The Scarborough Renaissance Festival opens this weekend in Waxahachie, so we've compiled a list of important things to know before you go:
1. The festival, which began in 1981, is more than a month long, lasting through May 28, but is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, plus Memorial Day (the final day). Gates are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., but opening ceremonies are held at 9:45 a.m. and closing ceremonies take place at 6:45 p.m.
2. Every weekend has a different theme with events that coordinate.
- April 7-8: Time Traveler's / Opening Weekend
- April 14-15: Artisan's Showcase Weekend
- April 21-22: Celtic Weekend
- April 28-29: Royal Ale Festival
- May 5-6: Live the Fantasy and Spring Celebration Weekend
- May 12-13: Celebrating Chivalry Weekend
- May 19-20: Legends of the Sea
- May 26-28: The Last Huzzah!
3. You can buy tickets online for $13 (children ages 5-12) or $26 (adults). Children under 4 are free. Two-day and season passes are also available here.
Discounted tickets can be found at Tom Thumb or Albertson's grocery stores for $25 (adults) and $12 (children 5-12). MetroPCS stores will have coupons for $10 off two adult tickets through April 29, and Waxahachie Nissan is offering $2 off coupons for one adult ticket.
For more information on group ticket prices or discounts, go here.
4. It's one of the largest and most popular Renaissance festivals in the nation, with a 16th century "village" that spans over 35 acres in a 167-acre site.
5. More than 20 tons of turkey legs are consumed during the eight weekends of the festival. Five food courts sell other favorites, including Scottish eggs, shepherd's pie, pastries, and more.
6. Over 200 performances will be seen on 27 stages daily, including (but not limited to) jugglers, bagpipers, full combat jousts, human chess matches, sword fighting, comedy, and music.
Cool note: The actress who plays Queen Margaret has been in that role for 21 years! Go here for the full list of performers.
7. There is alcohol. You can find 12 pubs and taverns throughout the festival, with daily beer tastings at Village Green and twice daily wine tastings at The Vinery. Tickets are $30 and you get to keep a souvenir glass. Note: Pubs and taverns accept cash only.
8. People love to get married there. At least 20 weddings on average are hosted at Scarborough every festival, complete with costumes, admission to the festival, and a full Renaissance banquet reception!
9. You can rent or buy a costume. If you're feeling in the mood to dress the part of a 16th century villager, you can rent costumes at a shop called Suit Your Fancie by the the front gate. Some clothiers will also be selling Renaissance clothing throughout the festival. Go here to see what else you can buy.
10. They accept major credit cards, but you should bring some cash. While cards are accepted at ticket windows and souvenir shops, cash is the only payment accepted for taverns, pubs, rides, and games. There are ATMs throughout the festival, but they'll probably charge you a service fee. Don't want to carry cash? Ticket windows sell "Renaissance Dollars" that can be used as cash.
