Fortune tellers are reading the cards, mythical monsters are lurking in the village and daring performers are cracking fiery whips as Scarborough Renaissance Festival celebrates the halfway point to Halloween.

April 30 marks the midpoint between now and Oct. 31. Known in parts of Europe as Walpurgis Night, the date has long been associated with folklore, mystery and supernatural legends.

Guests can celebrate Halfway to Halloween during Scarborough Renaissance Festival’s 45th season May 2-3, when the 16th-century village comes alive with mystical readings, dungeon adventures and fantastical characters.

Across the country, Halloween enthusiasts increasingly celebrate the halfway point to Oct. 31 with springtime events, costumes and spooky fun. For fans of fantasy, folklore and cosplay, Scarborough Renaissance Festival offers the perfect setting to embrace the spirit of the season months before Halloween arrives.

Set across 25 acres in Waxahachie and celebrating the 1545 visit of King Henry VIII and Queen Katheryn Parr, the Festival recreates a bustling English village filled with live entertainment, artisan shoppes, human-powered rides and thrilling tournaments in the newly enhanced Joust Arena.

Monsters, Mysteries and the Macabre

Guests looking for darker thrills will find plenty of mysterious encounters throughout the village.

Scarborough Castle: Hauntings of Yore invites curious travelers to explore the underbelly of the Lord Mayor’s castle, where legends whisper of restless spirits, creatures of myth and ancient mysteries that refuse to rest.

The King’s Dungeon transports visitors into the shadowy world of Renaissance justice. This immersive walk-through experience features recreations of historical torture devices, atmospheric dungeon staging and educational storytelling that explores the darker side of history.

Inside the Mythical Monster Museum of Raptus and Krane, visitors encounter vampires, trolls, mermaids, dragons and other legendary creatures. Guests can learn the stories of fearless monster hunters while viewing artifacts, preserved remains and fantastical displays that bring myth and legend to life.

Strange Performances and Curious Characters

The spirit of mystery and spectacle continues throughout the village with unusual performances and unforgettable characters.

Adam Crack’s Fire Whip Show thrills audiences with daring whip-cracking stunts including balloon popping, candle snuffing and fiery routines.

Cirqa Brava captivates crowds with high-flying aerial acrobatics that blend comedy, beauty and circus spectacle.

Cy the Sword Swallower astonishes audiences as he swallows swords of varying shapes and sizes in a thrilling and comedic performance.

Digger Plotz, the Grave Singer, roams the village singing humorously dark songs about life, death and the strange things in between while strumming his shovel guitar.

Guests can also experience the action and romance of the Festival’s iconic joust tournament, where armored knights clash in a spectacular display of horsemanship and skill.

Mystics, Fortune Tellers and Whispers of the Future

Halfway to Halloween is also the perfect time to ask the age-old question: what does the future hold?

Throughout the village, visitors can step into the mystical world of tarot and palmistry as skilled fortune tellers offer playful glimpses into destiny and possibility.

At Mystic Tarot, guests can explore the ancient art of tarot card reading, where symbolic imagery and intuition combine to reveal potential paths and hidden opportunities.

Visitors can also meet Kolisha, who reads tarot cards and palms to interpret personality, life journeys and what fate may have waiting just beyond the horizon.

At Palmistry by Stermer, the future unfolds through the fascinating study of the palm, offering insights into character, destiny and the twists and turns that may lie ahead.

Whether seeking guidance, curiosity or simply a bit of magical fun, these mystical readings invite guests to embrace the mysterious spirit of Halfway to Halloween and discover what secrets the universe might reveal.

Dress for Adventure

Halfway to Halloween is the perfect excuse to arrive in costume. Guests are encouraged to dress as pirates, princesses, rogues, dragons, wenches and other imaginative characters.

Many Festival guests already arrive in costume each weekend, making Halfway to Halloween the perfect time to fully embrace the fun of cosplay.

Those who arrive without a costume can find plenty of options throughout the Festival village.

Suit Your Fancie Costume Rental offers a variety of Renaissance attire for guests wishing to indulge in dress up during their visit.

Boss Wench features clothing inspired by adventurous pirates and the noble lords and ladies of the Renaissance.

Pendragon Costumes showcases handcrafted historical garments with Renaissance and Neo-Victorian influences.

Silverleaf Leather offers handcrafted leather goods ideal for Renaissance festivals, cosplay and fantasy costuming.

Midnight Orchid Design creates handmade Viking clothing located in Crown Meadow.

