Texas Renaissance Festival

by Ann Marie Kennon

21778 FM v Todd Mission, TX

Step through the gates of the Texas Renaissance Festival and you’ll feel as if you’ve left modern life behind and entered a bustling 16th-century village — one filled with costumed characters, delicious food, lively music, and more merriment than a king’s court could muster.

Just 2.5 hours from Jarrell, this October getaway offers an experience that is equal parts fantasy, history, and family fun.

The Nation’s Largest Renaissance Festival

Now in its fifth decade, the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission, Texas (just outside Houston) is the largest event of its kind in the country, drawing more than a half-million visitors each year. The sprawling 55-acre village was built to feel like an authentic European town square, complete with cobblestone lanes, castle gates, wooden bridges, and more than 400 shops, stages, and food booths. From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by performers who never break character, whether they’re jesters, pirates, or wandering royalty.

Step through the gates of the Texas Renaissance Festival and you’ll feel as if you’ve left modern life behind and entered a bustling 16th-century village — one filled with costumed characters, delicious food, lively music, and more merriment than a king’s court could muster.

Just 2.5 hours from Jarrell, this October getaway offers an experience that is equal parts fantasy, history, and family fun.

Themed Weekends for Every Taste

Each weekend in October offers a fresh reason to return. Oktoberfest kicks things off with bratwurst, polka dancing, and beer fit for Bavarian lords. "1,001 Dreams" fills the grounds with fairies and elves for a magical escape, while Pirate Adventure invites you to raise a mug of grog with swashbucklers. The Halloween-ready All Hallows Eve weekend features costume contests, spooky performances, and just enough chills to make it festive fun for the whole family. These themes keep the festival fresh and give guests a chance to return dressed in costumes that match the mood.

Feast Like Royalty

One of the festival’s biggest draws is its food. Where else can you find giant turkey legs, Scotch eggs, crepes, roasted nuts, steak on a stake, and international dishes from Greek gyros to Polish pirogies? Add in mead, craft beers, and themed cocktails, and you’ve got a culinary adventure around every corner. The festival also hosts special dining events, including tea with the queen or a royal wine tasting.

Entertainment That Fills the Day

There are more than 200 daily performances across 20 stages and visitors can cheer for armored knights in a full-contact joust, laugh at bawdy comedy troupes, or tap a foot to Celtic music. There are fire eaters, jugglers, acrobats, and magicians, along with family-friendly shows designed to keep kids entertained. Shoppers will enjoy browsing handmade jewelry, leather goods, clothing, art, and unique treasures you won’t find in a mall.

Make It a Weekend

For those who want to linger, the festival offers its own campground just outside the gates. Many visitors treat it like a weekend retreat, arriving Friday night and enjoying bonfires, drum circles, and themed camping communities. If you prefer more comfort, nearby towns like Magnolia and Conroe have plenty of hotel options.

Perfect Timing

October is the ideal time to visit. The Texas heat is finally breaking, the themes are especially festive, and the fall air makes wandering the shaded grounds even more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a unique date, a family outing, or a chance to gather friends for a road trip, it is a celebration that offers something for everyone.

WHAT TO KNOW

 WHEN: Weekends, October 11 – December 1 (plus Friday after Thanksgiving). Gates open 9am–8pm, rain or shine.

 TICKETS: Advance online purchase at TexRenFest.com recommended, often cheaper than onsite. Children under 13 free on Sundays.

 PARKING: On-site parking available; preferred lots and shuttle service are extra.

 MONEY: Many vendors accept cards, but cash is handy for food stalls and smaller purchases. ATMs onsite.

 ATTIRE: Costumes welcome but not required. Comfortable shoes are a must—the grounds are large and unpaved. October weather can swing from warm afternoons to chilly evenings, so dress in layers.

 FAMILY TIPS: Strollers and wagons allowed, but expect uneven terrain.