The Texas Renaissance Festival is the largest Renaissance faire in the United States, sprawling across 55 acres of wooded terrain in Todd Mission, Texas (northwest of Houston). Running eight themed weekends from late September through November, it draws over 500,000 visitors annually. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned faire-goer, this complete guide will help you plan an unforgettable visit.
2026 Dates and Schedule
The Texas Renaissance Festival 2026 runs Saturdays and Sundays (plus select Fridays) from September 26 through November 29, 2026. Hours are typically 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekends.
Important Note:
While the dates above are projected based on historical patterns, always verify on the official Texas Renaissance Festival website before booking travel. Theme weekend schedules are typically announced in summer.
Themed Weekends
Each of the eight weekends features a unique theme with special entertainment, costume contests, and activities. Based on past years, expect themes like:
Opening Weekend (Sept 26-27)
The festival kicks off with a grand opening celebration. Often the most crowded weekend due to pent-up excitement, but the energy is incredible. All shops and stages are freshly stocked.
Pirate Adventure (Oct 3-4)
Arr, matey! Pirate-themed entertainment takes over with sea shanties, pirate comedy, and the infamous "pirate invasion" parade. Expect to see elaborate pirate costumes and swashbuckling demonstrations.
1001 Dreams (Oct 10-11)
Arabian Nights theme with belly dancers, exotic merchants, and Middle Eastern music. A visually stunning weekend with unique costume inspiration.
Oktoberfest (Oct 17-18)
German heritage celebration with polka music, beer steins, lederhosen, and bratwurst. The beer garden is especially lively this weekend. Prost!
All Hallows Eve (Oct 24-25, Oct 31-Nov 1)
Halloween-themed weekends with spooky entertainment, costume contests with horror/fantasy categories, and after-dark activities. If Halloween weekend falls within the festival, this extends across two weekends.
Heroes & Villains (Nov 7-8)
Celebrating legendary heroes and dastardly villains from history and fantasy. Expect sword-fighting demonstrations, armor displays, and dramatic performances.
Barbarian Invasion (Nov 14-15)
Vikings, Celtic warriors, and fierce barbarians take center stage. Heavy combat demonstrations, mead drinking contests, and lots of furs and leather.
Celtic Christmas (Nov 21-22, Nov 28-29)
The festival closes with Celtic music, holiday cheer, and a nostalgic farewell to the season. Great for families, with a warmer, community-focused atmosphere.
Tickets and Pricing
General Admission
- Adults (13+): $34-$38 at gate
- Children (5-12): $18-$20
- Children 4 and under: Free
- Online advance purchase: Save $4-$6 per ticket
Season Passes
- Adult Season Pass: ~$110-$130
- Child Season Pass: ~$60-$75
- Benefits: All 8 weekends, skip ticket lines, special pass-holder perks
- Best for: Locals or those attending 4+ weekends
Money-Saving Tip:
Buy tickets online at least a week in advance for the best prices. The festival also runs occasional promotions (military discounts, group rates, early-bird specials). Check the official website and social media for deals.
Getting There and Parking
Address: 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, TX 77363 (about 50 miles northwest of Houston)
The festival is located in a rural area with minimal traffic lights. From Houston, take I-45 North to FM 1774 West. Follow signs—you'll see them for miles as you approach.
Parking Information
- •Standard Parking: $15 per vehicle (expect a 10-15 minute walk to entrance)
- •Preferred Parking: $30-$40 (closer lots, shorter walk)
- •VIP/Royal Parking: $50+ (closest to entrance)
- •Pro tip: Arrive before 10 AM for easier parking and less walking
Camping at the Texas Renaissance Festival
One of the unique features of TRF is the massive on-site campground. Camping transforms a day trip into a full weekend immersion. The campground hosts thousands of RVs, tents, and even elaborate period camps.
Camping Options:
- Tent camping: $40-$60 per weekend
- RV camping (no hookups): $60-$80
- RV with electric: $100-$150
- Full hookups (electric, water, sewer): $150-$200+
What to Expect:
- • Campfires, music, and community atmosphere
- • Late-night drum circles and revelry
- • Shower facilities and bathrooms on-site
- • Nearby hotels in nearby towns for non-campers
Note: Camping reservations open months in advance and popular spots sell out quickly. Book early if you want to camp, especially for Halloween weekend.
What Makes TRF Special
While Texas has several excellent Renaissance faires (including Scarborough and Sherwood Forest), TRF stands out for its massive scale and production value.