Accessories can be found throughout the village, including handcrafted hats at Blonde Swan Hat Co., vibrant apparel at Belly Dance Treasures, and handcrafted festival masks featured in the Mask Parade by Vincent Ur.

Visitors can also explore more than 200 artisan shoppes featuring handcrafted goods including jewelry, pottery, glasswork, sculpture, leatherwork, woodworking and metalwork. Face painting, hair braiding, henna artistry, floral crowns, massages and other festive touches add to the immersive experience.

A Festival Tradition

Now celebrating its 45th season, Scarborough Renaissance Festival remains one of Texas’ most beloved spring traditions. With artisan craftsmanship, immersive entertainment and unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages, the Festival offers the perfect place to celebrate the magical midpoint to Halloween.

Whether discovering mythical monsters, consulting a fortune teller or stepping into costume for the day, visitors will find that Halfway to Halloween at Scarborough Renaissance Festival is filled with mystery, merriment and a touch of Renaissance magic.

Tickets and Visitor Information

Tickets are available at 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. Some activities, games and rides require an additional fee. Parking is free.

Friends of Faire memberships, Season Passes and Weekend Passes are also available for guests who want to return again and again. Advance discounts will be available at North Texas Tom Thumb and Albertsons. Military and Senior discounts are available at the gate with valid ID.

A new docuseries produced by a North Texas researcher and Texas Woman’s University alumna is helping bring long-overdue visibility to perimenopause—an experience that affects every woman, yet historically receives limited attention in research, education and public conversation.

Texas Woman’s will host a series of free public screenings of BALANCE: A Perimenopause Journey across its campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston this spring, each followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A featuring experts in women’s health. View the BALANCE trailer.

Monks don’t typically come to mind when talking about menopause. But in BALANCE, filmmakers Sadhvi Siddhali Shree and Sadhvi Anubhuti—millennial Jain monks based in North Texas—set out to better understand their own experiences with perimenopause, thus launching a journey that uncovers a broader story about the origins of menopause misinformation, gaps in women’s midlife care, and the need for more open, informed conversations.

Produced by researcher, advocate and TWU alumna Stephanie Collins, the four-part docuseries blends personal storytelling with expert insight, exploring symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia and fatigue, while examining the historical and cultural factors that have shaped how menopause is understood and treated. The series is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, and has drawn national attention and support from high-profile health care experts and Alyssa Milano, who serves as an executive producer. 

A highlight of each TWU event will be a panel discussion and audience Q&A moderated by Collins, which will offer an intriguing opportunity for a post-viewing conversation and extended dialogue about women’s health.  Joining the conversation will be Dr. Sarah Berg, a nationally-noted obstetrician-gynecologist and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner who specializes in midlife women’s health and advances menopause education through  speaking, writing and digital learning initiatives, including Selfority, a menopause information platform. 

“Menopause is something every woman will experience, yet for centuries it’s been pushed into the shadows,” Collins said. “I’m proud to be part of the growing dialogue bringing this issue into the light and the effort to help women better understand their options. As a TWU alumna, it’s especially meaningful to bring BALANCE to my own university—an institution committed to the idea that when you educate a woman, you empower the world. That belief is at the heart of this project, which is about giving women the knowledge they need to take control of their menopause journey.”

Jaime Porter, TWU’s interim vice president for university advancement, said the screenings reflect TWU’s commitment to advancing conversations that impact health care, as well as the university’s continued investment in women’s health research.

Texas Woman’s is currently exploring a proposal to expand its Institute for Women’s Health, with a focus on advancing research related to perimenopause and midlife health. The planning effort, led by a team that included Collins and supported by a grant from the Texas Women’s Foundation, would further position TWU as a leader in addressing critical gaps in women’s health.

“We’re excited that Texas Woman’s is taking part in this growing conversation, and delighted by the opportunity to celebrate the work of one of our alumnae,” Porter said. “Almost 90 percent of our students are women and nearly half of our students pursue careers in health care, so this is an issue that directly connects to our mission. These events offer a valuable opportunity for our community to engage with the topic and participate in thoughtful panel discussions with experts in the field.”

