Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Texas

Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII smile at the commoners.

Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Now in its 29th year, this lively Texas Renaissance festival is a regional favorite. Each weekend from April 10th to May 30th, the grounds come to life with a cast of costumed characters who have fun reenacting life in medieval times – the year 1533, to be precise.

Costume clad peasants stroll Scarborough Festival's village.

The Scarborough Renaissance Festival takes place on 35 acres of beautifully wooded land about a half hour’s journey south of the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex. With over 200 “shoppes” and constant entertainment taking place on several stages, a weekend pass is advisable. You simply cannot see it all in one day.

A feather-festooned horse leads the medieval parade.

Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII hold court, lead medieval dances, parades, and occasionally mingle with common folk like you and me. Special events occur each weekend, such as caber tossing, falconry, jugglers, jousts and live music.

An energetic performer with flaming whips thrills the crowd.

There is plenty to learn from craftspeople who demonstrate the old ways at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. As you wander through the village you will observe costumed artisans engaged in blacksmithing, glassblowing, candlemaking, and more. Photographs are encouraged, so shutterbugs need not be shy. Enter your best snaps in the Tournament of Images and you may even see yours in print. (See the official website for full contest rules and prize information.)

20 tons of turkey legs are consumed during the Scarborough Renaissance Festival

There are plenty of food choices for those with a hale and hearty appetite. Most items are more whimsical than historically accurate, such as steak on a stake, “fryed” macaroni, and the ever-popular turkey drumstick. Wash it all down with your choice of soft drinks or spirits, including a selection of ales, margaritas, or a potent honey mead.

A medieval courtesan entertains passersby near the bridge.

It’s certainly acceptable to wear shorts and a T-shirt; however, most attendees take the opportunity to dress up. No need to despair if your closet is lacking, there’s a costume rental booth right by the entrance where you can find period garb at a reasonable price. Wooden wagons are also available in case your medieval crew includes a toddler or two. So the next time you want to party like it’s 1533, head on down to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival.

What: Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Where: Scarborough Renaissance Festival (map)
When: Each Saturday/Sunday April 10th – May 30th, 2010, 10am-7pm
Daily Tickets: $21.99/Adults, $8.50/kids (5-12 yrs), Children 4 and under are free. Discounted tickets are available at Tom Thumb and Randalls.
Season Passes: $75.00/Adults, $20.00/kids (5-12yrs)
More information: Scarborough Renaissance Festival

Photo credits: Andrew Hoenninger (flaming whip), and Tui Cameron