Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie ranks among the most enduring and energetic spring traditions in North Texas. Widely known across North Texas as Scarborough Faire Waxahachie or Scarborough Fair Texas, this Waxahachie Renaissance festival transports guests back to the 16th-century reign of King Henry VIII with live armored jousting, royal court celebrations, and handmade crafts across 35 acres.
Key takeaways
- Scarborough Renaissance Festival runs Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day Monday from April 4 through May 25, 2026, operating daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- General admission at the gate is $37.40 for adults and $21.04 for children ages 5 to 12, while purchasing online in advance reduces the cost to $31.56 and $17.53 respectively.
- Standard vehicle parking is free on the grassy grounds off FM 66, with optional reserved front-row parking available online for $17.53.
- Outside food and beverages are strictly banned inside the village gates, though visitors may use shaded picnic tables outside the main entrance.
- Same-day re-entry is permitted with a complimentary hand stamp at the front turnstiles.
Plan your visit
Verified
- Location
- 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX 75167
- Hours
- Saturdays, Sundays & Memorial Day Monday 10am-7pm
- Admission
- Adults $38-$40 gate, youth $18, ages 4 & under free
- Best time to go
- Arrive before 9:45am on April mornings
What Scarborough Renaissance Festival Is
Scarborough Renaissance Festival is a 35-acre interactive 16th-century village setting that brings Tudor England to life in Ellis County. More than 100 professional cast members roam the grounds alongside international touring acts, musicians, acrobats, and combat stunt performers.
The festival grounds feature 20 distinct stages hosting ongoing entertainment from morning until dusk. Marquee spectacles include full-armor equestrian jousting matches, the Birds of Prey raptor exhibition, and the Mermaid Lagoon. Visitors fascinated by regional culture will appreciate how this medieval spectacle complements other celebrated Texas cultural traditions across the Lone Star State.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival 2026 Dates, Tickets, and Discounts
For the 2026 season, Scarborough Renaissance Festival welcomes visitors every Saturday and Sunday from April 4 through May 24, concluding on Memorial Day Monday, May 25. Confirming official Scarborough Fair dates 2026 allows visitors to plan around themed weekends. General Scarborough Renaissance Festival hours run from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on every operating day.
When purchasing Scarborough Renaissance Festival tickets, choosing advance digital booking yields direct savings over gate rates. Adult admission at the gate costs $37.40, while advance online purchase is $31.56 through the Scarborough Renaissance Festival Official Visitor Portal. Child admission for youngsters ages 5 to 12 costs $21.04 at the gate versus $17.53 online, and children ages 4 and younger enter free of charge.
| Ticket Option | Online Advance Price | Gate Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Single Day (Ages 13+) | $31.56 | $37.40 | Standard day visitors |
| Child Single Day (Ages 5–12) | $17.53 | $21.04 | Elementary and middle school kids |
| Child (Ages 4 and under) | Free | Free | Toddlers and preschoolers |
| Reserved Premium Parking | $17.53 | Not Offered at Gate | Families seeking quick front entrance access |
| Friends of Faire Season Pass | $130.00 | $150.00 | Multi-weekend festival enthusiasts |
Directions, Highway Access, and Free Parking
The festival grounds sit at 2511 FM 66 in Waxahachie, located approximately 30 miles south of downtown Dallas and 40 miles southeast of Fort Worth. The venue serves as one of the most accessible day trips from Dallas for outdoor history enthusiasts. Motorists traveling south on Interstate 35E should take Exit 399A, merge onto FM 66 West, and follow the highway for 1.6 miles directly to the entrance.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival parking is provided free of charge across wide pasture lots adjacent to FM 66. Because peak arrival traffic along FM 66 builds heavily between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM, arriving before 9:45 AM guarantees shorter entrance lines and closer parking spaces. Travelers can review current highway status through the Texas Department of Transportation Dallas District Road Advisory before driving south.
Tip
Program 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX into GPS navigation before leaving the metroplex. Approaching from the west via FM 1446 can bypass heavy Interstate 35E backup during peak morning hours.
Themed Weekends and Special Programming
Each weekend of the Scarborough season features distinct thematic programming that changes artisan contests and costume themes. The season opens with Easter celebrations and continues with Celtic Heritage Weekend, Royal Wine and Ale Fest, Legends of the Seas, and Mother's Day Weekend.
Family travelers can capture significant cost savings by targeting specific dates. On Opening Weekend and Mother's Day Weekend, up to three children ages 12 and under receive free admission with each paid adult ticket. Additional seasonal promotions include discounts for military personnel, educators, and senior citizens.
For community accommodation packages near the festival village, consult the official Waxahachie Convention and Visitors Bureau Guide.
Best Time to Go
The most comfortable time to visit Scarborough Renaissance Festival is during April, when North Texas daytime temperatures average between 70 and 78 degrees. May afternoons regularly push past 85 degrees, making the heavily shaded groves on the village perimeter prime real estate for afternoon rests.
Arriving by 9:30 AM allows visitors to park easily, clear gate security checks, and watch the Royal Court opening fanfare at 9:45 AM. The midday period between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM brings the heaviest pedestrian density to central village streets and pub lines.
