If you are looking for an authentic renaissance experience, the Texas Renaissance Festival will transport you back in time with entertainment, food, and every accommodation you can possibly think of.

This huge festival lasts for nine weekends, giving you plenty of time to go to a few or all of the weekend-long events. Each weekend begins on Thursday at 12 p.m. and runs until Monday at 12 p.m., and includes a new theme each weekend. Feel free to add to the renaissance aesthetic and dress up to reflect the weekends theme or the renaissance time period in general.

The themes

Even if you can’t make it to every weekend this season, pick one based off a theme that interests you most. This year, the themes include; Oktoberfest, 1001 dreams, barbarian invasion, pirate adventure, all hallows eve, roman bacchanal, heroes and villains, highland fling, and Celtic Christmas.

Oktoberfest weekend is everything bratwurst and beer, 1001 dreams is an enchanted weekend filled with fairies and mystical creatures that to bring out the festival’s magical feel, and Barbarian invasion will test your skills and strengths at games you don’t want to miss. Each theme brings out a different aspect of the renaissance era.

Camping

The festival doesn’t have to end by night fall—which is why the festival provides a 230-acre camp ground to immerse you in the full medieval experience. There are a few ways to stay comfortably on the camp ground: you can purchase a spot for your RV for the weekend, or even purchase a “glamping” tent and camp in style, which is a nicely furnished, upscale style of camping. Both are a great way to unwind in character and get plenty of rest for another day of renaissance fun.

Entertainment

Each year, the festival offers acts from clowns, musicians, jousters, comedians, dancers, and more! With the space available, they are able to have 20 different stages, ensuring entertainment everywhere you go.

Admission

Cost of admission varies depending on age group. If you are looking for a day trip, a weekend, pass, a season pass, or maybe even parking, more information is available on the Texas Renaissance Festival Website.

Food

All your modern favorites can be found at this festival, but with an authentic and delectable flair. Beef jerky carts can be found all over for the perfect mid-day snack, or if you want something sweet, look out for the Louie’s crew who will always be walking around with fresh kettle corn.

Enjoy and learn  about the wine and ale of the Renaissance by visiting the Enchanted Manor Winery and Brigadoon Brewery and Brew School. If you are an early bird, be sure to visit the Old-World corner bistro for fresh ground coffee or even hot cider!

The King’s Feast is a special attraction that sells out quickly so you have to call ahead. This feast includes festival admission, two hours of entertainment, an unlimited six course feast, wine, and ale.

Shops

With 55 acres for a festival, you can imagine how many shops are available to festival goers. You can expect to find shops that range from candles, lotions, music, food, leatherwork, potions, pottery, sculpting, clothes, and demonstrations.

The numerous amount of shops, food, and entertainment guarantees something fun and new daily. The festival is so widely loved that they offer to help you create a fairytale themed wedding right in the English village of the festival. Last year they hosted 63 weddings during the festival season!

There is no better place to experience all things Medieval than the Texas Renaissance Festival!