We had a great time at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival last weekend. I could spend each weekend there, in full costume, just seeing all the different sights and eating. One day really doesn't cut it!
*Disclaimer: My family was hosted in exchange for writing reviews and sharing about our experience at the festival. All opinions are strictly our own. We were not otherwise paid or endorsed.*
I spent a lot of time and effort in creating our costumes for the event. We loved seeing everything from shows to the vendors. I will say the kids were a bit worn out and the eldest was being a grouch the whole time... But he is 13, so I blame those teen rebellion genes on that.
My oldest daughter loved the ride, Barrel Bedlam. He promised to give her the insane version at her request. I was thinking she might not be able to walk straight after that ride, but she has amazing talent for keeping her balance!
I love the old-style village look. Each road you walk is set up to really immerse you into the feel on medieval times!
I love seeing other cosplayers! This guy really went all out with his. I had wanted to get my photo with him, but happened to be in line for food when he passed by. I'm so glad my husband snapped this photo instead. Some people invest a lot into the costumes they were. They also embrace their characters. It really makes the experience all the more fun.
Some artisans do more than just sell their handmade goods. They also show you the process in which they make them. This glassblower, for instance, showed how he crafted the beautiful bulbs and goblets in his shop with a demonstration.
We happened to catch the parade as well. They have a great array of actors that participate, showing many eras of costumes as you can see.
We tried several types of foods. Sadly, by the time we got to the crepes that I love so much, the wait time was at least 30 minutes. But we did try the Lemon Chill. Quite the tart treat. I loved the smoothies they serve. My husband had his favorite - turkey leg. Dressed like a Viking and chowing down on one of those, you really do feel like you have been transported back to their age. We got the kids root beer floats too. It was a hot and dusty day, so it made a great treat! As did the ice cream we had...
As for shopping, I finally have my own cup! With the attaching strap to wear it on my costumes and the lid. I didn't get to use it there as the dust blowing through the area filled the cup. But I'm looking forward to using it at home as often as I can! The dragon design I chose is one she rarely makes, so it was even more special.
My husband also grabbed some Beard Buzz and Dragon Jelly from a vendor with a great variety of homemade beeswax products. The Dragon Jelly is to help with his incredibly cracked hands from work. The Beard Buzz was to help his beard be smoother and less irritated. Everything this guy makes is as simple as he can get it to ensure you aren't getting unnecessary oils and chemicals. I've been using the dragon jelly on my legs after shaving and I love how it feels. You can check out their products HERE. He is Nature Craft online.
Bathroom lines for women had some so desperate that they ran into the mens room... My husband was startled by one such woman. If you even THINK you need to use the restroom, and you are of the female variety, then you better go get in line immediately! Don't wait until you are dancing in the line and hoping you won't wet yourself. Next weekend is one I'd love to try next year - Live the Fantasy! Fae folk come to life during that weekend. They have a Fairy Initiation Ceremony as well as the Spring Celebration. They will also have the Deaf Day this weekend!
What are you thoughts? Have any of you gone yet? Or are planning to? I'd love to hear from you!
This is it, this is the weekend that we go to the Festival! Scarborough has had some amazing things happening each weekend. And this one will be no different. They are also celebrating Wine and Ale, so if that is your thing, this might be the weekend for you.
I'm tempted to register my husband for the Stein Holding Competition! Winner takes home a commemorative one of their own.
This Viking and Barbarian theme is all new for them. And I'm so excited that we will be adding to their costumed guests. I have finally finished most of the costumes. My 2 girls are ready and so is my younger son.
My older son just needs his medallion attached to his somehow. My husband is lacking in... about half of his outfit. And I STILL have NOT started mine. *hit head here*
But I worked on the "weapons" today. We had 3D printed an axe head and a spear head. Can't wait to show you how those turned out! As well as what my husband made for my hair...
They will once again have limited engagement performers: The Accidental Acrobats, Emrys Fleet's the Big Rat Show, and Zilch the Tory Steller. The guest artisans to see this weekend are Bird Marie's Pottery and Dancing Glass Studio. You can check out schedules HERE.
