Every spring something medieval takes over a patch of land just south of Dallas and it has been happening for 45 years. The Scarborough Renaissance Festival returns to Waxahachie from April 4 through May 25, 2026 and if you have never been this might be the year to finally go.
The festival runs Saturdays and Sundays plus Memorial Day Monday from 10 am to 7 pm at 2511 FM 66 in Waxahachie. That puts it roughly 30 minutes south of downtown Dallas depending on traffic. The drive alone through Ellis County feels like a warm up to the whole experience with open fields and long stretches of quiet road before you hit the festival grounds.
Parking is free and the lots are massive. You will not circle looking for a spot the way you do at most DFW events. Show up early if you want a closer walk but even the far lots are manageable and the energy picks up the moment you start seeing people in full costume heading toward the gates.
What You Walk Into
Once you pass through the front gates the entire grounds transform into a 16th century English village spread across 35 acres of shaded land. There are over 200 artisan shops selling handmade leather goods, swords, jewelry and pottery. Full combat jousting happens on a real dirt arena with armored riders on horseback and the crowd gets loud. Stages are scattered throughout the grounds with comedy acts, acrobats, musicians and magic shows running all day long.
The food is its own event. Giant roasted turkey legs are the signature move here but you will also find meat pies, stuffed mushrooms, sausages on a stick and deep fried everything. The festival runs daily wine and beer tastings and there are plenty of shaded spots and benches to sit and eat without rushing.
Eight Themed Weekends Keep It Fresh
Each weekend at Scarborough carries a different theme so repeat visits actually feel different. Opening weekend kicks off April 4 with an Easter celebration and kids get in free. The following weekends rotate through themes like Barbarian Weekend, Celtic Weekend, Pirate Adventure and more. The final weekend wraps with a Highland Fling celebration leading into Memorial Day. The themed weekends change the costumes, the entertainment and the overall energy of the grounds so if you can swing more than one visit you should.
What It Costs and What to Know Before You Go
Adult tickets run about $34 for ages 13 and up. Children ages 5 through 12 get in for around $15 and kids 4 and under are free. The festival is open rain or shine with no refunds so check the weather and plan accordingly. Comfortable shoes are a must because you will be walking on dirt paths and uneven terrain for hours. Bringing cash helps at some of the smaller vendor stalls but most accept cards.
The Dallas Art Fair runs during the same stretch in mid April so if you are building a spring calendar around DFW events these two pair well together. One is polish and gallery lighting. The other is dirt and turkey legs. Both are worth the trip.
Address: 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX 75167
Dates: April 4 through May 25, 2026. Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day Monday.
Hours: 10 am to 7 pm
Parking: Free
Tickets: Adults $34, Children (5 to 12) $15, Children 4 and under free
