The Texas Renaissance Festival is one of the largest and most beloved Renaissance fairs in North America. Every fall, thousands of visitors travel to Todd Mission, Texas, to step back in time. In 2026, the festival runs from October 10 through November 29. That gives you eight glorious weekends to explore, celebrate, and enjoy everything this legendary event has to offer.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning fan, this guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip.
2026 Festival Dates and Hours
The Texas Renaissance Festival opens its gates on October 10, 2026, and closes on November 29, 2026. The event runs on Saturdays and Sundays only, so plan accordingly.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
The festival does not operate on weekdays, so weekends are your only window. Arriving early gives you the best experience. Lines at the gate can grow quickly after 11:00 AM.
Weekend Themes for 2026
Each weekend at the festival carries a unique theme. This makes every visit feel fresh and different. Below is the full weekend theme schedule for 2026.
| Weekend | Dates | Theme |
| Weekend 1 | Oct 10–11 | Opening Weekend |
| Weekend 2 | Oct 17–18 | Pirates vs. Ninjas |
| Weekend 3 | Oct 24–25 | All Hallows Eve |
| Weekend 4 | Oct 31–Nov 1 | Magic & Myths |
| Weekend 5 | Nov 7–8 | Celtic Christmas |
| Weekend 6 | Nov 14–15 | Barbarian Invasion |
| Weekend 7 | Nov 21–22 | Heroes and Villains |
| Weekend 8 | Nov 28–29 | Closing Weekend |
Theme weekends encourage guests to dress up accordingly. Many visitors wear elaborate costumes that match the theme. However, costumes are never required. Everyone is welcome, dressed up or not.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy
Tickets are available online and at the gate. Buying online in advance is strongly recommended. It saves time and often costs less than gate pricing.
| Ticket Type | Online Price (Est.) | Gate Price (Est.) |
| Adult (13+) | $35–$40 | $40–$45 |
| Child (5–12) | $15–$18 | $18–$20 |
| Child (Under 5) | Free | Free |
| Season Pass | $120–$150 | N/A |
| Parking | $10–$15 | $10–$15 |
Season passes offer the best value if you plan to visit more than three weekends. Additionally, group discounts are often available for parties of 15 or more. Check the official website for the most current pricing before your visit.
Getting There
The festival is located at 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, TX 77363. It sits between Houston and Bryan-College Station in Grimes County. Most visitors drive from Houston, which is about 50 miles to the south.
Traffic builds up significantly during peak hours. Therefore, plan to arrive before 10:00 AM or after 2:00 PM to avoid the worst congestion. Parking is on-site and well-organized. However, shuttle services from off-site lots are also available during busy weekends.
Live Entertainment and Shows
Entertainment is at the heart of the festival experience. Dozens of performers take the stage across multiple venues throughout the grounds. There is truly something for everyone.
Highlights include:
- Jousting tournaments featuring armored knights on horseback
- Aerial acrobatics and fire performances
- Comedy shows and improvisational theatre
- Falconry demonstrations
- Belly dancing and sword swallowing acts
- Musical performances ranging from Celtic folk to medieval ballads
Shows run on a rotating schedule throughout the day. A printed show schedule is handed out at the entrance gate. Additionally, schedules are posted on boards throughout the festival grounds.
Food and Drink
The food scene at the festival is a highlight in itself. Vendors offer a wide variety of dishes that range from classic Renaissance-style fare to modern festival food.
Popular food items include:
- Giant turkey legs (a festival icon)
- Whole roasted pig
- Fresh-baked bread bowls
- Scotch eggs and meat pies
- Funnel cakes and caramel apples
- Fish and chips
- Loaded nachos and BBQ platters
Vegetarian and vegan options have expanded in recent years. Therefore, plant-based visitors will find more choices than ever before. Mead, wine, craft beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are all widely available throughout the grounds.
Shopping and Artisan Vendors
Over 200 artisan vendors line the pathways of the festival. You can find handmade goods that you simply cannot find anywhere else. Shopping here feels like discovering hidden treasures around every corner.