I'd love to know if any of you are planning to go! Let me know what weekend interests you the most in the comments below and have a great week!
They opened up last weekend with a lot of great adventure to be had. This weekend, they will showcase their artisans. These talented folks make their living by creating unique designs to be sold at fairs and festivals all year long. We picked up several things with them last year, including my husbands favorite cup. This was by Wondrous Works in Wood. We were hoping to get me one this year. For his, he also got the added lid and belt loop so he can carry it around with him.
They are also having an Easter celebration! Plenty of fun for all to be had.
What does the Artisan Showcase mean?
Besides giving you a fun way to shop, if you get $350 or more in receipts (not including food), you can then get 2 tickets to return to their fair on another day! Originally, we had hoped to do that last year since this was the weekend we had gone. However, things didn't line up that way and I gave my tickets to a friend to use.
In addition to that, you can vote for your favorite artisans and be entered towards winning a gift basket filled with artisan goodies! You can do that at this link here: https://www.srfestival.com/artisans-weekend/
Here is where you can read the information I get from their Director of Marketing & Communications, Helaine Thompson.
This weekend only, you can shop ‘til you drop and get two free 2022 single day tickets to Scarborough Renaissance Festival®valid
any day of the 2022 Festival season when you bring $350 worth of
receipts (for items purchased this weekend only) from the Festival
shoppes to the redemption tents outside the main gates between 12:00
noon and 8:00 pm each day.
Plus, now through April 19th patrons can participate in Scarborough’s virtual best in show contest at www.srfestival.com/artisans-weekendwhere
they can vote for their favorite Artisan/Shoppe and have the chance to
win a basket filled with treasures from the Scarborough Artisans.
Guest Artisans this weekend are Bird
Marie’s Pottery and Spirit Song Ocarinas. Make sure to check out the
seventeen new 2022 Artisans as well!
Scarborough Renaissance Festival®is
proud to host one of the largest outdoor juried craft shows in the
country with some of the most unique handmade treasures and works of art
found anywhere in North Texas. In the hundreds of Festival shoppes you
will discover handblown glass and pottery, hand dipped candles, soaps,
and bath products, along with hats, leather goods, apparel, footwear and
even fairy wings. There’s jewelry, bronze and stone sculptures, and
hand forged cutlery, knives, and swords; as well as wooden mugs, boxes
and carvings, home goods (or as they call it castle adornments), games
and toys, and so much more!
Throughout each Festival day, you can
also experience many of the Artisans demonstrating age-old crafts such
as glass blowing, leatherworks, candle carving, glass sculpting,
metalworks, hammock weaving, stone carving, jewelry making, and
woodworking just to name a few.
April 16th & 17th
there will be special Easter celebrations as well. All weekend,
children can participate in the Easter Scavenger Hunt throughout the
Festival to win a free Ice Cream cup. Scavenger Hunt maps will be
available at the Exit Gate. On Easter Sunday, April 17th, visitors can participate in the beautiful Renaissance Easter service at 12:00 noon at the Crown Meadow Stage.
Another important announcement would be the following:
This weekend’s limited engagement
performers are The Accidental Acrobats, Emrys Fleet’s the Big Rat Show,
and Zilch the Tory Steller. The full schedule of non-stop entertainment
and list of shoppes can be found at www.SRFestival.com.
Opening weekend for their 41st season begins on Saturday, April 9th! They have added a great deal to their offerings since last year. My family and I are so excited to go! I wanted to share some of the information they sent to bloggers to show you what else you can look forward to. I hope to see you guys there!
First, you need to remember that each day is full of interactive fun for the whole family. This isn't a show you can sit and watch. This is full immersion! It really does take you back to the 16th century. Each Saturday and Sunday from April 9th to May 30th is an adventure.
You can watch full combat armored jousting, see a Birds of Prey exhibition, visit mermaids in Mermaid Lagoon, join in the Knighting ceremony - all thanks to over 75 members that perform! There are over 20 stage productions to choose from. Many, if not all, of them are interactive with their audience. I also love being able to find one-of-a-kind treasures as gifts for others. Their artisans are top of the line!
