“Scarborough Renaissance Festival® (Scarborough Faire®) is a full day of interactive fun for everyone, 16th-century style! You can experience the 35-acre recreation of a 16th-century English village celebrating the visit of King Henry VIII and his new bride, Katherine Parr (number 6 for those who are counting), their royal court, and guests with a festival of entertainment, artisans, food, magic, and merriment!
Join in the fun in the Village of Scarborough!
The 43rd Season of Scarborough Faire® kicks off on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, with a special Kids’ Free Weekend. Up to (3) Kids 12 and under can get in FREE with each paid adult—no child ticket is required. Kids 4 and under are always free. Seniors (65+) can also get a $10 discount the weekend of April 6 and 7, 2024, when they purchase their tickets at the gate with a valid ID.
The Festival runs Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day Monday, April 6 through May 27, 2024. You and your friends will enjoy full-combat armored jousting, Birds of Prey exhibitions, the newly revamped Mermaid Lagoon (additional fee required), a 100+ member performing company, and 20+ stages of extraordinary, interactive live entertainment. You’ll also discover exquisite one-of-a-kind treasures in the Artisan Marketplace’s 200+ shoppes and be amazed by authentic artisan demonstrations.
Scarborough welcomes back favorite entertainers such as The Fire Whip Show, Cirque du Sewer, Celtic Legacy, The Don Juan & Esmeralda Show, Sir Real the Puppet Man, The Harmless Danger Juggling Show, Zilch the Tory Steller, and many others. The Festival is also proud to introduce these exciting new entertainers and fun (and often educational) new shows in 2024.
What’s New at Scarborough Faire This Year
Some of the new things you will find at Scarborough Faire® 2024 include YouTube/TikTok/Instagram sensation Jacques Ze Whipper’s one-weekend-only performances on April 20-21, the newly redesigned Mermaid Lagoon, the All-New Royal Menagerie Petting Zoo (additional fee required), and two new pubs: The Cold Forge Brew (pub) and Two Crowns Beer Garden for those 21+.
- Amanda Kitchen’s Carnival of Sound (5/4 – 5/27)
- The Flaming Ginger (5/4 – 5/27)
- Jacques Ze Whipper (4/20 – 4/21 Only)
- Jim Makenzie: Comedian with Mad Skills (5/4 – 5/27)
- The Lords of Adventure (5/4- 5/12)
- Mythic Madness (April 6 – April 28)
- Opal the Fairy (April 6 – May 27)
- Scarborough Academy of Performing Arts Shows:
- Betwixt to Fronds
- Faebles
- It’s That Scots Show
- Living Chess Match
- Match Game, 1543
- Midsummer Faery Tea Party
- Nri Nobility
- Romeo & Juliet
There are also Renaissance rides, games of skill, knighting ceremonies, food & drink fit for Royalty, and so much more. Each weekend has a different theme and a variety of special events, including:
- Artisan’s Showcase – 4/13 & 4/14
- Celtic & Ale Weekend – 4/20 & 4/21
- Viking & Barbarian Weekend – 4/27 & 4/28
- Live the Fantasy Weekend – 5/4 & 5/5
Costumes designed for a family-friendly environment are welcome at Scarborough but are not required.
“Are you up for an adventure? Then travel back to the 16th century with us at Scarborough Renaissance Festival®! You’ll enjoy incredible entertainment, amazing artisans, fun for kids, and a totally interactive experience along with lots of new and exciting things throughout the Festival! We hope that everyone will come to discover the most extraordinary Festival in North Texas during our 43rd season!”
Helaine Thompson, Director of Marketing & Communications
Fun for the Whole Family
You and your family can interact with the performers at Scarborough Renaissance Festival® by participating in the Maypole Ceremony, learning a Renaissance Dance, meeting a Mermaid, learning Chivalry, or participating in dozens of audience participation shows!
Scarborough has so much to offer kids, too! The Children’s Knighting Ceremony, costume contests (on select weekends), a Faery Tea Party, shows designed just for kids, The Mermaid Lagoon, face painting, costumes, fairies, Renaissance rides, weekly themed contests, games of skill, and the All-New Royal Menagerie petting zoo, just to name a few. (Some attractions and games & rides require an additional fee.)
While most of Scarborough Faire® entertainment is rated PG and is acceptable for any age, there are some shows geared more toward children. Others are more appropriate for a mature audience and are rated PG-16 (not suitable for young children). The PG-16 shows are primarily located in the pub areas and are clearly indicated in the souvenir program, on the website, and on the stage signage.
Explore the Artisan Marketplace!
There are hundreds of incredible artisans showcasing their unique, handmade creations in one of the country’s largest outdoor juried craft shows. There is something for everyone at every price point. Plus, over (20) artisans demonstrate their age-old techniques throughout each Festival day.
Discover new artisan shops offering leather clothing and accessories, artisanal chocolates, crocheted animal sculptures, custom armor and chainmail, pottery, wood sculpture, handmade costumed creatures, macrame accessories, children’s clothing, honey-based beauty products, sculptured fairy wings, and much, much more. A number of guest artisans will also be at the Festival for a limited time.
Admission Tickets
Single-day admission to Scarborough Renaissance Festival®is is $38 at the gate for Adults (13+) and $18 for Kids (5-12). Kids 4 & under are always Free.
Advance discount tickets are available at www.SRFestival.com. Single-day discount tickets will also be available at North Texas Tom Thumb & Albertsons stores. Discount coupons will be available at Legacy Chevrolet/GMC in Waxahachie while supplies last.
Located in Waxahachie, Texas, Scarborough Renaissance Festival® is just 30 minutes south of the downtowns of Dallas and Fort Worth off I-35E and one hour north of Waco.