Common items for sale include:
- Custom leather goods and belts
- Hand-forged knives and swords
- Stained glass art
- Handmade jewelry and gemstones
- Woodworking and carved sculptures
- Period-accurate clothing and costumes
- Candles, soaps, and herbal remedies
- Tarot readings and fortune telling
Many artisans return year after year. Some even take custom orders on-site. Bring cash, as not every vendor accepts credit cards.
Camping at the Festival
Camping is one of the most popular features of the event. On-site camping transforms the experience into a multi-day immersive adventure. Campers often dress in full costume for the entire weekend.
There are several camping areas with different amenity levels:
| Camping Type | Features |
| Standard Primitive | Basic site, no hookups |
| Electric Hookup | Power access, limited sites |
| RV Sites | Full hookup, reserved spaces |
| Group Camping | Large areas for clubs and groups |
Campers receive free admission on both days of the weekend they stay. This alone makes camping an incredible value. Additionally, campers enjoy evening entertainment not available to day visitors. Bonfire gatherings, drum circles, and late-night performances keep the energy alive well past sunset.
Camping reservations fill up fast, especially for themed weekends like All Hallows Eve and Pirates vs. Ninjas. Book as early as possible to secure your spot.
Family and Kids Activities
The festival is deeply family-friendly. Children are welcome and will find plenty to keep them engaged all day long. The younger the child, the more magical the experience tends to feel.
Activities designed for kids include:
- Pony rides and a petting zoo
- Kids’ jousting on rocking horses
- Face painting and fairy wing stations
- A mud pit for young adventurers
- Storytelling and puppet shows
- Interactive games like archery and axe throwing (with supervision)
Parents will appreciate that the grounds are spacious and easy to navigate with strollers. Water stations and shaded rest areas are placed throughout the park. Therefore, even on warm autumn days, families can stay comfortable.
Accessibility Information
The festival strives to be accessible to all visitors. The grounds are largely flat, though some areas feature uneven terrain or gravel paths. Wheelchair rentals may be available on-site. It is best to call ahead or check the website to confirm availability.
Accessible restroom facilities are available throughout the grounds. Designated accessible parking spaces are marked near the main entrance. Staff members are trained to assist visitors who need additional support.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
A little preparation goes a long way at the festival. Here are some practical tips to make your visit smoother:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. You will cover a lot of ground.
- Bring a light jacket for evenings, especially in November.
- Carry cash for smaller vendors.
- Download or print your tickets before arrival.
- Arrive early to enjoy shorter wait times.
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
- Check the theme for your weekend and consider dressing up.
- Plan your must-see shows ahead of time using the posted schedule.
What to Wear
Costumes are encouraged but never required. Many visitors enjoy dressing in period-appropriate attire such as corsets, cloaks, tunics, and chainmail. Others simply wear casual, comfortable clothes. The atmosphere is welcoming regardless of what you choose to wear.
For theme weekends, dressing to match the theme adds a fun layer of immersion. For example, the Pirates vs. Ninjas weekend sees guests dressed as swashbucklers and shadow warriors. However, everyday clothing is perfectly fine on any weekend.
Conclusion
The Texas Renaissance Festival 2026 promises to be another unforgettable season. Running from October 10 through November 29, the festival offers eight themed weekends packed with live entertainment, incredible food, artisan shopping, and family fun. Whether you visit for a single afternoon or camp out for an entire weekend, the experience is rich and rewarding.
Plan ahead to get the best ticket prices. Book camping early if you want an overnight stay. Dress up if you feel adventurous, and come hungry. The turkey legs alone are worth the trip. With something for every age and interest, this event remains one of Texas’s most celebrated fall traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Texas Renaissance Festival 2026 start and end?
The festival runs from October 10, 2026, to November 29, 2026, on Saturdays and Sundays only.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Yes, gate tickets are available. However, buying online in advance saves money and skips long entry lines.
Is camping available at the festival?
Yes, on-site camping is available in several formats, including primitive sites, electric hookup spots, and RV spaces. Campers receive free festival admission for their camping weekend.
Are pets allowed at the festival?
Well-behaved, leashed pets are generally welcome during regular festival days. However, policies can change, so check the official website before bringing your pet.
What happens if it rains?
The festival operates rain or shine. Most shows and food vendors continue in light rain. In the case of severe weather, announcements are made on-site and via the official website.
Leave a Reply