketed events you’ve bought. Aimless roaming is especially fun if you have several days to explore.
Costumes are not required but are encouraged. Most guests at OKRF were in at least some costume or a funny t-shirt. If you don’t have an outfit, you can buy or rent one there. Dress for the weather. By the end of the season at OKRF it can be quite warm. Look for the metal Castleton Medallion to distinguish performers from well-dressed guests.
Prepare to spend a joyful day walking outside: comfortable shoes, layers, sunscreen, bug spray, and even a parasol are recommended.
Stay hydrated! I like to bring a mug with a special belt clip to really get into the spirit (you can buy these onsite or a stein is included in the pub crawl ticketed event). There are drinking fountains across the grounds of Castleton for free water.
While this festival has more infrastructure than many, you should still expect the terrain to be a little uneven. The sweet spot is footwear that is both comfortable and stylish.
Bring a reusable bag for your shopping finds.
I love that smoking is only allowed in designated areas of the festival. However, if you are looking for some raunchy entertainment with drinks and cigars, the 21+ Smoker event is for you. First-time visitors can look forward to special treatment. You might want to prepare a Limerick or joke. You can still participate in the Smoker event as a non-smoker or non-drinker, but you must be at least 21 years old.
You can have a great time on your own, but it’s even more fun with friends or family.
Consider supporting a music group and get some music for the ride home. Buy a CD after a show or from an official download site, like Bandcamp.
Stick around at the end of the day for a pub sing and closing ceremony.

Location

The Castle of Muskogee
3400 W Fern Mountain Rd, Muskogee, OK 74401

4 hours south of Kansas City
3 hours from Wichita, KS
3 hours from Springfield, MO
40 minutes southeast of Tulsa

Jo was able to fly in to Tulsa, and we stayed in Muskogee. There are hotels available near the festival. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express.

Parking at the festival is free or for $10 get VIP parking. I suggest you arrive early for the opening to avoid traffic. Consider VIP parking if you arrive later or want to run shopping out to your car. Get a stamp to return the same day.

*Huge thanks to Jo for helping take photos and videos!

**We were thrilled to get free access to the festival, Queen’s Tea, and Smoker to be able to write this post.