Ready to encounter knights, fairies and other mythical creatures? Head over to the Texas Renaissance Festival, where the King and Queen will welcome you to their magical kingdom for endless frivolity and entertainment. This year’s Ren Fest, running from October 7 to November 26, is creating even more immersive experiences for adults and children. With 21 stages, The King's Feast, jugglers, bards, acrobats, games, rides, restaurants, pub crawls and more than 400 shoppes and artisans, there is something for everyone.
The Texas Renaissance Festival is the nation's largest and most acclaimed Renaissance-themed event. Established in 1974, the event attracts over half a million visitors each year. Don't miss it!
Bring the Whole Family
To make it an affordable destination for families, kids 4 and under are FREE every day. No ticket is necessary. Their presence will be accounted for at the gate. Kids 5-12 are half the price of the adult ticket on Saturdays and Thanksgiving Friday. Kids 5-12 are FREE every Sunday. No ticket is necessary. Their presence will be accounted for at the gate. Tickets are available online and at the gate. Buy your tickets.
Stay and Play
With so many things to do at the festival, it’s easy to lose track of time. Plus, if you’re there on a Saturday and want to party, you may want to stay and enjoy the Texas Renaissance Fair After Dark Club. Instead of heading back home, pitch a tent and stay at The Fields of New Market Campground. That also makes it easy for you to continue to enjoy the festivities the next morning. This year, Ren Fest is introducing exciting new "Stay and Play" packages that offer a great value for patrons and families who stay for the weekend. These packages include:
- Festival admission for both Saturday and Sunday
- Weekend camping pass (Thursday to Monday) at the Fields of New Market
- Access to special Fields of New Market events, including fun activities for kids at the Apprentice Gazebo
MORE DETAILS on camping.
Pick Your Theme
Every weekend has a different theme at Ren Fest. It kicks off with Queen's Birthday Celebration and follows with others like 1001 Dreams, Pirate Adventure, All Hallows Eve, Heroes and Villains, Barbarian Invasion, Highland Fling and Celtic Christmas. Pick what interests you, put on a costume and head over to enjoy the entertainment-packed schedule. In case you’re wondering, you don’t have to go in costume, but believe us, you'll want to.
Eat & Drink
If you’re going to spend a full day exploring this expansive magical kingdom, you’ll surely need to eat and drink. Thankfully, food options are plentiful at the festival. In true Renaissance Fest fashion, we suggest you have a turkey leg and a funnel cake at least once. Feel like having a drink? The kingdom’s taverns, pubs and inns offer the King’s brews, wine, mead, and more.
Shop Around
Make sure to bring back some souvenirs from the Kingdom. Jewelry, clothing, shoes, pottery, and keepsakes are among the goods you’ll find at the festival’s many shops.
Kids
Not all Renaissance Fest performances are apt for little ones, but there is plenty for them to do. Weaving, printmaking, and broom-making demonstrations are just some of the activities you can choose from. There are also many kid-friendly performances and rides. Explore Things To Do With Kids page.
When to arrive
Most visitors arrive between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., so to avoid long lines, try to arrive early so you can be at the gate when the King and Queen declare the festival open with the cannon at 9 a.m. Alternatively, arrive after 2 p.m. and stay for our Royal Fireworks Show sponsored by Top Dog Fireworks.
