Renaissance Festival Guide and Tips

If you're a first time Renaissance Festival goer, I'm going to give you some tips, list some entertainment options, gloss over food/drinks, & name some items that can be bought. This post will be based on the Plantersville, TX Renaissance Festival, hopefully it's similar to yours.

Renaissance Festival Tips:

Buy tickets ahead of time. It's cheaper and you'll avoid the line. Ticket sellers I know of are HEB and Walgreens (call ahead to double check they have some), and the website is cheaper than at the door as well.

Bring cash. There are ATMs and most shoppes take card, but just in case. The performers ask for tips at the end, so if you love a show bring some small bills.

I like to go when gates open but shows don't start until later on. It gives you extra exploring time if it's your first time.

Print out a map from the Ren Fest website and take a look at the shows to figure out what you'd like to see.

There are themed weekends, so if you want to dress up, check that out to fit in. It's totally cool to go in street clothes too.

Sundays are the more family friendly day. There are people dressed in chain mail, excessive cleavage, etc, just a heads up!

People also get married here.

In a group, we tend to buy food that is shareable so we can taste test everything for cheap.

Throughout the park you'll find various groups such as the royal courts of England, France, Germany, & Spain, the Borgias, Centaurs/people in giant costumes, etc. I've seen Storm Troopers, Doctor Who & a Weeping Angel, Jack Sparrow, Michonne, you name it. They're all willing to take pictures with you. Tipping $1+ is always a nice gesture.

You can camp over night if you want to have an after party or go the full weekend.

There are 2 ways to get to the park, one is typically more congested that the other.

When dusk hits, there are fireworks in the jousting arena. The parking is a mess to leave, so either leave early, or stay late.

The shows are interactive. Try to sit at the front to hear better, or in the shade if the sun is beating down.

Here are some more FAQs.

My Favorite Shows/Things To Do:

Sound and Fury!! (shown above is me refilling one of the actor's cups!) This is my absolute favorite show! It's a Shakespeare parody show with innuendos galore. There are a few different shows they preform through out the day. The earliest is the most PG and the last show is impromptu.

Joust is an all day event that goes through competition stages of skill and fighting. The arena is sectioned off into 4 zones for the 4 countries (England, France, Germany, & Spain). You'll be able to see the royal court.

Weekend Themed Games/Events like the bonny knees contest, costume contests, etc.

Fire Whip Show is exactly how it sounds. He also does his show once it's dark out, but I prefer the light to see everything better.

Parade happens at 12. It travels throughout the park and you'll see everyone from the shoppe keepers, to the royal courts, performers, etc.

Falconer. I like birds/animals so I like to watch this.

The Mud Show. It's always good to see at least once, but I tend to skip it now.

There's an interactive magic show, Arsene The Great, that switches stages with Sound & Fury, it's worth a watch. I've caught pieces of it and it's funny.

If you have kids- there are rides, and you can ride an elephant and/or a camel, this is located at the back of the park at the Plantersville location.There's an area to throw knives and hatchets, to shoot arrows, etc. And there's a rock wall.There's also various music bands that are fun to listen to. And one show teaches you to dance.

Shows/Things I Dislike But Others Like:

Dead Bob show. I find it annoying, but many people enjoy it. Test it out if it's your first time at Ren Fest.It's not that I don't like the Garden, but it's just more walking. If you're feeling energized and have time, by all means take a stroll. There is a short cut that I typically take. There are statues, flowers, and benches throughout.

Food & Drinks:

Turkey leg is a staple, but they have food from basically every country/region. It's insane!And so many desserts. Definitely pace yourself so you can enjoy all the goodies.Mead is a honey wine that people get here. I'm not a fan, but definitely taste test it.

What I've Collected Over the Years:

Cody and I bought long bows and arrows, super cool! Elf ears! I love them. A sword and a dagger. A half face masquerade mask. A sign with my name as pictures. 2 family crests for my parent's last names. A necklace. A fairy sitting on a crescent moon sculpture. Because I collect these, I bought a shot glass & Christmas ornament. A koozie.

If you're thinking holy cow that's a lot, I basically bought 1 thing a year. I never spent over $50 in a visit to Ren Fest. I can control myself. But there are so many cool shoppes!! So I wanted to give you a little taste. People I know have bought cloaks, corsets or gypsy garb, tankards, jewelry, and soap/candles, to name a few. As a kid I remember making a wax hand and riding an elephant and a camel. There's so much to do. Seriously, map out your day and make time for just wandering around. It's essentially one giant circle with zigzags throughout.

Have you been? What's your favorite show? What do you always get food wise? And what's your favorite item you've bought?

Let me know if you have any questions!