Top 10 Tips for Making the Most of the Faire

Planning a trip to the Texas Renaissance Festival? Here are some tips to make the most of your day! Please comment any additional tip you have!

1. Get a schedule of the shows and a map of the groups. A schedule of the interpreted shows is posted on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also go to the booth by will call and pick up a brochure with all the shows. Once you have that, get a TRF program with the map. Take a few minutes to plan out your day! You can download the New TRF App (it is purple) and plug in the shows to get sent a reminder.

Planning out the shows is a great idea as TRF grounds cover 55 acres and running from one side to the other and back again gets very tiring.

2. Arrive Early and plan for Traffic. This Houston, traffic can be bad. Plan accordingly. If you leave early you will beat the rush and be at the gate for cannon! Pack a snack and activity, especially if you have children, for the ride home. Traffic can start to back up between 9:30 and 10:00.

3. Wear Comfortable shoes! Whether you dress in garb (below) or not, make sure you have comfortable footwear. You will be doing a lot of walking. Blisters, and sore feet can ruin a day.

4. Dress! If possible dress up, add some festive touches to your outfit. A pirate hat, some wings, a cape for heroes! Dress up and have fun!

5. Be aware of the weather. Texas weather can change from hot and sunny to cold in rainy in a matter of hours. Make sure to check the weather forecast and throw in a umbrella, sunscreen, coat, and tank top in the car!

6. Bring cash. Several places DO take credit cards, but you will want cash for smaller purchases, food and tipping (below)

7. Plan for tips. The majority of the performers do this full time, and they make their living from the tips they get at the shows. Bring some $1, $5 or $10's to tip your favorite shows.

8. Hydrate. No matter the weather make sure to stay hydrated. If it is hot and humid you can also grab one of the yummy pickles from the pickle vendors to help stay hydrated (this is something I learned this year!)

9. Set up a meeting place if you get separated from your group. Know where and when you can meet up with everyone if you decided to check out different shops or shows. Visiting with children? You can attach a in case of emergency contact card on them (back in the day my mom would safety pin it to me). I have seen several ideas for how to do this, so whatever works best for you is outstanding! Just make sure there is a way to contact you if you get separated.

10. Use our discount code! Come out and enjoy the day with us, and use our code if you have not already purchased your tickets at the Sale of the Century. Also Sundays - kids 12 and under are Free!