Texas Renaissance Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Texas Renaissance Festival |
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Women in costume at the Texas Renaissance Festival
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| Genre | Renaissance fair |
| Dates | Nine weekends in October and November |
| Location(s) | 21778 FM 1774 Todd Mission, Texas 77363 |
| Inaugurated | 1974 |
| Attendance | 678,550 (2016) |
| Area | 55 Acres |
| Stages | 25 |
The Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF) is a super fun annual event in Todd Mission, Texas. It's like stepping back in time to the Renaissance period! This huge festival is about 55 miles northwest of Houston.
TRF began way back in 1974 on what used to be an old mining area. Today, it's known as "the nation’s largest Renaissance theme park." The festival covers 55 acres of land. It also has over 200 acres of camping spots for visitors. More than half a million people visit this amazing festival every year.
History of the Festival
The Texas Renaissance Festival was started in 1974 by two brothers, George and David Coulam. They chose an old mining spot in what is now Todd Mission, Texas. When it first opened, the festival was 15 acres big. It had three stages where small acting groups performed. Merchants sold their goods right on blankets. About 33,000 people came to the very first festival.
In 2008, the festival did not happen because of a big storm. Since 2020, the festival has added extra safety steps for everyone's health.
What You Can See and Do
As of 2017, the Texas Renaissance Festival has about 500 actors dressed in amazing costumes. They perform on 25 different stages! There are also 350 shops right at the festival. You can find all sorts of things there, like yummy international foods and unique handmade crafts.
The festival also has rides that use human power. Many performers walk around, entertaining guests as they explore. Each day ends with a special Queen's Royal Finale. This show often includes fireworks, if the weather is good. Over half a million people visit the fair each year. In 2016, a record 679,000 people attended!
Fun Themed Weekends
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Each of the nine weekends at the festival has a different theme. This means the shows, costumes, food, drinks, and games change to match the theme!
- Oktoberfest - This weekend has a German feel. You can hear polka music and see dancing. They also serve traditional German beer.
- 1001 Dreams - This is a fantasy weekend! People dress up as wizards, fairies, and elves. There are fun contests like scavenger hunts and costume contests.
- All Hallows Eve - It's a medieval Halloween party! You'll see spooky decorations. There are contests like jack-o-lantern carving to celebrate the holiday.
- Pirate Adventure - Ahoy, matey! This weekend is all about pirates. Visitors are encouraged to wear pirate costumes. There are also many sea-themed games and contests.
- Roman Bacchanal - Step into ancient Rome! People wear Roman costumes like togas. You can join Roman-themed contests, including spaghetti eating!
- Barbarian Invasion - Get ready for a wild medieval barbarian theme! Dress up as a barbarian. There are "barbaric" contests like the "Barbarian Battle Cry" and eating challenges.
- Heroes and Villains - This weekend brings famous characters from the past to life.
- Highland Fling - It's a Scottish celebration! Wear traditional Scottish clothes. You can hear bagpipes and try Scottish food and drinks.
- Celtic Christmas - Get into the holiday spirit! The festival is decorated for Christmas. You'll hear Christmas music and find fun contests like a "Candy Cane Hunt."
Amazing Performances
The festival has 25 stages with all kinds of shows. You can enjoy medieval music and dance groups. This includes everything from belly dancing to harps, fiddles, bagpipes, and accordions.
All around the festival, you can watch artists show off medieval skills. They demonstrate glassblowing, making armor, candle-making, and even minting coins.
On the bigger stages, you'll find grander events. The biggest one is the Joust! The Hanlon-Lees Action Theatre performs this show. It's a real reenactment of a medieval joust. It features real weapons, horses in costume, and knights in shining armor.
Other shows at the festival are great for all ages. The Birds of Prey show is very popular. It features hawks, owls, vultures, and eagles flying freely. You can also see the Fire Whip Show, the Clan Tynker Family Circus, and the School of Sword.
At the end of each day, there's a royal finale in the arena. Many entertainers and musicians perform. The day closes with a fantastic fireworks display!
