Whether cosplay is your jam, you’re a history buff, or you’re just looking for a little escapist fantasy, you’ll love the Texas Renaissance Festival. Billed as the nation’s largest renaissance fair, the 2021 event runs from Oct. 9 through Nov. 28, and is open to the public each weekend and on Thanksgiving Friday at the festival grounds in Todd Mission – around an hour north of Katy and Houston.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
When you pass through the festival gates, you’ll be transported to a magical village filled with nobles, knights, fairies, elves, pirates, and peasants. The sprawling grounds host more than 20 stages with live entertainment ranging from jousting and swordplay, to clowns, jugglers, musicians, acrobats, magicians, and fire handlers, plus a fireworks display every evening. There are also more than 400 onsite shops and food vendors.
Themed Weekends
Costumed performers stroll around the grounds and interact with the crowd, and most attendees also dress in costume which adds to the unique atmosphere. Each weekend of the festival has a theme, and this year’s themes in order are Oktoberfest, 1001 Dreams, Pirate Adventure, All Hallows Eve, Heroes and Villains, Barbarian Invasion, Highland Fling, and Celtic Christmas. You can plan your costume to coordinate with the theme, or just do your own thing.
Tickets, Lodging & Transportation
General admission tickets range in price from $12.50 to $29 per person. If you want to make it a fun weekend getaway, the city of Magnolia has two hotels within 6 miles of the festival site that provide free shuttle service, and there are also a number of hotels in nearby Conroe. Another option is the Fields of the New Market campground within walking distance of the festival. Camping reservations and a festival ticket are required to stay at the campground, and camping tickets cost $13 per person for tents and $15 per person for RVs.
So start organizing your costume and make plans to visit the Texas Renaissance Festival. For more recommendations on entertainment and activities in and around Katy, check back at the Olympus Falcon Landing blog.