BALANCE: A Perimenopause Journey—Texas Woman’s University Screenings

All events begin with a red carpet and reception at 5:30 pm, followed by a 6:30 pm screening. The panel discussion and Q&A will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Texas Woman’s University
- Tues., April 28
- Bridges Auditorium, Student Union at Hubbard Hall
303 Administration Dr. | Denton | 76204

TWU Dallas
- Tues., May 5
- Room 1010
5500 Southwestern Medical Ave | Dallas | 75235

TWU Houston
- Thurs., May 14
- Room 2120
6700 Fannin | Houston | 77030 

Admission is free, but public seating is limited. Advance registration is encouraged at https://giving.twu.edu/e/balance-docuseries-screenings/

ABOUT TWU: 

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2024, TWU eclipsed a $125 million goal in its ongoing fundraising effort, DREAM BIG, which supports programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.edu or twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity. 

ABOUT STEPHANIE COLLINS: 

Stephanie Collins, RN, BSN, BCPA, is a women’s health executive with more than three decades of experience in life sciences spanning clinical, commercial and patient advocacy roles. She is co-founder and chief patient officer of Eido Bio, where she leads efforts to develop therapies designed specifically for women, with a focus on addressing hormonal decline and improving the patient experience.

A graduate of the Texas Woman’s University College of Nursing, Collins began her career as a nurse and is a board-certified patient advocate. She serves as an advisor to TWU’s Institute for Women’s Health and is a member of the TWU Foundation Board. She also delivered the commencement address for TWU’s Health Sciences graduates in 2025.

Collins is executive producer of BALANCE: A Perimenopause Journey, as well as a leader behind THE SHIFT, an annual Dallas-based event that brings together leading voices in women’s health and continues to position North Texas as a hub for advancing midlife women’s health.

Families looking for a unique way to celebrate Easter weekend can step back in time when Scarborough Renaissance Festival opens its 45th season April 4 and 5, 2026, with festive holiday traditions, immersive entertainment and a full day of family-friendly adventure.

Easter weekend visitors can enjoy an Easter Egg Stroll for children, a Renaissance-style Easter service on Sunday and the festive return of Scarborough’s beloved characters as the Village gates open for the milestone season.

Set within a 35-acre recreation of an English village celebrating the 1545 visit of King Henry VIII and Queen Katheryn Parr, the festival blends history, pageantry and playful fantasy with strolling performers, artisan shoppes, human-powered rides and dozens of live performances.

Opening Weekend Easter Activities

With Easter falling on Opening Weekend this year, the festival offers families a unique way to celebrate the holiday with a blend of festive traditions and Renaissance charm. Children can participate in the Easter Egg Stroll, a playful twist on a classic holiday activity held Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Maypole. Designed for children ages 12 and under, the lighthearted event invites young guests to join village characters for a whimsical egg-on-the-spoon stroll around the Maypole. No registration is required.

On Sunday, April 5, at noon, guests of all ages are invited to attend the Renaissance Easter Service at the Crown Meadow Stage. The abbreviated Anglican-style gathering celebrates the renewal of the season through prayer, music and a message of hope, offering families a meaningful moment of reflection within the festival’s lively village setting.

Families can also take advantage of Kids’ Free Weekend, when children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult, with up to three children admitted free per adult. Children age 4 and under are always admitted free, making Opening Weekend an especially inviting opportunity for families to celebrate spring and begin the festival season together.

Family-Friendly Experiences

Recently voted the No. 1 Renaissance Festival in the Southeast Region at the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards and ranked No. 2 in the nation for family-friendly programming, Scarborough Renaissance Festival offers a wide range of experiences designed especially for children and families.

One of the most memorable traditions for young visitors is the Knighting Ceremony, where children are presented before the Royal Court and recognized for acts of courage and kindness. Each participant receives a commemorative seal naming them a Knight of the Realm or Lady of the Court, creating a lasting keepsake of their visit.

The Mermaid Lagoon invites guests to meet live mermaids in an enchanting tropical setting and interact with these mythical sea creatures during scheduled appearances throughout the day.

Animal lovers will enjoy the Birds of Prey Show, presented by Last Chance Forever Birds of Prey Conservancy. During the interactive presentation, hawks, falcons and other majestic raptors soar overhead while audiences learn about wildlife conservation and the important role these birds play in the natural world.

Young guests are often delighted by Opal the Fairy, a whimsical fae character who spreads joy through bubbles, playful gestures and sparkly surprises that leave children wide-eyed with wonder.

Across the Village stages, families can experience dozens of performances filled with comedy, adventure and daring stunts. The Nature of Mercy Pirates brings swashbuckling sword fighting comedy to the stage with a lively storyline that invites children to become heroes of the adventure. Harmless Danger Juggling combines outrageous humor with impressive juggling stunts and audience participation.