If that isn't enough fun for you, there are also rides that you can partake of. Just remember to bring cash for those! You also might bring cash to tip the showmen. This is their livelihood after all. There are games of skill you can plan to play. See how well you'd stack up in the Renaissance days.
This first weekend kicks off with the Travel Back in Time and & Kids Free Weekend. Kids will be free all weekend with up to 3 children (5-12) admitted per paid adult. Children 4 and under are ALWAYS free. Seniors get half priced tickets at the gate this weekend as well. There will be an all-new Scarborough Quest that you can participate in to discover the characters and challenges as you venture through the festival. Check it out at the Village Armoury between 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. For this opening weekend, you have these performers to look forward to:
The Accidental Acrobats
Zilch the Tory Steller
Emrys Fleet –
the Big Rat Show.
Guest Artisans are Bird Marie’s Pottery, Bad Badger
Horns, The Quirky Cork, and Spirit Song Ocarinas.
If you are looking to wet your whistle, the themes for the daily Beer and Wine Tasting events for April 9th& 10th
will be wines of Spain and beers of Texas. Visitors can purchase their
tasting event advanced discount tickets at SRFestival.com
“All of us at Scarborough Renaissance Festival® are tremendously excited to begin our 5thdecade of providing one of the most unique entertainment experiences in North Texas!”, says Helaine Thompson, Director of Marketing & Communications. “In
addition to the exceptional entertainment, one-of-a-kind crafts,
artisan demonstrations and other attractions; we have made significant
improvements to the Festival site that we can’t wait for everyone to
see. So come join us at the 41st Annual Scarborough Renaissance Festival®!”
Helaine Thompson is an amazing woman. I was able to meet and interview her last year. You can check that out here. I am hoping I will get to do more interviews while we go this time. Incredible new shows for the Festival’s 41st
season will feature a sword swallower, comedians, a Renaissance style
gameshow, a verbal joust, a hammered dulcimer musician, and the Big Rat
Show! Scarborough’s performing company (Scarborough Academy of
Performing Arts) is back to pre-pandemic levels with over 75 members and
has been hard at work creating merry new characters and refining
long-time favorites, (including the 2022 reigning monarch, Margaret
Queen of Scotland and the Isles), who will bring the re-created 16thCentury Village of Scarborough to life!
Scarborough’s new 2022
artisans/shoppes showcase artistry such as cast concrete art, sculpted
horns, Macrame jewelry, hand crafted chocolates, Henna body art,
sculpted wearable puppets, bone sculptures & jewelry, leather
accessories, handmade ocarinas, tapestry handbags, pottery, stick
horses, woodworking, hand-dyed silk clothing, and clay sculptures.
New food offerings are the Wonton
Lotus Bowl (I can't wait to try this one!), Fryed Jalapeño Slices (Yep, gotta try these too), Philly Cheese Steak, Polish Sausage
Sandwiches (there goes the diet again), Ribbon Fries, Quesadillas, Fruit Hand Pies, Royal Brownie
Sundae (I'm going to gain weight there for sure), Loaded Totchos, and Chili Cheese Tater Tots. The Original Lemon
Chill will also be returning. (Can you tell I am a total foodie??)
New beers and wines will be available,
and a new mead is being introduced. Texas Mead Works Mead is a
semi-sweet mead with a balanced floral bouquet and light sweet honey
finish that visitors are sure to enjoy. Plus, for the first time ever,
most of the food, drink, and pub locations will be accepting
credit/debit cards!
Games and rides are still cash only,
so we strongly encourage visitors to bring cash for their visit. There
are 8 ATM locations throughout the Festival to serve guests.
