The Texas Renaissance Festival returns to Todd Mission for its 45th season Oct. 5-Dec. 1, featuring live entertainment, shops, food and games as well as signature events. The festival will also celebrate its anniversary Nov. 2-3 with a new, themed weekend: "Return to the Renaissance."

Here are a few things not to miss at this year's festival.

1. Catch the Royal Fireworks show.
   The show, which begins each evening of the festival at 7:45 p.m., is best viewed from The Arena, according to festival representatives.


2. Enjoy the Grand Marche parade.
   The festival grounds are meant to recreate a 16th-century European village, known as New Market Village. Catch the daily parade at noon as residents of the village parade through the grounds from the Globe Stage to greet festival-goers.


3. Watch jousting.
   The Hanlon-Lees Action Theatre presents four jousting shows daily at The Arena. Watch mounted knights duel in a 14th-Century-style live show. Shows are held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., according to festival information.


4. Compete in a contest.
   A themed costume contest is held each day of the festival at 2 p.m. at The Arena, according to festival information. A themed food-eating contest is held daily at 4 p.m. at the New Market Music Gazebo. Weekend themes include Oktoberfest, 1001 Dreams, Pirate Adventure, All Hallows Eve, Return to the Renaissance, Heroes & Villains, Barbarian Invasion, Highland Fling and Celtic Christmas.


5. Indulge in festival food.
   From cheesecake on a stick to turkey legs, hundreds of vendors offer sweet and savory festival food throughout the 55-acre grounds.

The festival grounds are located just north of the city of Magnolia. Additional festival information can be found at www.texrenfest.com.

Read more

Learn what's new at the Texas Renaissance Festival this fall.
Find information about each themed weekend.
Know these 5 things before visiting the festival.
Learn the best route to travel to the festival.