Mini Renaissance Faire at Ohio State on Sports and Pastimes

The Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at the Ohio State University is set to transport enthusiasts into a vibrant world of historical games, sports, and pastimes during its biennial celebration of Popular Culture and the Deep Past (PCDP), “Let the Games Begin!: Sports and Pastimes in the Medieval and Renaissance Worlds,” on February 16-17, 2024.

This event promises a captivating exploration of medieval and Renaissance leisure. Enjoy research presentations, demonstrations, and lectures, nested within a mini Renaissance faire carnival featuring exhibits, gaming, contests and activities of all kinds. Costumes are welcome!

The Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Schedule of events for Mini Renaissance Faire

February 16, 2024

Friday’s paper sessions are accessible via Zoom. These delve into royal hunting practices, bullfighting, jousting, military training, and historical games.

The live event kick-off demonstration with Ohio School of Falconry (east side of Oval near Hagerty Hall) starts at 4:30 pm. Keynote lecture, “Ther is fair game!” Falconry as Spectator Art:” with Dr. Sara Petrosillo, University of Evansville, will follow at Ohio Union US Bank Conference Theater.

February 17, 2024

Saturday’s lineup includes a full day of paper sessions in the Lower level of the Ohio Union. Topics covered include Medieval Tabletop Games, themes within Harry Potter, The Ballgame of Vikings, children’s games, English Monastic Dance, and Gendering of Birds.

Keynote lectures include Sports Injuries – Emergency Medical Treatment in the Late Middle Ages & Renaissance, Keynote Lecture with Dr. Richard Swinney at 11 am, and The Power of Games: Europeans, Mesoamericans, and the Emergence of New Spain, Keynote Lecture 3 with Dr. Jonathan Truitt, Central Michigan University at 4:30 pm.

The event also boasts a diverse range of activities, including fencing demonstrations, interactive European dance workshops, and a theatre presentation. Participants can explore calligraphy, spinning and weaving, parchment making, and Italian Renaissance hairstyles in the Saturday exhibition.

Register for an off-site evening event to explore MedRen tabletop games and modern games with interesting MedRen connections. Held at the Tabletop Game Cafe in Clintonville, 4316 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214. Details here.

More details

The celebration is free and open to all, with a blend of virtual and in-person offerings.

Whether attending virtually or on-site, participants will be captivated by the intersection of history, sports, and entertainment at the heart of Popular Culture and the Deep Past 2024. To register for virtual events, visit the provided Zoom links, and for more information, visit the website.

Parking

The nearest parking is at the Ohio Union garage, just north of the Ohio Union. Public transportation includes the #2 COTA bus, which comes directly to the Ohio Union.

Ohio Union
1739 N High St
Columbus, OH 43210

Find more fun in February!