Each weekend has a different theme that
include:
Artisan’s Showcase, which is the one we went to last year (4/16 & 17)
The All-New Viking & Ale
Weekend, the one we plan to go to this year (4/23 & 24)
Live the Fantasy & Spring Celebration
(4/30 – 5/1)
Celebrating Chivalry Weekend (5/7 & 8)
Legends of the
Seas (5/14 & 15)
Celtic Weekend (5/21 & 22)
Last
Huzzah (5/28, 29 & 30)
Each weekend also has a variety of special
events and activities including costume contests, special entertainment,
the return of the Royal Ale Festival (21+) on April 23rd & 24th, and the All-New Chocolate Sensations Tasting Event (21+) on May 7thand 8th.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival®
offers “Food Fit for a King” that is a step above the traditional “fair
food”. Visitors can feast on the famous giant smoked turkey legs (over
20 tons are consumed each season, and is my husbands favorite), Scottish Eggs, the largest
food-on-a-stick selection in Texas or try some of the daily special
creations at the Pasta Palace and Scarborough Bakery. The full-service
restaurant & bar, the Rose & Crown Inn, will be offering
signature items like Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers & Mash, meat pies, and
Muffulettas along with daily specials as well.
Visitors 21 and over can partake in Texas
Mead Works Mead, a wide selection of craft, domestic and imported
beer; wine, and other adult beverages at one of the 12 pubs and taverns.
For those with more discerning palates there are daily
wine and beer tasting events with each weekend having a different
theme. Tastings require a separate ticket that can be purchased in
advance for a discount at www.SRFestival.com
or at the Festival (on festival days). Seating is limited and the
tasting events regularly sell out, so it is recommended that you
purchase your tickets in advance. Participants must be 21+ to attend.
2022 Daily Wine & Beer Tasting Themes
April 9 & 10
Wines of Spain and Beers of Texas
April 16 & 17
Wines of Italy and Beers of Belgium
April 23 & 24
Wines of the New World and Blind Date (Beer)
April 30 & May 1
Wines of Germany and Beers of Germany
May 7 & 8
From Grape to Glass (wine) and Barley, Hops, & Yeast Oh My! (beer)
May 14 & 15
Wines Down Under and Beers of the New World
May 21 & 22
Wines of France and Beers of the Celtic Isles
May 28, 29 & 30
Flynn’s Favorites (wine) and Seamus Suggests (beer)
Things to Note
New for the 2022 season: Most food, drink, and pub locations will now be accepting credit cards
Entertainer
tips, games and rides are still cash only so visitors are strongly
encouraged to bring cash for their visit. There are 8 ATM locations to
serve guests including two new locations.
Costumes are welcome at Scarborough Renaissance Festival® but are absolutely not required.
Daily
special events include full combat jousting (three times a day), Birds
of Prey Exhibitions, Children’s Knighting Ceremonies, and the Grande
Parade.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival®
is family friendly with many activities for kids such as the Children’s
Knighting Ceremonies, the Mermaid Lagoon, the EwePets Petting Zoo,
Keet’s Landing (bird aviary), the Unicorn Experience, Renaissance Rides,
games of skill and much more! Kids’ favorite shows include Accidental
Acrobats, Cirque du Sewer, The Don Juan & Miguel Show, Emrys Fleet’s
Big Rat Show, The Nature of Mercy, Shakespeare Approves, Harmless
Danger Juggling Show, Syndicate School of Sword & Skill, and many
others.
There are some shows that are geared toward a more mature audience (16+).
They include Arthur Greenleaf Holmes the Wildly Inappropriate Poet,
Bettina Bawdeville, Menage a Moi, and the King’s Pub – Pub Sing.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival’s
2022 Season offers many exciting new additions to the Festival along
with long time favorites for everyone to enjoy!
New Entertainment
Bettina Bawdeville (PG-16) – Risqué original pub songs, mixing the bawdy with hints of vaudeville. Not for the delicate sensibilities.(May 7 – May 30 Only)
Cy the Sword Swallower – A
man of skill, of danger, and some would say… a complete lunatic!
Witness him swallow a whole armory of swords of different shapes and
sizes!
Emrys Fleet, the Big Rat Show – A hilarious comedy show featuring Pesky the Wonderous one-eyed rate and Wilbur the Dancing weasel! (April 9 – May 1 Only)
Menage a Moi (PG-16) – Top-shelf comedy stylings that are humorously indecent and always discreet.
