What you need to know about the Texas Renaissance Festival

The 48th annual Texas Renaissance Festival will be open on Saturdays, Sundays and Thanksgiving Friday from Oct. 8 through Nov. 27, 2022. Established in 1974, the event attracts more than half a million visitors each year to its 55-acre New Market Village and Fields of New Market Campgrounds in Todd Mission, Texas.

Photo: Courtesy photo

The 48th season of the Texas Renaissance Festival returns this weekend and we've got your easy guide to when, where, what and how many dragons.

The annual event offers shops, demonstrations, activities, lots of chain mail and turkey legs. Here's the rundown of everything you need to know.

When does Ren Fest open?

The Texas Renaissance Festival kicks off Friday at 21778 FM 1774 in Todd Mission. It opens at 9 a.m. with the sounding of the village cannon and closes at 8 p.m. with fireworks every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 27. (The ground will also be open the Friday after Thanksgiving.)

How much are tickets?

Tickets start at $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Admission is free Sundays for kids 12 and younger.

今年有什么新鲜事吗?

Lester "Les" Jesterson is a juggler, clown, comic and storyteller. Chaste Treasures will croon originals and parody songs. Tease of the Seas is a burlesque and variety show for ages 21 and older. This year will also feature four escape room adventures amid the familiar daily entertainment.

What can kids do?

Ren Fest offers lots of sights and sounds for families, including candle-making, glass-blowing, weaving and spinning. There's also a carousel, catapult, maze, pony rides and Slayer's Castle 3-D House & Torture Museum.

What is Wyrmwood Public House?

Wyrmwood is Ren Fest's first "multi-sensory entertainment and social experience" that combines French Bohemia, steampunk, copper mining saloon, burlesque, magic and more. Wyrmwood features a craft cocktail bar, absinthe and tequila-tasting parties. The bar is open 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

What about parking?

General parking is free, preferred parking in the first few rows is $25 and valet is $40. Only general parking is available after 4 p.m. Handicap-accessible parking is free and located near the front gate. There is no overnight parking at the festival.

What else?

No pets.

Camping and glamping tentsare available to rent.

All stage shows and entertainment are included with admission.

Get your hand stamped for reentry.

No guns are allowed under any circumstances. Any weapons that are part of a costume must be sheated and peace tied with leather straps or zip ties.

Joey Guerra
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Joey Guerra
Joey Guerra is the music critic for the Houston Chronicle. He also covers various aspects of pop culture. He has reviewed hundreds of concerts and interviewed hundreds of celebrities, from Justin Bieber to Dolly Parton to Beyonce. He's appeared as a regular correspondent on Fox26 and was head judge and director of the Pride Superstar singing competition for a decade. He has been named journalist of the year multiple times by both OutSmart Magazine and the FACE Awards. He also covers various aspects of pop culture, including the local drag scene and "RuPaul's Drag Race."