Steampunks looking for someplace to wear their duds, fans of A Game of Thrones or just anyone who likes wandering minstrels, knights and ladies, odd shoppes and eccentric performers can hie themselves hence to the shire of Hollygrove and enter the realm of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.
     The popular medieval attraction opens this weekend, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 18-19, and every weekend through Sept. 30, plus Labor Day Monday, Sept. 3, and Friday, Sept. 14.

     Every weekend has a theme. This weekend's is the "Royal Pet & Ale Festival," a pet-centered event with contests, demonstrations and shows.

     For the non-pet-impressed, there's a microbrew tasting, 10 a.m.-7 p..m Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday, ages 21 and older, $5 for 5 tastes, the "Press-A-Wench!" weight lifting competition  wirth (comely maidens in place of barbells) and a hot wing-eating contest.

     Future themes include “Highland Fling,” Aug. 25-26; “High Seas Adventure,” Sept. 1-3; “Wonders of the World,” Sept. 8-9; “Shamrocks & Shenanigans! Sept. 15-16;  “Harvest Huzzah,” Sept. 22-23; And  “Sweet Endings! Sept. 29-30.

     Entertainment includes comedy acts, musical groups, magicians, jousters, stunt performers and dancers. And fully as much a part of the experience of fun are the many shops selling everything from armor to artwork, scents to tastes, weapons to musical instruments. Plus, where else can you engage in medieval people watching? 

     Tickets are $20.95, $18.95 ages 65 and older and college students with I.D., $11.95 ages 5 to 12at the gate, or $17.95, $9.50 ages 5 to 12 in advance.

     For more information, visit the Michigan Renaissance Festival website.