A Full Festival Day Plan
Maximizing a visit to Scarborough requires pacing your group between high-energy stunt shows and restful village browsing. Planning your day around a two-loop circuit prevents unnecessary backtracking across the 35-acre grounds.
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at the FM 66 gate, park in the north lot, and pass through weapon peace-tying and bag checks.
- 10:00 AM: Enter the front gate and head toward the Crown Stage or Joust Arena to secure prime bench seating.
- 11:30 AM: Browse the village artisan shops near the Pecan Grove before food lines lengthen.
- 1:00 PM: Grab a giant roasted turkey leg or shepherd's pie and watch the Birds of Prey show in the open meadow.
- 2:30 PM: Explore the Mermaid Lagoon and artisan glassblowing demonstrations along the southern path.
- 4:30 PM: Take in the final champion combat joust, then finish souvenir shopping before the 7:00 PM cannon fire.
Food, Shopping, and Costume Tips
Sampling classic Scarborough Renaissance Festival food is an essential part of the day. Popular culinary selections include jumbo roasted turkey legs, Scottish meat pies, fresh fudge, and mead produced by Texas vineyards. The lively atmosphere also makes a daytime village trip one of the most memorable unique Dallas date ideas during the spring months.
The artisan marketplace houses over 200 permanent shoppes showcasing blacksmithing, leather armor crafting, hand-blown glassware, and wooden toys. Many craftspeople demonstrate their historical trades live on site, offering educational demonstrations for adults and curious children alike.
Rules, Safety, and Re-entry
Safety regulations are strictly enforced at the entrance gates. Reviewing Scarborough festival costume rules in advance avoids delays during gate inspections. All period weapons, swords, daggers, and replica blades carried as part of a costume must be completely blunt and peace-tied with heavy zip ties to scabbards or holsters.
Outside alcoholic beverages, firearms, and drones are strictly prohibited on the festival grounds. Medical staff and first aid personnel operate from a permanent station situated directly inside the front entrance turnstiles. Guests who wish to retrieve sunscreen or coolers left in their vehicles can request a hand stamp at the main gate for same-day re-entry.
What to Wear and What to Bring
Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are essential for navigating the gravel lanes, crushed granite paths, and dirt walkways of the grounds. While period costumes, corsets, and renaissance garments are welcomed, dressing in breathable natural fabrics keeps visitors comfortable under the Texas sun.
- Sun Protection: Pack wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen, as several major show arenas have unshaded bleachers.
- Hydration: Bring an empty refillable water canteen or sealed infant beverages; cooling mist stations are scattered throughout the village.
- Cash Reserve: Keep paper currency handy for tip-based street performers, ride attractions, and Renaissance archery games.
- Costume Accessories: Ensure replica blades or costume tools remain secured and properly tied down.
How It Fits Into a North Texas Weekend
Visiting Scarborough Renaissance Festival pairs naturally with an extended spring weekend in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Out-of-town travelers can explore historic downtown Waxahachie before spending Sunday exploring the urban museums highlighted in our guide to the best things to do in Dallas.
Waxahachie features charming Victorian bed-and-breakfasts and local dining spots within ten minutes of the fairgrounds. Adding an extra day allows visitors to explore Ellis County parks and historic courthouse architecture at a relaxed pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scarborough Renaissance Festival worth visiting?
Scarborough Renaissance Festival offers exceptional value for travelers seeking immersive historic theater, artisan shopping, and all-day entertainment. The combination of full-contact jousts, birds of prey flights, and 200 craft shoppes delivers a rich full-day outing.
How much are tickets for the 2026 season?
Adult gate admission costs $37.40, while purchasing online in advance reduces the adult ticket to $31.56. Child admission for ages 5 to 12 costs $21.04 at the gate and $17.53 online, while children 4 and under enter free.
Can visitors bring food into the festival village?
Outside food and beverages are prohibited inside the festival gates, except for formula and baby food. Guests who bring picnic lunches can use the shaded outdoor picnic tables located outside the front gates before entering.
Are pets allowed inside the village grounds?
Pets are not allowed on festival grounds, with the exception of trained service animals. Emotional support animals are not permitted under festival safety rules.
Is parking free at the Waxahachie festival site?
Standard parking is completely free on the grassy festival lots adjacent to FM 66. Guests who want front-row parking closer to the front gate can reserve premium spaces online for $17.53.
Can visitors leave and re-enter on the same day?
Guests can leave and return on the same festival date by receiving a hand stamp at the main exit turnstiles. This policy allows visitors to take midday tailgate breaks or retrieve costume layers from their vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Scarborough Renaissance Festival stands out as an exceptional spring tradition for travelers across Texas and Oklahoma. By securing tickets online in advance, arriving before the morning gate rush, and planning your circuit around the major jousts and stage spectacles, visitors can enjoy one of the most engaging living history celebrations in the South.
Those who enjoy large living-history fairs can also compare this North Texas spring classic with our detailed Texas Renaissance Festival guide, which covers the nation's largest autumn gathering held annually in Grimes County near Houston.