Guests can also enjoy the wildly entertaining Cirque du Sewer, which features trained rescue cats and rats navigating obstacle courses while performing acrobatic feats that have earned national television appearances. The high-energy Kamikaze Fireflies deliver a fast-paced spectacle of fire tricks, acrobatics and rare circus skills, including the giant German Wheel.

Animals, Attractions and Village Adventures

The Royal Menagerie gives children the opportunity to interact with animals such as goats, sheep, pigs and several exotic species. The Mythical Monster Museum offers a walk-through adventure filled with fantastical creatures from dragons to trolls, providing an imaginative experience for guests of all ages.

Each afternoon, villagers, nobles, artisans and performers gather for the Grande Parade, which winds through the Village in a colorful procession before concluding with royal proclamations.

Visitors can test their skills at Renaissance-style games such as archery and crossbow, enjoy treasure mining and explore a variety of human-powered rides including the Dragon Swings, Crow’s Nest and Carousello, preserving the festival’s old-world authenticity.

New Attractions for the 45th Season

New experiences and returning favorites make the 45th season one of the most exciting in the festival’s history.

Guests will witness thrilling armored combat in the new Joust Arena, where knights in shining armor charge on horseback in dramatic tournament battles inspired by historical competitions of the late medieval and Renaissance periods.

Visitors seeking adventure can explore The King’s Dungeon, a new immersive walk-through attraction that reveals the harsh realities of Renaissance-era justice through interactive displays and storytelling.

Also reopening this season is Scarborough Castle: Hauntings of Yore, a self-guided attraction that invites brave guests to wander the castle halls while discovering the eerie legends and ghostly tales said to linger within its ancient walls.

The festival also features a special engagement by viral performer Jacques Ze Whipper, a second-generation Renaissance and circus entertainer who has attracted millions of followers online with his daring whip artistry and charismatic performances.

Artisan Marketplace and Entertainment

Throughout the Village, more than 200 artisan shoppes offer handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, pottery, fine art, clothing and unique Renaissance treasures. Dozens of stages and street performers fill the lanes with music, comedy, swordplay and acrobatics, ensuring there is always something new to discover around every corner.

Tickets and Visitor Information

Tickets are available at 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. Some activities, games and rides require an additional fee. Parking is free.

Friends of Faire memberships, Season Passes and Weekend Passes are also available for guests who want to return again and again. Advance discounts will be available at North Texas Tom Thumb and Albertsons beginning March 28. Military and Senior discounts are available at the gate with valid ID.

Blue Goose Cantina is turning up the heat beginning Monday, March 9 with a limited-time menu from Augie’s Cocina, bringing crave-worthy dishes and refreshing sips to the table. Available for a short time only, the new offerings spotlight fresh, crave-worthy flavors, house-made touches and the signature flair guests have loved since 1984.

Leading the lineup are Birria Flautas ($16). Tender birria blended with Jack cheese is rolled in a flour tortilla, fried to a golden crisp and topped with lettuce, cilantro cream, spicy creamosa, pico de gallo and queso fresco. The dish is served with Spanish rice and rich consommé for dipping.

Pollo Adobado ($17) delivers a savory-sweet balance. An adobo-marinated chicken breast is grilled and finished with grilled pineapple pico, then paired with poblano rice, sautéed vegetables and a side of chipotle cream sauce.

Seafood lovers can dive into Fajita Shrimp Tacos ($17). Mesquite-grilled Blue Diamond shrimp are tucked into four mini flour tortillas and layered with cabbage slaw, roasted corn, avocado, chipotle mayo and queso fresco. The tacos are served with poblano rice and black beans for a satisfying finish.

To complement the new dishes, Blue Goose Cantina introduces two alcohol-free refreshers. The Watermelon Aqua Fresca ($6) blends premium El Cantinero cordial with fresh watermelon flavors and is topped with sweet grilled pineapple and jalapeños for a subtle kick. The Nada Colada ($6) is a blended piña colada without alcohol, offering tropical flavor without the morning-after regrets.

Established in 1984, Blue Goose Cantina brings together made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, attentive service and a high-energy atmosphere. A division of Peterson Management Group, the family-owned restaurant management company, Blue Goose operates eight North Texas locations in Frisco, Plano, Highland Village, McKinney, Grapevine, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie and North Richland Hills ( temporarily closed).

The Augie’s Cocina menu items are available for a limited time at participating locations. For more information, including menus and locations, visit BlueGooseCantina.com and follow Blue Goose Cantina on Facebook and Instagram for updates and promotions.