Name that Sonnet – A Renaissance style gameshow that that most certainly leads to a lot of fun, laughter, and perhaps a little education.
Robin Hood Charity Show – Join this “secret meeting” to create ideas for causing mischief in the Village
The Verbal Joust – A humorous improvisational language lesson on the value of creative insults!
Vince Conaway – Hammered Dulcimer – Bringing history to life by weaving storytelling with an enchanting array of Celtic, Renaissance, and Baroque music! (May 7 – May 22 Only)
New Artisans
Aisling Designs – Cast Concrete Art
Bird Marie’s Pottery – Functional Pottery
Cultivate Outdoors – Bonsai, Succulents, 2-D Art
Dancing Glass Studio – Macrame Beaded Jewelry(April 23 – May 1 only)
White Wizards – Clay Sculptures (May 21 – 30 only)
Scarborough Renaissance Festival®
2022 is open Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day Monday, April 9 – May
30, 2022, from 10 AM to 7 PM rain or shine. Located in Waxahachie,
Texas, Scarborough Renaissance Festival® is just 30 minutes south of the downtowns of Dallas and Fort Worth on FM 66 off of I-35E and an hour north of Waco.
Admission
is $37 for adults and $17 for children, ages 5-12. Children ages 4 and
under are always admitted free. Discount tickets are available at www.SRFestival.com
or at North Texas Tom Thumb & Albertsons stores. There are also
discounts at the gate for Seniors 65+ and active Military.
For more information visitwww.SRFestival.com or follow us on Facebook & Twitter (SRFestival) or on Instagram (theSRFestival).
I love Renaissance Fairs, don't you? Festivals that take us back in time. There are themed weekends to celebrate various aspects. Which is one of the reasons I LOVE going to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Texas. We have been once before and are hoping to make it again this year. Best of all, you can too! Check out the following to get the info you need to plan out your trip. Let me know if you will be there. I'd love to meet other enthusiasts when we go. My husband can't wait to have another of their famous turkey legs! I'm planning out my cosplay. Let's make this year a fun one!
The 41st Annual Scarborough Renaissance Festival is interactive fun for
the whole family, 16th Century style! Here you will step back in time
for the time of your life as you discover our 35-acre re-creation of an
English village celebrating the visit of King Henry VIII's sister,
Margaret Queen of Scotland and the Isles, and her guests to the "Village
of Scarborough" with a festival of entertainment, artisans, food, magic
and merriment!
Enjoy full combat jousting and birds of prey exhibitions; a Mermaid
Lagoon, 20+ stages of non-stop Renaissance style entertainment and our
100+ member performing company. Discover hundreds of shoppes featuring
exquisite crafts and authentic artisan demonstrations. There is
something for everyone with Knighting Ceremonies, combat competitions, a
Grande Parade, Renaissance rides, games of skill and so much more.
Feast on food fit for a king with our famous giant roasted Turkey Legs
and the largest food-on-a-stick selection in Texas plus delectable
favorites from the Village Bakery, Pasta Palace, and more! There is also
a full-service restaurant and 12 pubs & taverns. For the more
discerning palates there are daily wine and beer tasting events as well.
Just 30 minutes south of Downtown Dallas, Scarborough Renaissance
Festival is open Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day Mondays April 9 -
May 30, 2022. Each weekend also has a different theme and a variety
of special events. Check out all the details at www.SRFestival.com
Kids 4 and under are ALWAYS free!
Need more information? Check out my last visits' review. So much fun that one day isn't enough! Read about it HERE.
I absolutely love Renaissance festivals! This is my second time going to one. It is hosted in Waxahachie (Texas). Fun for the whole family. My husband and I took the kiddos. You can too! Every weekend through May 31st. The Scarborough Renaissance Festival is a must!
*Disclaimer: I was granted free entry passes to enjoy a day at the festival with my family through my association with US Family Guide. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.*
Each weekend has its own thrills.
Festivals are such a great experience. There is food, music, shows, vendors - everything you need to have a good time.
