For 45 seasons, Scarborough Renaissance Festival has stood as a Texas institution, welcoming generations of families, travelers and tradition-seekers to step back in time to the 16th century each spring. What began in 1981 as a modest gathering has grown into one of the largest and most respected Renaissance festivals in the United States, consistently recognized as a must-visit spring tradition. For many Texans, Scarborough is more than an annual outing — it is a rite of passage,  passed down through generations.

The Festival will run 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from April 4 through May 24, and close with a special Memorial Day celebration on Monday, May 25. Each weekend at Scarborough Renaissance Festival is designed to offer a distinct experience, giving guests a reason to return throughout the season — whether to celebrate with family, explore artisan craftsmanship, embrace fantasy, enjoy immersive storytelling, or honor tradition.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is known for its depth and diversity of entertainment, featuring more than 20 stages and performances areas of continuous live programming daily. The 2026 lineup includes returning favorites such as social media favorites The Fortress Dwellers, Opal the Fairy, Tartanic, Kamikaze Fireflies, Adam Crack, Jacques Ze Whipper, Cirque du Sewer, Arthur Greenleaf Holmes, The Spice Boys, and dozens of musicians, comedians, acrobats and specialty performers.

2026 Weekly Themes:

Opening Weekend & Easter Celebration, April 4–5
The season opens with the ceremonial return of the Village with families enjoying Opening Day pageantry, an Easter Egg Stroll for children, and a Renaissance-style Easter service on Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free throughout Opening Weekend and Seniors (65+) receive a $10 discount at the gate, making it an ideal introduction for first-time visitors.

Artisan’s Showcase Weekend, April 11–12
This weekend highlights the heart of Scarborough’s artisan community. Guests are encouraged to slow down, watch live demonstrations and explore more than 200 handcrafted shoppes, celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship that define the Festival.

Barbarian Weekend, April 18–19
A high-energy weekend that leans into feats of strength, bold characters and spirited competition. Costumed revelers, themed contests and immersive performances make this a favorite for guests who enjoy spectacle and playful pageantry.

Celtic Weekend & Deaf Awareness Day, April 25–26
Celtic music, dance and storytelling take center stage, filling the Village with pipes, drums and folk harmonies. Saturday includes Deaf Awareness Day, with select performances interpreted in American Sign Language, reinforcing the Festival’s commitment to accessibility for all.

Spring Celebration & Chivalry Weekend, May 2–3
Scarborough welcomes spring with floral adornments, maypole dancing and village-wide celebrations of renewal. Guests are invited to take part in chivalry lessons and vow renewals, embracing traditions rooted in community and connection.

Flights of Fantasy Weekend & Mother’s Day, May 9–10
Fantasy takes flight as cosplay fans, fairy folklore enthusiasts and imaginative spirits fill the lanes. The weekend blends whimsical storytelling, costume contests and family-friendly activities. Children 12 and under are admitted free on Mother’s Day Sunday.

Legends of the Seas Weekend, May 16–17
Pirates, mermaids and nautical adventure take over the Village. Sea-themed games, scavenger hunts and costumed contests invite guests to embrace the lore and legend of the high seas.

The Last Huzzah! Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–25
The Festival closes its 45th season with a three-day celebration filled with music and merriment. Memorial Day Monday features a Veterans Parade and Fallen Heroes Tribute, honoring active and retired military members with a presentation of colors and commemorative ceremony.

2026 Seasonal Attractions (for an additional fee):

Mermaid Lagoon – guests can meet and interact with live mermaids in a tropical-inspired setting throughout the day.

Mythical Monster Museum of Raptus and Krane – a walk-through encounter with creatures ranging from tiny fairies to towering dragons, blending theatrical storytelling with imagined histories, artifacts and preserved “specimens.”

Royal Menagerie – a hands-on experience featuring sheep, goats, pigs and other animals that reflect the important role livestock played in daily Renaissance life.

Unicorn Experience – set within a fairy-built garden and complete with a keepsake photo souvenir.

Games of skill – including archery and longbow shooting, crossbow challenges, axe, knife and star throwing, climbing walls, strength tests, mazes and a variety of Renaissance- and pirate-themed games designed for friendly competition.

Guests can also ride back to the past on a collection of human-powered Renaissance rides, including barrel rides, swings, the pirate ship swing and the quintain jousting ride. Animal rides, including camel and pony rides, offer younger guests an unforgettable, old-world experience that has become a Festival tradition.

Tickets are available at www.SRFestival.com. Admission is $34 for Adults (ages 13+) and $15 for Kids (ages 5–12) plus taxes and fees. Children 4 and under are always admitted free. Friends of Faire memberships, Season Passes, and Weekend Passes are also available for guests who want to return again and again!