Porch Notes
A 16th-Century English Village Outside Holly
History and culture
Did you know there’s a make-believe English village that springs to life in the woods near Holly every fall? It’s called Hollygrove, and it exists for only a few weeks a year. This is the Michigan Renaissance Festival, an outdoor event that recreates the look and feel of a 16th-century village in the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
The festival started in 1979 near Clarkston, then moved in 1985 to its current site just north of the Mount Holly ski hill. The grounds border two townships — Holly and Groveland — and the fictional village’s name, Hollygrove, was coined to honor both. Wander the lanes and you’ll find costumed characters, craftspeople selling handmade goods, musicians, jugglers, and full-contact armored jousting. Many weekends have their own theme, from pirates to a Highland fling.
The festival runs weekends from late August into early October, plus Labor Day, with daily royal events like the feast and the pub crawl. Tickets, the schedule, and that year’s themed weekends are posted at michrenfest.com.
Where to see it
At 12600 Dixie Hwy, Holly, MI 48442 — open weekends from late August into early October (plus Labor Day), typically 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dates and hours change each year, so check michrenfest.com before you go.
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Sources
Last reviewed against the listed sources: June 21, 2026.