This one in particular is geared for families. Before going, I like to check out their options. To know ahead of time which things I want to see and do. What don't I want to miss? Each weekend has a theme with specials running. The first weekend, for example, was kids free weekend. The weekend we went, second, was all about shopping! Artisan's Showcase is what they called it. I was worried when I realized I picked our weekend for this one. The themes each come with special activities. And I was thinking we wouldn't enjoy it as much as the others. The Live the Fantasy & Spring Celebration, Celebrating Chivalry, and Legend of the Seas were all ones I'd love to have been a part of. I even appreciate that they have Deaf Day on May 15th! Shows are signed for them. Way to go on exclusivity! But it worked out great. We brought our receipts in and earned 2 free tickets to go back! So excited. We are planning to try to go back for a date. Just us adults. I totally plan to cosplay on this next trip there. Before we even exited the SUV, we could see others in costume heading to the festival. I regretted not wearing my own!
As you will see in the interview I had with the Marketing Director, Helaine, there is something for every person.
No matter when you go. And you can't get through everything in one day. Believe me, we tried! It's impossible.
Some events are pre-scheduled to happen every day of each weekend. You can get the full schedule HERE. My husband would have loved the Historic Weapons Demo. Sadly, we arrived too late the first time we went. I was wanting to see the Fire Whip Show. Totally worth going to! This guy was on fire! Okay, his whips were!
And who doesn't like the Cannon Drill? There are lots of other shows for those who love music too. Next time we want to see the Glassblower show too.
Time for FUN!
Jousting is something we have always wanted to see.
We missed out on the Medieval Times show last year, due to the pandemic. So this year, we wanted to see it at the festival. I highly suggest you go and get your place early. Kiddos couldn't see by the time we got there from the heavy crowd around the arena. My daughters wouldn't be able to resist seeing a mermaid in the Mermaid Lagoon.
Or how about all of them being knighted by Their Majesties!
I was impressed by the Games they had to offer. My husband and I are talking about knife and axe throwing next time we go. My son was fun to watch in the barrel ride.
Food to impress each palate.
Doesn't matter what kind of food appeals to you. There is such a wonderful variety that each and every person should find something to be delighted by! The kids chose slices of pizza that were well seasoned.
My absolute favorite of the day was the peanut butter and chocolate crepe!
Mmmm it was delicious. The kids loved the caramel apples.
These fruit smoothies were amazing. More like slushies. We tried the strawberry and the Dreamcicle (orange) versions.
My favorite was definitely the orange. My husband modeled off how good they are!
Another thing to try came from the Far East Stir Fry kitchen. This serving runs $6.
And the turkey legs on a stick?? Huge! Although the sausage on a stick was delicious too.
Don't forget to shop!
Finally, you can't leave without getting a souvenir. They have shops and vendors of all kinds. There is something for every age to appreciate. So don't forget to take a memento with you. I grabbed these two pins for my pin collection for just $1 each.
My absolute favorite shop was the Glass Dragon. You want to talk about amazing skills, this guy has them!
You can watch him work, and then purchase pieces that will blow the minds of everyone who sees them. We bought a beautiful glass sword with dragon claw necklace. It comes with a warranty. If it were to get broken, we could bring it back and he will fix it!
We bought a training bow as well. This too comes with a lifetime warranty from it's maker. Before I get any comments - I know I'm not holding it correctly! I simply wanted to show it off and wasn't thinking about form.
My husband says this is the gangsta version of archery...
I saw this and knew we had to get it for my husband. As you can see, he likes to goof around with it!
They have candle makers, word workers, blacksmiths - you name it, they most likely have the artisan to make it there. Check out the tiny pewter treasure chest that is the same size as my Minecraft figures! My little Drowned is the guardian of its secrets.
I appreciate their reactions to pandemic conditions. They have these handwashing stations set up everywhere.
Water fountains have Covid Cautious Cups to use too and they are constantly cleaning the bathrooms. Cleanest public restrooms I've seen in a long while. All the employees we came across, no matter the job, were funny and friendly. I didn't see a single frown anywhere!
They are also having an Easter celebration! Plenty of fun for all to be had. 
