Scarborough Faire is one of the largest Renaissance festivals in the US. It's in Waxahachie (45 min south of Dallas) and it's an experience.
Details:
- Dates: Weekends April 4 - May 25, 2026 (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Location: 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX
- Admission: $35 adult, $15 kids. Season passes available. Source: srfestival.com
- Hours: 10am - 7pm
What to expect:
- 200+ artisan shops (jewelry, leather, weapons, clothing)
- Full-contact jousting tournaments
- Live performances: comedy, music, acrobatics, fire shows
- Turkey legs the size of your head
- Thousands of people in full Renaissance costume (optional but encouraged)
- Mead, ale, and wine served in the "village"
First-timer tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes — it's 35+ acres of walking on dirt/grass.
- Bring cash — many artisan shops and food vendors prefer it.
- Costumes are encouraged but NOT required. Nobody will judge you either way.
- The jousting show is the main event — arrive 15-20 minutes early for good seats.
- Hydrate. It's Texas. It's spring. It can be 90 degrees.
- Try the mead at least once. It's historically accurate AND delicious.
Budget:
- Admission: $35
- Food: $30-50/person (turkey legs, meat pies, pastries, drinks)
- Shopping: $0-infinity (the artisan goods are legitimately high quality and priced accordingly)
- Estimated total for a couple: $130-200
Sources:
- SRFestival.com — official website
- Personal attendance every year since 2020
Are you going opening weekend?