ABOUT PETERSON MANAGEMENT GROUP
Peterson Management Group is a family-owned and operated restaurant management company with 13 restaurants across North Texas. Founded by Bob Peterson and Scott Holyfield, the company operates Aw Shucks, Big Shucks Oyster Bar, and Blue Goose Cantina. Under the leadership of CEO Nick Peterson, the company continues a more than 40-year legacy rooted in great food, hospitality, and community connection.

Calling all ghosts, ghouls, and goblins: Texas Woman’s University is conjuring up a spooktacular lineup of Halloween festivities this October as part of 31 Days of Denton Halloween — with family-friendly events open to the community.

From candy-filled fun to record-breaking thrills, TWU is set to deliver an unforgettable Halloween season. At the heart of it all is the university’s annual Boo at the U, followed by a show-stopping attempt to make history with the Texas Thriller Takeover.

Boo at the U

• When: Thursday, Oct. 16, 6–8 p.m.

• Where: Hubbard Hall Lawn / TWU Gardens, 303 Administration Dr, Denton (located on the southwest corner of North Bell Avenue and Administration Drive)

The annual Boo at the U festival has been a staple of community engagement for the university for decades, and provides a safe, family-friendly, trick-or-treating setting for area residents. More than 3,000 people join the annual free event, making it a Denton favorite for families.The event includes:

• Trick-or-treating stations with TWU students, faculty and staff

• Inflatables, rides, axe throwing, petting zoo and Halloween arts and crafts

• Costume contests for kids, teens, students, staff, faculty, alumni and groups

• Food trucks and “Build-A-Boo Buddy” stuffed toys for purchase

• Admission is free and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to donate items to support Minerva’s Market Food Pantry. 

Texas Thriller Takeover - One night. One dance. One record to break. 

• When: Thursday, Oct. 16, immediately after Boo at the U (approx. 8 p.m.)

• Where: Pioneer Circle outside Margo Jones Performance Hall, 1100 Oakland St., Denton

As the sun sets on Boo at the U, the night heats up with TWU’s Texas Thriller Takeover — an attempt to break the Texas record for the largest “Thriller” dance. The goal: top Austin’s 2008 record of 881 zombie dancers. 

• Schedule:

• 8 p.m. — Registration and wristband pickup (required for count)

• 8:15 p.m. — Dance instruction

• 8:30 p.m. — Record-breaking attempt

All ages are welcome, costumes are encouraged, and participants will receive a commemorative wristband. There is no need to register…just show up!  

The event also celebrates TWU’s new musical theatre program and its first production, Zombie Prom.

Additional Halloween Happenings at TWU

Zombie Prom, a Musical Comedy

• When: Oct. 30–31 at 7:30 p.m. | Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

• Where: Margo Jones Performance Hall, 1100 Oakland St, Denton, TX

• Tickets: $10 general | $5 students/seniors | Free for children under 12

• Details: A campy, rock-and-roll musical about teenage love, glowing zombies, and the ultimate prom night showdown. Critics call it “fun for the whole nuclear family.” The production launches TWU’s new Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre program, led by Julio Agustin Matos, Jr., TWU’s Artistic Manager of Musical Theatre and Broadway veteran. 

TWU Walking Ghost Tours

• When: Oct. 27–31, 8–9 p.m. nightly

• Where: Meet at the Blagg-Huey Library fountain, 307 Administration Dr, Denton

• Details: Curious about TWU’s haunting tales of specters, phantoms, and things that go bump in the night? You will not want to miss this opportunity to walk the campus at dusk for tales of true love lost, unidentified sightings, wandering apparitions and missing persons. Guided by TWU archivist Kimberly Johnson, guests explore legends of Old Main’s moaning voices, the Little Chapel’s hooded lady, and Guinn Hall’s restless spirit of Dr. John. Free, PG-13 tours run nightly with no reservation required.

For more information about TWU’s Halloween festivities, visit:https://events.twu.edu

ABOUT 31 DAYS OF DENTON HALLOWEEN

During its 89th session, the Texas Legislature officially designated Denton as the Halloween Capital of Texas. In its inaugural year, Denton Halloween drew more than 660,000 visitors to 200+ events, downtown activations and spine-tingling experiences.

Every October, the month-long celebration transforms Denton into a Halloween wonderland with festivals, live music, haunted history, family fun and frights for the bold.

ABOUT TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation for excellence in nursing, health care, education, business, and the arts and sciences. Learn more attwu.edu.