The Michigan Renaissance Festival can stay at its current location in Holly for three more years, thanks to a special use permit approved last week.

On June 9, the Groveland Township board’s 5-0 vote guarantees the festival can remain at their 100-acre property at 12600 Dixie Highway. They have been at the site since 1985.

“Festival officials would like to say thank you to Supervisor (Kevin) Scramlin and the Groveland Township board as well as the planning commission for their approval and support for the upcoming festival season,” said Chip Schultz, representing the festival.

The festival does not have to renew the permit, but yearly reports must still be filed by June 1 assuring there are no changes to the agreement.

According to festival organizers, attendance has grown nearly 9% over the past three years from 248,919 in 2022 to 269,464 in 2024.

Although traffic issues have been concerns in the past, Trustee Jim Christopher said no residents attended the planning commission meeting where the permit renewal was debated.

“There were no property owners that came to the planning commission meeting when we discussed the permit,” said Christopher, also a member of the planning commission. “The planning commission voted unanimously for the three-year permit.”

This year’s 46th annual event runs from Aug. 16 to Sept. 28.

For more information on the festival go to: https://www.michrenfest.com