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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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