Renaissance Festivals & Faires in Texas

Above: Jousting at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Photo courtesy Texas Renaissance Festival

From intimate gatherings where patrons become brethren to Lone Star spectacles where visitors lose their cares in a world of fantasy, there are a number of Renaissance faires throughout Texas that will greet you with a hardy "Huzzah!" Find your portal to the past in the list below:

Tablerock Fantasy Faire
Where: Salado
When: September
A stroll down a one-half mile walking trail leading to the Goodnight Amphitheater is a step back to the days of gallant knights and ladies fair as you wander through a two-day festival which has enchanted visitors since 2002. Mingle among costumed actors in medieval and pirate regalia as children giggle at the antics of puppeteers, then fall under the spell of strolling minstrels as they weave their musical magic. Before returning to reality, buy a bauble from one of the many vendors as a remembrance of your time travels.

Lodging: While Salado is known for its romantic B&Bs and inns such as Stagecoach Inn, Inn On The Creek and The Inn at Salado, budget-friendly accommodations are also in the area, including a Super 8 Motel in Salado and a Ramada Inn in Belton, which is nine miles away.

Texas Renaissance Festival
Where: Plantersville (near Houston)
When: October -November

Four Winds Renaissance Faire
Where: Whitehouse
When: March-April

Sunlight glints on the armor of a valiant knight as he mounts his steed and lowers his lance for the perilous ride toward his opponent in the joust, just one of the action-filled attractions at this small faire with a big heart. Held over four consecutive weekends, each weekend embraces a new theme. In the past patrons have enjoyed days devoted to Romance and Chivalry and the works of Tolkien.

Lodging: The faire is located just moments from the city of Tyler, which offers a bevy of budget-conscious accommodations including Best Western Southpark, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites and a Hampton Inn.

Camelot Fantasy Faire
Where: Dale
When: March-early April
Celebrate the arrival of spring as musicians conjure up the age of Avalon amid the elms which dot faire grounds near Lockhart. Over 70 vendors sell their wares as belly dancers entice passers by and a performance troupe brings the legend of King Arthur to life.

Lodging: Faire attendees can live the Romany life, sleeping beneath the stars at the venue's rustic camping area, or enjoy the scenic beauty of Lockhart State Park, where campsites complete with running water and electricity are available. Those looking to lodge at a hotel during their stay in the self-proclaimed barbeque capital of Texas can book rooms at the Best Western Plum Creek Inn or Lockhart Inn.

Middlefaire Renaissance and Medieval Festival
Where: Hillsboro
When:mid-October

Autumn 2006 marks a new era in entertainment for the seat of Hill County as a two-day, pirate-themed festival sets sail on its maiden voyage.

Lodging: Faire attendees will find several cost-conscious hotels in the town, including a Super 8 Motel, Holiday Inn Express and a Best Western Hillsboro Inn.


Ravens Loft Renaissance Faire
Where: Emory
When: late January-early February

Mighty blows from a blacksmith's hammer ring out from the merchant's area, mixing with the jubilant melody of a minstrel’s tune as visitors walk through the imaginary kingdom of Chelonia, a land where chivalrous knights joust for honor's sake and daredevils fight with flaming swords.

Lodging: Revelers can rest at the Bent Tree Motel or camp out at East Lake Tawakoni camp site, which is a 10-minute drive from the festival.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Where: Waxahachie
When: weekends April, May
Leave the 21st century behind and return to the year of our Lord 1533, where King Henry VIII and his Queen Anne Boleyn reign over the 200 vendors selling their crafts and the period performers entertaining on 22 stages.

Lodging: While Bonnie and Clyde were former guests of The Historic Rogers Hotel, it is not believed that their spirits are among the spectral beings which are reported to haunt this landmark in The Gingerbread City. While faire patrons may want to book a room at this romantic retreat, budget-conscious attendees can find a plethora of less expensive places to rest their heads, including a Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Americas Best Value Inn, Days Inn & Suites and a Super 8 Motel.

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