Community & Cultural Events
Winter Renaissance Festival 2026
Sat, Dec 5, 2026 • 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location
Shipgarten
7581 Colshire Dr, McLean, VA 22102
Admission
Free Admission
Free registration in the booking form below.
Overview
About the Event
Your armor, crown, or wizard robe finally has Saturday plans. ⚔️
Hear ye, hear ye! Join us at Shipgarten on Saturday, December 5, from 1–6 PM for our Winter Renaissance Festival 2026! Gather your fellow adventurers for an afternoon of archery, foam jousting, axe throwing, medieval games, and costumes. Admission is FREE!
Challenge your friends in the jousting arena, test your aim, browse local vendors, and take a break for something fresh from the grill. Then step into the spotlight for our 5 PM costume contest, with $175 in Shipgarten gift cards waiting for the kingdom’s best-dressed guests.
Knights, Vikings, royalty, wizards, rogues, and mythical creatures—there’s room for your whole party of adventurers.
🏹 THE ROYAL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
1:30–3 PM — Archery Challenge
Take aim and see who has the sharpest eye in your crew. Bring your concentration and a little friendly competitive spirit.
2–3 PM — Foam Jousting Tournament
Step into the arena for a medieval showdown using padded jousting equipment. Face off against your friends and compete for bragging rights!
3–4:30 PM — Axe Throwing
Channel your inner Viking and put your accuracy to the test. Who in your group will hit the mark?
4:30 PM — Stein-Hoisting Championship
A steady arm. A determined expression. See who can hold their stein the longest and compete for a $25 Shipgarten gift card!
5 PM — Grand Renaissance Costume Contest
Dress like royalty—or whatever character your imagination creates—and enter for a chance to win:
🥇 First place: $100 Shipgarten gift card
🥈 Second place: $50 Shipgarten gift card
🥉 Third place: $25 Shipgarten gift card
Homemade costumes, elaborate outfits, and creative last-minute looks are all welcome. Bring your character to life and give the crowd something to cheer for!
🍖 FEAST, SHOP & EXPLORE
Outdoor Grill Station: Refuel between challenges with freshly grilled favorites.
Local Artisans & Vendors: Browse unique gifts, handcrafted treasures, and other finds.
Festival Music & Medieval Fun: Enjoy the atmosphere while you explore the festivities.
Beer & Seasonal Cocktails: Raise a glass with your fellow adventurers. Alcohol service is for guests 21+.
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION
Your next adventure starts at Shipgarten. Costumes are encouraged, so pull out your cloak, polish that crown, and bring your crew!
📍 PLAN YOUR VISIT
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 1–6 PM
Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean, VA 22102
Free parking: 1651 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22102
Follow @Shipgarten on Instagram.
Come in costume. Join the adventure. We’ll see you in the kingdom!
Hourly Schedule
🏹 THE ROYAL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
- 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
- Archery Challenge
- 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Foam Jousting Tournament
- 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
- Axe Throwing
- 04:30 PM
- Stein-Hoisting Championship — $25 gift card
- 05:00 PM
- Renaissance Costume Contest — $175 in gift cards
Registration
Get Your Tickets
Tickets for this event are free. Choose how many you need and complete the short form.
Event
Winter Renaissance Festival 2026
When
Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where
Shipgarten
The Venue
The Shipgarten Experience
Long tables, giant screens, lawn games and TBG food and drinks — all in one place in McLean/Tysons.
Getting Here
Plan Your Visit
Parking
Free parking at 1651 Old Meadow Road, McLean, Virginia.
A complimentary shuttle runs continuously after 3 PM on weekdays and from 11 AM on weekends. Outside those hours, text (703) 712-7481 to request a ride.
Valet is available Saturday and Sunday for $20.
FAQ
Good to Know
Choose the number of tickets in the booking form above, add attendee details and submit. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your booking details — no need to print anything, just keep it on your phone.
No need to print anything. Just keep your confirmation email on your phone.
No. A ticket is for entry only. Tables are first come, first seated, unless reserved. To reserve, email info@shipgarten.com or visit our Host It Here page.
Our free parking can be found at 1651 Old Meadow Road, McLean, Virginia. We have a complimentary shuttle which has continuous service after 3pm on weekdays and starting at 11am on weekends. Shuttle rides can be requested outside of continuous service hours by texting (703) 712-7481.
We offer Valet on Saturday and Sunday for $20.
Food can be ordered at the self-serve kiosks located at each container restaurant. Each kiosk can order food from any container, however pickup for each item will be at the container the menu item was ordered from. Drinks can be ordered at any container bar, a tab that is opened at one bar can be accessed for additions or closing at any other bar.
We are very kid friendly! We have a full playground and kids area. Every weekend we have free face painting and two moon bounces.
Yes! We are very dog friendly at Shipgarten and allow dogs all throughout the venue as long as they are leashed. Dogs are welcome on our shuttle, and can play off leash in our dog park.
All of our upcoming events can be found on our calendar.
We are an indoor-outdoor venue and weather is inevitable. We are open rain or shine! The siding on our tents are closed, indoor heaters are on, and heat lamps are across the property.
Hookah and a full-service bar are available after sundown with lounge seating as well as special lighting effects and live DJs. Every Friday & Saturday night 8PM-2AM year-round.
Yes! We love hosting your events. We host semi-private, and fully private events all year long. Inquire about a date or start planning your event by emailing info@shipgarten.com.
Our fire pits are open every day until close. Add extra logs and stay as long as you like or order a s’mores kit and roast marshmallows.
Coming Up
More Events
Related Events
Private & Group Events
Host Your Event Here
Birthdays, team outings, corporate gatherings and private celebrations at Shipgarten.