Scarborough Renaissance Festival Celebrates 45 Seasons in Waxahachie

New attractions, shows, and vendors draw crowds to annual medieval festival

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:58am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a medieval-style sword repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in bold neon colors and heavy black outlines to capture the lively energy of a Renaissance festival.The Scarborough Renaissance Festival's new joust arena and interactive King's Dungeon bring medieval thrills to Waxahachie's annual celebration of history, culture, and community.Waxahachie Today

The Scarborough Renaissance Festival is back in Waxahachie, Texas, celebrating its 45th season with new additions like a joust arena, King's Dungeon, and a variety of quirky live entertainment. Visitors can explore artisan shops, food stalls, and costume rentals while supporting local performers and vendors at the festival, which runs every weekend through Memorial Day.

Why it matters

The Scarborough Renaissance Festival is a beloved annual tradition in Waxahachie that draws thousands of visitors to the area, providing a boost to the local economy and showcasing the town's vibrant arts and culture scene. As one of the longest-running Renaissance fairs in the country, the festival's continued success and expansion highlights Waxahachie's ability to preserve its unique character and heritage while adapting to changing consumer interests.

The details

The 45th season of the Scarborough Renaissance Festival features several new attractions, including a joust arena where visitors can watch skilled horseback riders compete, and the King's Dungeon, a new interactive experience that immerses guests in the darker side of medieval life. In addition to these new offerings, the festival continues to host a variety of quirky live shows, from sword swallowers to acrobatic rat performances. Attendees can also browse the festival's many artisan shops and food stalls, supporting local vendors and performers.

  • The Scarborough Renaissance Festival runs every weekend through Memorial Day 2026.
  • The festival is celebrating its 45th season in 2026.

The players

Scarborough Renaissance Festival

An annual medieval-themed festival held in Waxahachie, Texas that features live entertainment, artisan vendors, food, and other immersive experiences for visitors.

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What’s next

Visitors can plan their trip to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival by checking the event calendar and purchasing tickets in advance on the festival's website.

The takeaway

The Scarborough Renaissance Festival's continued growth and evolution over the past 45 years demonstrates Waxahachie's commitment to preserving its unique cultural identity and providing engaging experiences that draw visitors from across the region. As the festival expands its offerings, it remains a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the town's vibrant arts scene and supports local businesses.