Scarborough Renaissance Festival Celebrates 45 Years of Magic, Merriment, and Memory-Making

The Texas Institution is Open April 4–May 25, 2026

For 45 years, Scarborough Renaissance Festival® has been a Texas favorite. Every spring, families, friends, and newcomers gather to enjoy a taste of the 16th century. In 2026, the Festival marks its 45th season with eight weekends packed with entertainment, legendary performances, and new things to discover.

The Festival runs every Saturday and Sunday from April 4 to May 24, with a special Memorial Day celebration on Monday, May 25. On these weekends, a 25-acre English village comes to life in Waxahachie, drawing visitors from across Texas and beyond. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each open day.

Scarborough started in 1981 as a small gathering. Now, it’s one of the biggest and best-known Renaissance festivals in the country. For many Texans, Scarborough is more than just a yearly event. It’s a tradition that families share and pass down.

A Season Designed for Discovery

Every weekend at Scarborough brings something different. You might come to celebrate with family, check out handmade crafts, dive into fantasy, enjoy stories, or keep up a favorite tradition.

Opening Weekend & Easter Celebration, April 4–5: The season opens with the ceremonial return of the Village with families enjoying Opening Day pageantry, an Easter Egg Stroll for children, and a Renaissance-style Easter service on Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free throughout Opening Weekend, and Seniors (65+) receive a $10 discount at the gate, making it an ideal introduction for first-time visitors.

Artisan’s Showcase Weekend, April 11–12: This weekend is all about the artisans. Take your time, watch live demos, and browse over 200 shops filled with handmade goods. It’s a great way to see the creativity that makes the Festival special.

Barbarian Weekend, April 18–19: This is a high-energy weekend with strength contests, bold characters, and lots of friendly competition. If you like costumes, themed games, and lively shows, this one’s for you.

Celtic Weekend & Deaf Awareness Day, April 25–26: Celtic music, dance, and storytelling fill the Village with the sounds of pipes, drums, and folk tunes. On Saturday, it’s also Deaf Awareness Day, with some shows interpreted in American Sign Language to make sure everyone feels welcome.

Spring Celebration & Chivalry Weekend, May 2–3: Scarborough celebrates spring with flowers, maypole dancing, and village-wide festivities. You can join in chivalry lessons or renew your vows, all in the spirit of community.

Flights of Fantasy Weekend & Mother’s Day, May 9–10: Fantasy fans, fairy lovers, and creative spirits fill the lanes this weekend. There are stories, costume contests, and fun for families. Kids 12 and under get in free on Mother’s Day Sunday.

Legends of the Seas Weekend, May 16–17: Pirates, mermaids and nautical adventure take over the Village. Sea-themed games, scavenger hunts, and costumed contests invite guests to embrace the lore and legend of the high seas.

The Last Huzzah! Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–25: The Festival wraps up its 45th season with a three-day celebration, filled with music and fun. On Memorial Day Monday, there’s a Veterans Parade and a special tribute to honor military members.

Signature Attractions, Games & Rides Across the Village

Scarborough isn’t just about shows. There are signature interactive attractions, hands-on activities, and rides powered by people. You get to join in the fun, not just watch.

All around the Festival, you can try your hand at archery, longbow shooting, crossbow challenges, axe and knife throwing, climbing walls, strength tests, mazes, and lots of themed games. It’s all about friendly competition.

At the Mermaid Lagoon, you can meet live mermaids in a tropical setting. The Mythical Monster Museum is close by, where you’ll see everything from tiny fairies to huge dragons. Families can visit the Royal Menagerie to meet sheep, goats, pigs, and more. For a bit of magic, stop by the Unicorn Experience for a photo in a fairy garden.

You can hop on fun rides like barrels, swings, the pirate ship swing, and the jousting ride. Kids can also enjoy camel and pony rides for a classic Festival experience. (*These experiences require an additional fee.)

Entertainment That Defines the Festival

Scarborough is packed with entertainment. There are over 20 stages and performance areas with live shows all day long.

The 2026 lineup brings back favorites like The Fortress Dwellers, Opal the Fairy, Tartanic, Kamikaze Fireflies, Adam Crack, Jacques Ze Whipper, Cirque du Sewer, Arthur Greenleaf Holmes, The Spice Boys, and many more musicians, comedians, acrobats, and specialty acts.

Each day, you can catch the Grande Parade at 1 p.m., living chess matches, birds of prey shows, dance performances, and jousting. The day ends with the Village Pub Sing, where everyone joins in for a song.

Adults can join beer and wine tastings, led by experts.

A Texas Tradition, 45 Years Strong

For 45 years, Scarborough Renaissance Festival® has been a one-of-a-kind Texas experience. It brings together history, shows, crafts, and community in a place that feels both timeless and lively. As the Festival celebrates this milestone, it welcomes guests old and new to be part of the tradition.

“Scarborough Renaissance Festival has always been more than a seasonal event – it’s part of the Texas story,” said Veronica Castelo, general manager of Southwest Festivals, LLC. “For 45 years, guests have returned with their families, introduced new generations to the Festival, and made Scarborough a tradition that spans decades. As we celebrate this milestone season, we’re honoring that legacy while continuing to evolve the experience so it remains just as magical for first-time visitors as it is for those who have been coming for years.”

Scarborough Renaissance Festival® is located in Waxahachie, Texas, approximately 30 minutes south of downtown Dallas.

Take Part in the Revelry

Tickets are available at www.SRFestival.com. Admission is $34 for Adults (ages 13+) and $15 for Kids (ages 5–12), plus taxes and fees. Children 4 and under are always admitted free. Discount tickets will also be available at participating Tom Thumb and Albertsons locations throughout the season. For schedules, tickets, and additional information, visit www.SRFestival.com

Friends of Faire memberships, Season Passes, and Weekend Passes are also available for guests who want to return again and again.