Why visit the Texas Renaissance Festival?
This is the largest Renaissance Festival in the nation. It’s fun, and a little silly. It’s a good excuse to wear a costume and immerse yourself in the lighter side of the dark ages. There are a few educational displays and costumed staff scattered around the grounds explaining different aspects of living in the middle ages, and some shops have demonstrations on various topics (see below.) However, this place is going to be mostly for entertainment purposes. So plan to enjoy thy day of merriment!
A Great Field Trip for These Topics:
- Middle Ages
- Demonstration Topics (See Below)
Quick Info:
21778 Farm to Market 1774
Todd Mission, TX 77363
2021 Season: October 9 – November 28
Saturday, Sunday & Thanksgiving Friday
9 am – 8 pm
Admission Pricing by Varies by Date
(Expect to pay about $30- $40 for adults and half that for Children)
Children 12 & Under: Free on Sundays
Go to their ticketing page here for details.
General Parking: Free.
Preferred: $20
Valet: $40
What Can You Expect to See & Do at the Renaissance Festival?
Shows and Performers
There are 20 stage areas where you can catch a performance. Enjoy lively musical acts, acrobatics, knights jousting, or learn about birds of prey. There is a huge variety of entertainment, some of it quite unique. It was our first time seeing a human fountain, and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.
Shops
There are 400 shops to browse! Shop for candles, soaps, and potions, or costumes and magic wands.
Demonstrations
Some of the shops offer demonstrations in medieval skills:
- Candlemaking
- Blacksmithing
- Paper Making & Operating a Printing Press
- Broom Making
- Glass Blowing
- Coin Making
- Weaving & Spinning
- Armourer
Rides, Games, & Activities
Giant swings, slides, and other hand powered rides are some of the medieval amusements available to families. Try your hand at games of skill or crafts. Explore museums of torture. Visit the petting zoo, or go for an elephant or camel ride.
Food & Drinks
So much food here, traditional fair food or pub/tavern food is easy to find. There are also plenty of tastes around the world to try; Greek, Polish, Italian, Latin, and Chinese, just to name a few. Drinks are a big deal here. Most vendors will have beer, wines, mead, ciders, and frozen adult beverages. Adults can even sign up for wine or scotch tastings. Specialty and craft non-alcoholic drinks are flowing too. You should be able to find sodas, lemonades, and lots of kid friendly treats. On cool days, they have hot chocolate, coffee, and cider.
Themed Weekends:
Choosing when to visit is part of the fun. Weekends are themed and guest are encouraged to dress the part.
- OKTOBERFEST (October 9th & 10th)
- 1001 DREAMS Fairies & Elves (October 16th & 17th)
- PIRATE ADVENTUE (October 23rd & 24th)
- ALL HALLOWS EVE (October 30th & 31st)
- HEROES AND VILLAINS (November 6th & 7th)
- BARBARIAN INVASION (November 13th & 14th)
- HIGHLAND FLING (November 20th-21st)
- CELTIC CHRISTMAS (November 26th-28th)
Tips for Visitors:
If you are entering with a digital ticket, it’s a good idea to take a screenshot of the QR code before arriving. Cell coverage is spotty.
Some of the shows and entertainment are meant for adults. You should be able to find signs at the performance areas and a quick warning at the beginning of the act if it’s not meant for kid audiences. Find family friendly entertainment on their For Kids page.
Campgrounds are available for festival guests. More info here.
