Free Easter egg roll for children at this North Texas renaissance festival this weekend
Gather your kilt and longsword, the Scarborough Renaissance Festival returns to North Texas this weekend.
Since 1981, the festival has provided North Texans with 16th Century entertainment and fun. From handmade arts and crafts, to full combat joust events, there’s a little something for every lad and lass at the Waxahachie camp ground.
The 42nd Scarborough Renaissance Festival open this weekend and here’s everything you need to know:
When does the Scarborough Renaissance Festival open?
The festival is only open Saturdays and Sundays over April and May, along with Memorial Day:
April: 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30.
May: 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and 27-29.
The festival’s operating hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day its open at 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie.
What are the themed weekends at the festival?
Every weekend the festival is open, there’s a new theme with its own specialty events:
April 8-9: Opening weekend and Easter celebration
To kickoff the opening weekend, children under 12 years old gain free admission and seniors over 65 receive $10 off tickets. For Easter, there will be a Sunday renaissance service, egg roll and scavenger hunt.
April 15-16: Artisans showcase weekend and a royal wedding
Shoppers who spend $350 at festival stands and receive two complimentary tickets. Guests can witness the royal wedding between King Henry VIII and Catherine Parr at 1:30 p.m. both days, alongside villagers, peasants and the royal court.
April 22-23: Viking and ale weekend
There’s an adult and children viking costume contest planned, beer stein holding competition and tug o’war event.
April 29-30: Live the fantasy weekend
This weekend is for fantasy and cosplay fans who want to participate in costume contests and fairy initiation ceremony. April 29 is also Deaf Day at the festival, with special signed performances throughout the day.
May 6-7: Celtic weekend
This weekend is all about Celtic pride from egg eating and bonniest knees contests, to traditional Irish step and ceili dance performances.
May 13-14: Celebrating chivalry weekend
Up to three kids per adult gain free admission to the festival as part of Mother’s Day. Patrons can also participate in chivalry lessons and have their vows renewed.
May 20-21: Legends of the seas weekend
Mermaids, sea creatures and pirates are encouraged to enter the costume contest. A naval enlistment ceremony is set for noon on both days.
May 27-29: The last huzzah
This weekend closes out the festival with a “topsy turvy day,” where queens become beggars and villagers become kings. Active and retired military members are encouraged to attend the Memorial Day service on May 29.
How much are Scarborough Renaissance Festival tickets?
Tickets are now on sale and vary in price for children and adults:
Adults: $32 online, $37 at the gate
Children (5-12): $14 online, $17 at the gate
Children (4 and under): Free admission always
Season passes are available for adults at $150 and $34 for children. VIP and other event packages are also available on the festival’s website. And fair not, parking costs are included in the adult tickets.
What is there to do at the festival?
Beyond the themed weekends, patrons have plenty to do and see at the festival. Offerings include:
Stage performances
Live music
Dance courting
A sword swallower
Archery, ring toss and other games
Amusement rides and more
Food is another big part of the festival, with pubs and taverns spread out across the camp grounds. Other festival favorites include roasted turkey legs, crab cakes, Scottish eggs, Shepherds pie, meat on a stick and fresh pastries.
