The Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest event of its kind in the nation, has long drawn throngs of visitors and attention, enough to inspire an HBO documentary. This year marks a turning point in its 51-year history: It’s the first year without its controversial founder, George Coulam, who died in May. Still, the show must go on.

From now through the Thanksgiving weekend, the festival, also widely referred to as TRF, is filling its 77 acres in Todd Mission with just as much theatrics, festivities, and revelry as before. For newcomers, the sheer scale can be intimidating, but fear not—Houstonia is here to help. Whether you’re a first-timer, returning after years away, or bringing little ones along, this guide will help you navigate the kingdom with aplomb. 

Planning

First things first—head to the website to purchase tickets by date. (Children under 4 are always free, and kids 12 and under are free on Sundays. Neither requires a ticket.)

“Careful planning is essential if you want to see most of the festival,” says Brian Author, who has been going to TRF since the ’90s. “It is really hard to see the whole thing in one day if you are stopping for every show. Grab a free map and schedule at the front (no need to buy the souvenir they try to sell you), and try to pick out the activities you are most interested in because time really flies there.”

Read up on the many events and offerings in the online directory. From newbies to families to lords and ladies of drinking age—there’s something for everyone, including a dedicated page to help you speak Renaissance language like a pro. If all else fails, expect to hear “Huzzah!” shouted throughout the day. 

Since cellular service is unreliable on the grounds, take a photo of your ticket’s QR code or add it to your Apple wallet for hassle-free entry.

For the crowd-avoidant, timing is equally important. Arriving early means closer parking and a chance to see the king and queen open the gates. Those who scare easily, be alert for the cannon firing at 9am.

Not a morning person? Arrive after 2pm to avoid the majority of crowds, and stay for the Royal Fireworks Show, which kicks off at 7:50pm nightly. 

Getting there

If coming from central Houston, prepare for an hour drive. The festival’s robust maps and directions page offers written directions from times of yore and warns, “Heed not the map trolls” lest they lead you astray when traffic becomes more congested. Check TRF’s social media for traffic updates.

Dress the part

Costumes from “all eras and fantasy realms” are permitted, if not encouraged, meaning it’s not odd to spot wizards, pirates, fairies, lords, ladies, and other characters on the grounds. Let the themed weekends inspire you, or lean into the character of your dreams.

For those who show up without proper attire: Peruse the on-site shops that help guests leave the festival with a more elaborate costume than when they arrived. There’s armor, leather, and more corsets than one maiden could wear in a single lifetime. Author’s insider tip: Shop around, and be wary of upcharges.

Despite the thrill of cosplaying as a medieval character, practicality—such as comfortable shoes, hats, and sunglasses—is recommended. Many areas, including the arena where the jousting takes place, are under full sun, so make sure to time-travel with sunscreen. 

And don’t be surprised if you see a swashbuckler filling his holster with daggers (the festival has a period-appropriate weapons policy—everything must be secured, and any exposed blade must be stage-combat grade or non-operable). Want your own sword? Invest in the Dragon Forge Experience, where you can forge everything from a sword ($150) to a holiday ornament ($35) with the fiery breath of a dragon. 

Where to feast

Feasting is a tradition as old as time at TRF, which is divided into kingdoms, each offering different types of cuisines. Similar to Epcot, you can eat around the globe. There’s Greek food from the Agora; Polish at Polonia; Asian at Golden Dragon; German at Black Forest Inn; Hispanic at La Fiesta (where you should be sure to try Lady Giles’s famous empanadas); and jolly old English at Captain’s Galley. Meat eaters of all ages can dig into turkey legs, sausage on a stick, and a surprisingly tender steak on a stick.

For those 21 and up, there are plenty of options for imbibing, with bars serving everything from mead to absinthe to beer. Saint Arnold Brewing Company even conjured up two signature beers—the King’s Fest English Ale and the Queen’s Fest Cider, both of which are only available on festival grounds. 

For other gout-inducing merriment, there is an array of tastings along with entertainment, including the two-hour dinner theater King’s Feast experience, starting at $130 per person. Families seeking a regal experience for their little princes and princesses can enjoy high tea at Tea and Strumpets, Sundays at 11am for $45 per person. 

Regardless of what you do, TRF guide Captain Kingston (Keegan Ferguson outside TRF) says kettle corn is a must.

Hidden gems

To experience the festival like the king, indulge in his favorite hidden gem inside the Magic Garden, where visitors can stroll near the back of the enchanted forest and walk along the creek. “Suddenly, all the sounds from the fair disappear into the distance, and it's just a beautiful walk,” he says.

Entertainment abounds throughout the shire. Refer to the schedule to create your itinerary, but sometimes, it’s easier to catch shows while strolling through the kingdom. The Joust and Full Steel Combat shows draw in huge crowds, but smaller acts are equally impressive. Favorites include Accidental Acrobats at the Greek Agora, Birds of Prey at Falconer’s Heath, and Thomas Wood, the Pyrojuggler at Forest Gazebo, who has been eating fire for three decades.

There’s also the tradition of “trinket trading.” Visitors can bring and swap homemade treasures. This is one of attendee April Henley’s favorite activities; find her and her novel coloring books at An Odd Duck Company and collect one of her miniature replica books to grow your TRF trinket collection.

Staying overnight

Extend your merriment by camping on festival grounds, which unlocks a whole new experience. Brian Author suggests searching Facebook for online festival camping groups to learn about the different options, from family-friendly camping areas with activities for children to adult-only themed festivities. Options include everything from primitive camping to cabins with AC. Camping passes start at $25, and glamping accommodations start around $295 per night, with a two-night minimum.