Step Back in Time: The Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Each spring, Waxahachie transforms into a bustling 16th-century English village as the Scarborough Renaissance Festival™ returns for its annual run. Since opening its gates in 1981, this North Texas tradition has welcomed nearly 200,000 visitors each season to experience jousting, artisan craft demonstrations, live theatre and a feast of food and drink—all set on a sprawling 165-acre fairground just 30 minutes south of Dallas (Wikipedia).
Festival Dates & Location
- When: Saturdays & Sundays, early April through Memorial Day Monday (in 2026: April 4 – May 25)
- Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Where: 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX 75167
Tickets range from $18 to $38, with discounts for groups, military and children. Advance purchase online is recommended to secure your preferred date and save on gate price (Dallas News).
Live Entertainment & Jousting Spectacles
At the heart of Scarborough lies its stage and arena lineup. Over 20 stages host 200+ performances daily—from comedic street theatre and minstrel bands to the thunderous roar of full-combat jousting, which takes place three times each day. Costumed players wander the lanes, inviting you to join in period games, watch the dramatic “Human Chess” matches, or cheer on the Grande Parade at day’s end (Wikipedia).
Artisan Marketplace & Demonstrations
Wander the winding “village streets” to discover 200 artisan shops offering handcrafted goods: candles, soaps, leatherwork, jewelry, wooden toys and more. Many vendors perform on-the-spot demonstrations—glassblowing, metalsmithing, woodcarving—giving you a front-row seat to centuries-old techniques. It’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir or watch artisans at work (Wikipedia).
Feast Like a Medieval Reveler
Food is a festival unto itself. Five “kitchens” scattered across the grounds serve up:
- Iconic turkey legs (over 20 tons consumed each season)
- Hand-spun funnel cakes, meat skewers, bratwurst and fish & chips
- Sweet treats: fresh-baked breads, ice cream and house-made fudge
Quench your thirst at daily wine & mead tastings, where professional sommeliers guide you through a rotating selection of international varieties. For beer enthusiasts, local and imported ales await (Wikipedia).
Themed Weekends & Special Programs
Each weekend embraces a unique theme—Pirates & Privateers, Highland Fling, Heroes & Rogues—encouraging guests and cast alike to don matching attire and participate in themed contests. Special offerings include:
- Friends of the Faire membership (early entry, reserved seating)
- Group sales & wedding packages, complete with a romantic “Wedding Garden” backdrop
- Educational school days, where students learn about history through interactive workshops (Wikipedia).
Tips for Your Visit to Scarborough Renaissance Festival
- Arrive Early: Beat the crowds and catch the first joust.
- Dress the Part: Costumes enhance the fun—many rental shops are listed on the festival website.
- Stay Hydrated: Shade can be limited; bring a refillable bottle.
- Plan for Parking: Shuttle service runs from satellite lots; carpool if possible.
- Check the Calendar: Theme-weekends sell out fast—book your tickets weeks in advance.
Economic & Community Impact
Beyond entertainment, Scarborough is a boon to Waxahachie’s local economy—generating seasonal employment for over 1,000 cast and crew, driving hotel stays, and attracting diners and shoppers to nearby downtown businesses. The festival’s partnership with Ellis County craft guilds and schools fosters hands-on learning and preserves traditional arts in North Texas (Wikipedia).
As the fields bloom each April, the Scarborough Renaissance Festival reminds us that history is best learned by doing. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned “fairie,” Scarborough promises adventure, artistry and a taste of the past—right here in Waxahachie. Don your finest doublet or petticoat and prepare to huzzah!