That bittersweet time of year has arrived once again, the time when we announce the final mystery for the current murder mystery season. The 2025-2026 season’s last mystery takes place in a new setting for us, and one that is uniquely appropriate – a renaissance faire! Please join Chief Detectives Michelle and Ryan as they lead the Ravenwood Detective Agency in Murder at the Maypole…

A picturesque castle is the perfect setting for many events, though perhaps none more fitting than a renaissance faire. What better way to celebrate all things medieval and renaissance, whether historic or fantastic, than in and around an actual castle? So it was understandable that Ravenwood Castle staff and guests alike were looking forward to the inaugural Ravenwood Castle Renaissance Faire.

The Faire started well. Guests and staff were adorned in wonderful costumes, enjoyed tasty period appropriate food and beverages, browsed booths in the artisan marketplace, and delighted in a variety of live performances.  Then came the incidents. First it was just random accidents: a stray arrow from the archery demonstration that nearly hit the Ye Olde Ale vendor and a mishap amongst the fire dancers resulting in a singed leather making booth. Then things got more serious: a minor injury in the sword fighting tournament, followed by a broken arm and leg when one of the knights was unexpectedly unhorsed in the joust.

Concerning as these misfortunes were, the Faire pressed on – right up until the body was found propped against the maypole.

Though there were no visible injuries, the deceased was clearly the victim of foul play. After all, a body doesn’t just tie itself to a maypole. As news of the death spread, so too did the questions. Had the slew of incidents and accidents really been accidents at all, or was someone up to no good? Was there a murderer loose at the Ren Faire?

The Ravenwood Detective Agency is calling all agents, veterans and novice alike, to answer these questions and more. Join us April 10^th & 11^th for Murder at the Maypole!

Tickets for Murder at the Maypole are $100. As with all of our mysteries, the event starts after dinner on Friday. Late arrivals will be accommodated as best as possible, but to enjoy the full experience please attempt to arrive early Friday evening.

If you haven’t been to one of our mystery weekends and are wondering what they are all about, check out our Anatomy of a Murder Mystery page for all of the details. And stay tuned here at Quoth the Raven to hear about the rest of the great mysteries we have planned for this season!

SPECIAL NOTE: Please be aware that while the theme of this mystery involves a renaissance faire gone wrong, the event itself is a murder mystery weekend with all of the usual activities, and is not in fact a renaissance faire.

Jim Reed

Jim Reed is a lifelong gamer who started with the original red box Dungeons & Dragons. After spending 20 years in the corporate world, he decided it was high time that work be fun and struck out on his own. Jim now owns and operates Ravenwood Castle, and spends his days ensuring his guests have as much fun as he does.