The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, begins its 50th season August 29th and runs Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday through October 25th for nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment in Crownsville, near Annapolis, Maryland. Unique among renaissance festivals, the Maryland Renaissance Festival utilizes a storyline, and each season progresses forward through the reign of Henry VIII and tells the story of his six wives. This season's story: 1540: The King's new marriage & the 50th Harvest Festival.