Permanent Village Structures
Unlike temporary tent setups, TRF features permanent Tudor-style buildings, cobblestone lanes, and elaborate sets that stay year-round. This creates a more immersive, authentic atmosphere.
World-Class Entertainment
Over 200 live performers include professional actors, musicians, acrobats, and comedians. The jousting tournaments feature full-contact combat with nationally ranked knights. Shows run continuously on 20+ stages from opening to close.
Artisan Marketplace
400+ vendors sell everything from hand-forged swords to custom leather armor, intricate jewelry, blown glass, pottery, and elaborate costumes. Many artisans are nationally recognized masters of their crafts.
Food and Drink
Over 50 food vendors serve everything from traditional turkey legs and mead to more adventurous fare like alligator sausage and deep-fried everything. The craft beer and wine selection is extensive.
Insider Tips for First-Timers
- 1.Arrive Early, Stay Late — Gates open at 9 AM. Arriving early means easier parking, shorter lines, and cooler temperatures. Staying until close (8 PM) means you catch the beautiful lantern-lit evening atmosphere.
- 2.Wear Comfortable, Broken-In Shoes — You'll walk 5-10 miles on uneven terrain. This is the most common regret from first-timers. Check our costume guide for footwear advice.
- 3.Bring Cash — While more vendors accept cards than in the past, cash is still king. Budget $100-$200 per person for food, drinks, and impulse purchases.
- 4.Check the Weather — Fall in Texas can range from 50°F mornings to 85°F afternoons. Layer your clothing. Bring a light jacket even if it starts warm.
- 5.Plan Your Schedule — Download the schedule ahead of time (available on the TRF website). Circle your must-see shows and plan around joust times (usually 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM).
- 6.Don't Try to See Everything — With 55 acres and 200+ performers, seeing everything is impossible. Pick 5-7 "must-dos" and let the rest happen organically.
- 7.Costume Encouraged But Not Required — About 70% of attendees wear at least something period-appropriate. Even a simple basic costume from Amazon enhances the experience.
What to Eat: TRF Food Guide
Texas Renaissance Festival food is legendary. Here are the must-try items:
Iconic Faire Foods:
- • Giant turkey legs ($12-$15)
- • Scotch eggs ($8-$10)
- • Steak on a stake ($14-$18)
- • Bread bowl soups ($10-$14)
- • Roasted corn ($6-$8)
- • Deep-fried Oreos and cheesecake ($8-$10)
Beverages to Try:
- • Mead (honey wine) — sweet or dry ($10-$14)
- • Craft beers from Texas breweries ($8-$12)
- • Frozen adult lemonade ($10-$14)
- • Hot cider or wassail ($6-$8)
- • Bring your own tankard for refill discounts
Family-Friendly Activities
TRF is excellent for families. Kid-friendly activities include:
- Children's Kingdom with games and activities
- Petting zoo and pony rides
- Fairy and magic shows (G-rated)
- Knighting ceremonies for children
- Costume contests with kids' categories
- Interactive treasure hunts
Note that some comedy shows are marked 18+ or have content warnings—check the schedule if attending with young children.
Planning Your Houston-Area Faire Itinerary
If you're in Texas and love Renaissance faires, consider hitting all three major Texas festivals:
- Sherwood Forest Faire (McDade, TX) — February-April
- Scarborough Renaissance Festival (Waxahachie, TX) — April-May
- Texas Renaissance Festival (Todd Mission) — October-November
Each has a distinct personality. Sherwood Forest is intimate and wooded, Scarborough is massive and energetic, and TRF is the grand finale with the longest season.
Nearby Accommodations
If camping isn't your style, consider hotels in nearby towns:
- Magnolia, TX (20 minutes) — Closest town with chain hotels
- Conroe, TX (30 minutes) — Larger city with more options
- The Woodlands, TX (35 minutes) — Upscale suburb north of Houston
Book early for popular weekends (opening, Halloween, Celtic Christmas). Hotels fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
The Texas Renaissance Festival is more than just a faire—it's a cultural phenomenon that draws visitors from across the country. Whether you're a Texas local who's never been or an out-of-state traveler planning a trip, TRF offers an unmatched Renaissance faire experience.
Start planning now for 2026. Choose your themed weekend, book tickets and camping (if desired), and prepare your costume. For more faire planning advice, check our beginner's guide and costume guide.
Looking for other Texas faires? Browse our complete faire directory or use our location finder.
Huzzah, and see you at the fest!