Texas Renaissance Festival guide: What you need to know, activities, events

HOUSTON - Amidst 55-acres of sprawling pine forests northwest of Magnolia, a portal to the past magically appears each autumn. The Texas Renaissance Festival, a beloved annual event, transported visitors back in time for a grand spectacle of history, fantasy, and revelry.

The Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF) is preparing to open its gates for the 2023 season from Oct. 7 to Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at 21778 Farm to Market 1774, Todd Mission, Texas.

Throughout the duration of the festival, enjoy eight themed weekends such as The Queen’s Birthday, 1001 Dreams, Pirate Adventure, All Hallow’s Eve, Heroes and Villians, Barbarian Invasion, Highland Fling, and Celtic Christmas.

Enjoy an array of food from different vendors as you explore the realm and visit local shops during your time.

It wouldn't be a Renaissance festival without performances galore to grace the stages around the Kingdom. Some will happen throughout the day while others take the stage at certain times. Check out the entertainment schedule by clicking here.

Attendees can also purchase tickets to participate in a one to three-hour-long scavenger hunt to explore the market grounds of the festival. There are also escape rooms, a pub crawl, and the Knight's Club for some extra fun!

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If you're interested, you can also stay on the festival's campgrounds and the festival offers accommodations for campers of all types, from tent to RV and trailer enthusiasts. You could bring your own tent or rent accommodations from the TRF. Click here for more info on campground prices.

(Photo courtesy of Texas Renaissance Festival)

There are many rides and games available throughout the festival. Most cost between $3 and $5 but prices vary so ask the attendant. Here is a list of all activities at the festival and where to find them:

DOVE MEADOW AREA

The King's Carousel
Spinning Dragon Eggs
The Branchiator
King of The Log
Archery Game
The Executioner and Head Games
Dragon's Lair Treasure Trove

ARENA AREA

Leonardo's Catapult
King of the Log
The Cage
Jacob’s Ladder
The Joust Tower
Pony Rides
Carriage Rides
The Dragon Swing
The Royal Quintan
The Nepture’s Swings
Test of Strength
The Natutilus

THE ENCHANTED FOREST AREA

The Museum of Cruelty
The Dizzy Dragons
The Amazing Maze
Jacob’s Ladder
The Longbows
Elephant and Camel Rides
Children’s Petting Zoo
The King’s Swings
Fisherman’s Folly
Throwing Games
Catapulting Frogs
Pluck-A-Duck
Three Muskets Hares
Friar’s Frolic
Crossbows and Darts
Test of Strength
Rodent Roundabout

FLORENCE GAZEBO AREA

The Young Apprentice Shoppe Kid’s Crafts
Your Hand in Wax
Storm the Castle

THE ODEON STAGE AREA

Slayer's Castle 3-D House & Torture Museum

Parking is free and there are also designated parking areas for buses, motor homes, and motorcycles. You can purchase preferred parking passes online or at the gate for $25. Valet parking is available for an additional charge as well. For more information, visit the festival website.

There's so much to explore during your time at the festival, so for more information on things to do, activities available, and ticket prices, click here.