It’s that time of year again! The 37th season of North Texas’ 16th Century Style tradition begins this Saturday, April 8, 2017. There is interactive fun for everyone at Scarborough Renaissance Festival® as you step back in time to the 16th Century in our 35-acre (re-created) English village celebrating the visit of Princess Mary Tudor and Margaret Queen of Scotland and the Isles with a Festival of Entertainment, Artisans, Food and Frivolity. The season will run every Saturday & Sunday (and Memorial Day Monday) for eight consecutive weekends through May 29, 2017.

The festival offers 24 stages of extraordinary non-stop entertainment, full combat jousting, Birds of Prey exhibitions, a human chess match, the Mermaid Lagoon and a 150+ members performing company.  There are 200 shoppes of exquisite crafts and amazing artisan demonstrations. Plus, Children’s Knighting Ceremonies, a Grande Parade, Renaissance rides, games of skill and so much more.

Some of the exciting new entertainment debuting this weekend includes: Idiot Friends (former “Flaming Idiot” and former member of the “Other Brother” – only appearing through April 30^th), Dark Faerie Tales with the Painted Lady, The Dancing Doll and Song of Nightingale along with limited engagement performers Topsy Turvy (only appearing through April 30^th) and The London Broil Show (only appearing through April 16^th).  New at the Mermaid Lagoon this year, patrons can choose a time to visit with the Mermaids for a more intimate experience and avoid standing in line. Visit times are available every 15 minutes throughout the Festival day. The Mermaid Lagoon also welcomes mermaid “Aura” for the 2017 season.

There is also food and drink Fit for A King. New items for the 2017 include chocolate dipped strawberries, cupcake cones and Cappuccino & Espresso at the Peasant Bread booth.  Special menu items for opening weekend will be Bangers & Mash (Irish Banger sausage and mashed potatoes covered with an onion gravy) at the Rose & Crown Inn Restaurant; crab and cream cheese ravioli on Saturday and Beet & Onion Ravioli on Sunday at the Pasta Palace; bacon and white cheddar croissants, New York Style cheesecake swirled with a blend of oranges and sweet cream and coconut mountain cake at the Bakery; and Salmon with goat cheese crepes on Saturday and Beef Stroganoff and Jaeger Snitzchel on Sunday at the German booth.

Wines of Germany will be tasted at the daily wine tasting events this weekend and the beer tasting events will include Beers of Germany. This is in addition to the standard beer, wine and Mead offerings at the Festival’s 11 pubs and taverns.  Tastings require a separate ticket that can be purchased in advance on-line or at the Festival (on festival days). Seating is limited and the tasting events regularly sell out so it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance.

Located in Waxahachie, Scarborough Renaissance Festival® is just 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex on FM 66 off of I-35E at exit 399B. From Austin or Waco, follow I-35E north to Exit 399.

Admission is $28 for adults and $13 for children, ages 5-12 . Children age 4 and under are admitted free. Parking is free compliments of Waxahachie Nissan. Tickets are available at the gate on Festival days and on-line. Discount tickets can be purchased at DFW area Tom Thumb & Albertsons stores. A ‘$10 off 2 Tickets’ coupon can be found at North Texas MetroPCS stores through April 30th (offer only valid through April 30th), and discount coupons will be at Waxahachie Nissan throughout the season. Sponsored by Dr Pepper.

“Kids Free Weekend” on April 8^th  & 9^th kicks off the 2017 season with up to three children (ages 5-12) admitted free with each paid adult. Children 4 and under are always free. Seniors 65+ can also get in for half price this weekend.

For more information visit SRFestival.com. Facebook & Twitter (SRFestival) or on Instagram (theSRFestival).