This post was sponsored by the Texas Renaissance Festival via US Family Guide. However, all opinions are my own.
I have been living in Texas for six years now. It seems like from the very start the one event that I annually hear so much about is the Texas Renaissance Festival. It’s been on my bucket list of things to do here in Texas. Fall is my favorite season. I love everything about it! To me, it’s the perfect time to nest and create fun memories with your family. Yesterday, we did just that as we headed to the Texas Renaissance Festival for an interesting Sunday Funday.
If you don’t know, the Texas Renaissance Festival is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed Renaissance themed event. Established in 1974, the event attracts over half a million visitors each year to its 55-acre New Market Village and Fields of New Market Campgrounds in Todd Mission, Texas. This immersive experience features world renowned live entertainment, works by master artists and craftspeople, award winning food and drink, hand-powered rides and games, and over 100 interactive characters during its nine themed weekends from September 30 through November 26, 2017. For more information, please visit www.texrenfest.com.
Yesterday, was the 1001 Dreams themed weekend, which was our weekend of choice. We packed up and headed to the festival for a fun filled Sunday Funday. Niah and KJ were a bit curious as to where we were headed but I kept silent as I wanted them to be shocked by all the awesomeness this festival brings. The festival was just shy of an hours drive so we took the scenic route and it was great being engulfed by new scenery.
There is something for people of all ages to experience and enjoy. As first timers we all had a blast! We thrive off first experiences and we’re thrilled to have added this to the collection. So grab your family and head to the Texas Renaissance Festival. But, before you do check out the information below to help you have a fun, successful visit.
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TRAFFIC
As with experiencing any new product or place I do thorough research. I like to see pictures and I definitely read reviews. Initially, I was worried about how awful the traffic would be. I had read countless reviews that stated it took them a couple of hours to get off the fair grounds. I decided to put this fear aside as I know that no two people’s experience will ever be the same. I’m so glad that I didn’t let that discourage me!
We did not experience any issues with traffic at all. It was smooth sailing coming and going. As we got closer to the fair, we noticed that the flow of traffic was being controlled by police. This could be a good or bad thing but it didn’t affect our adventure.
I’m not sure if it had anything to do with the time of day we went. We arrived at 2:00 PM and we left early evening.
PARKING
Parking is FREE! Parking is directed by staff. You will be parked on grass and gravel. If you are worried about your car or shoes getting dirty because of the grass or dirt this is not the venue for you.
The entry and exit signs are clear and visible. Each aisle is labeled with a giant number so be sure to make note of yours so that you will remember where you parked.
FOOD
If you are a foodie this is the fair for you! There are countless food options everywhere you turn. Things like gyros, crawfish, BBQ, steak on a stick, crepes, fried oreos, loaded potatoes, giant pickles, ice cream, cotton candy, chocolate cheesecake on a stick, boudin, sausages and a hosts of other edible items will intrigue your senses.
If you like to indulge in adult beverages you won’t be disappointed either. There are beer, wine stations and margaritas available at almost every stop. They also have hot chocolate, hot cider, lemonade and the normal beverages like soda and water.
Just like any other fair food, the prices are inflated. However, everything I tasted was delicious. It would be a daunting feeling to spend money on expensive food that doesn’t live up to the taste you hoped for.
My only advice to the foodie is to try the Turkey Leg!
ENTERTAINMENT
Shows – There is entertainment everywhere! You will not miss a beat. If you are interested in a certain show the great thing is that you are provided with the show times. This allows you to plan accordingly because they all have more than one viewing. There is seating at all of the shows, some more than others.
Rides -If you like to partake of fair rides those are available to you as well for an additional fee.
Animal Rides – There are animal rides available for an additional fee. You can take your pick from pony’s, camel’s and elephant’s. The kid’s and I rode an elephant for a whopping $10 per person! The biggest disappointment was that it was literally a 20-30 second ride for that price. I won’t make that mistake again!
Shops – If you love to shop you will have your opportunity. There are hundreds of shops everywhere. Check some of them out, they sell a lot of interesting items. Many of these items are handcrafted which is pretty cool.
Other – They also offer staples like face painting, psychic readings, hair braiding, henna tattoos and archery that are available for additional fees.
Random Facts
- They have wagons, scooters, strollers and costumes available for rent.
- Restroom signs are big, visible and can’t be missed. They were very clean which is a great thing.
- There are plenty of photo opportunities. Everything, from costumed staff and giant chairs to art are at your picture disposal.
- They offer an after hours Ghost Walk Tour for $10 per person that meets at the front gates after the fireworks.
- At the end of each day they do FIREWORKS! Who said fireworks were just for the Fourth of July! Not I!
- First Aid is available if needed.
- They have several Wedding Chapels if you want to travel back in time with your guests!
- Maps are available to help you navigate your way around.
- There are ATM’s onsite.
- There is plenty of seating if you grow tired.
- No pets allowed.
- You can camp on the grounds for an additional fee.
TIPS
- Dress up! I highly recommend that people experience the Texas Renaissance Festival at least once. Its the one place you can dress in costume and not be deemed as weird. Have fun with it! You can be remotely anything you like.
- The property is massive so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and cool clothing.
- You can bring in one bottle of water per person so bring it because you will need it and the prices are inflated.
- Get there early when they first open to witness the sounding of the village cannon, come at noon for the parade or stay until close to see the royal fireworks.
- Go on Sunday for extra savings. Kids 12 and under are admitted free.
DATES AND THEMES FOR 2017
Each weekend, a different theme comes to life across the 55-acre festival grounds including:
Oktoberfest (September 30 & October 1)
1001 Dreams (October 7 & 8)
Pirate Adventure (October 14 & 15)
Roman Bacchanal (October 21 & 22)
All Hallows’ Eve (October 28 & 29)
Barbarian Invasion (November 4 & 5)
Heroes and Villains (November 11 & 12)
Highland Fling (November 18 & 19)
Celtic Christmas (November 24, 25, & 26)
Texas Renaissance Festival! Kids 12 and Under Admitted Free Every Sunday!
HERE’S A COUPON to help you save!
Have you ever been to the Texas Renaissance Festival? If so, I would love to hear about how you enjoyed the experience…
What are you waiting for!?! GO OWN YOUR FANCY!!!
