Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival

Visiting the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex? Live in the Dallas area? Vaguely interested in the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, or just interested in taking the kids to something new and different? If so, I highly recommend visiting the Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival (and no, I am not associated with the event).

The festival is held every spring, April through June just south of the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex near the town of Waxahatchie. Traveling to the event is easy, just take I-35E south from Dallas to Waxahatchie, take the designated exit, and travel west about a mile. Everything is well marked--you cannot miss it. Parking is free, and fairly convenient. I would recommend arriving at or near opening time because this is a popular event and you could end up having a bit of a walk if you arrive late.

The entrance fee is reasonable, with a children's discount. In the same vein, the price for the festival guide is quite inexpensive. I found the food at the event (and there is food, food, food, and more food) to be reasonably priced, although the drinks were a bit pricey. For older folks or the disabled, motorized scooters are available for rent and use inside the event. Similarly, carts can be rented for the kiddos. Although lots of stuff is available at the faire, it is not as big as it looks, and seeing all the attractions is not an exercise in long distance hiking. In keeping with the Renaissance motif, the pathways are not cement, but they are well maintained and easy to navigate.

What to do at the faire? Lots! For the kids, there are kiddie shows, fire jugglers, and demonstrations for the kids. Kids particularly will like the jousting tournament (held several times a day), as well as the petting zoo. Rides for the kids also exist, and are all hand powered. For example, there are merry-go-rounds, and a popular jousting simulator for the kids. Of course, there are the obligatory animal rides, horses, a Llama, and even and elephant ride (with real elephants!!). Lots of things to buy for the kids (of course); everything from face painting to toy swords, and fairy wings.