As the holidays approach and the weather gets colder, we all are looking for activities that we can enjoy with the entire family for Thanksgiving weekend. In Texas there is a great place that fits the criteria, the Texas Renaissance Festival. The festival runs every year from the 1st weekend in October through Thanksgiving weekend.
Since there is still time to make plans for you and your family for the 2021 season here is just a little bit about what you can expect from the festival. When it comes to visiting the festival, you have a few options. For those looking to make a weekend out of it they do have camping on site. The campsite has Glamping tents that come furnished with Cots and side tables. There are also areas set up for a quieter camping space for families with younger children. There is plenty of space for RV’s as well as camping for large groups.
What Will You Find?
Inside the festival you will find wide selection of food and drink to transport you to another time and place. That’s right there is more to the Texas Renaissance Festival than just Turkey legs. While those can be found in all of the food areas you can also get everything from German inspired dishes to chocolate covered cheesecake. Each area of the festival has it’s own unique food offerings.
Getting thirsty? What kind of renaissance festival would it be if you didn’t have mead? You can find mead throughout the festival and if you are looking for other unique alcoholic drinks be sure to stop by Wyrmwood and do an absinthe tasting. There are plenty of non- alcoholic beverages to be enjoyed at the festival as well in the Greek area you can find frozen lemonade, pomegranate juice, traditional lemonade. One of the things that makes the festival so unique is that you can wander through and find food and drink that are unique to each area in addition to the common items throughout the festival.
You will want to remember your trip, so be sure to stop in the shops that line the streets and see their assortment of unique and oftentimes handcrafted items from clothing, mugs, jewelry and luxury bath and beauty items that are sustainable and ecofriendly. When you are shopping with these vendors not only are you getting unique products, but you are also helping to support small businesses in the process. There are also demonstrations such as The Mint Where you learn how coins use to be made and you can purchase souvenirs at the demonstration.
Are you Entertained?
Speaking of entertainment, there is definitely something for everyone regardless of their age. Your have the Jousting area where you can cheer on the participants as they battle for king and country. There are musical performances by Tartanic. Comedy shows for both young and old such as Sound and Fury or The Mudd show (be sure to check the posted rating of the show if you are attending with children). There are also several shows that show you how crafts use to be done. You can learn about glass blowing, printing presses and how they turn wool into yarn and thread for tapestries and lace.
Sound and Fury Performing at The Texas Renaissance Festival. Photo by Katarina Holler
There is still time to make plans to attend the Celtic Christmas Event that runs from November 26th through November 28th. It is truly a memorable experience for all. You can buy tickets online at www.texrenfest.com.
