Scarborough Renaissance Festival and Scarborough’s Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival have been recognized by fans across the country in the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, earning top honors as Favorite Renaissance Festival (Southeast) and Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival, respectively.

The annual awards are voted on by Renaissance festival fans nationwide and celebrate the artisans, performers and creative talents who bring the magic of the Renaissance to life each season.

“We are honored that fans across the country continue to recognize the passion, creativity and dedication that define the Scarborough experience,” said Veronica Castelo, general manager of Southwest Festivals LLC. “These awards reflect the incredible work of our performers, artisans and cast members whose talent and commitment create the immersive world our guests return to year after year.”

The Festival also congratulates the many Scarborough-affiliated artisans and performers recognized in the 2025 awards, including:

• Don Juan & Esmeralda — 1st Place, Group Variety Show

• Adam Crack — 2nd Place, Whipping Performance

• Blackhawk Metalworks — 3rd Place, Favorite Houseware

• Blonde Swan Hats — 2nd Place, Favorite Headwear

• Dreamie and Hullabaloo Henna — 3rd Place, Favorite Wearable Art

• Gnome and Fairy Pottery — 1st Place, Educational Demonstration

• Jacques Ze Whipper — 1st Place, Whipping Performance

• Joshua the Ventriloquist — 2nd Place, Favorite Puppeteer/Ventriloquist

• The Knarly Knot — 3rd Place, Favorite Drinking Vessels

• Midnight Orchid Design — 3rd Place, Favorite Apparel

• Moor of Dundee — 1st Place, Music and Vocals, Solo Performer in the Lanes

• Patchwork Moon by Luna — 2nd Place, Favorite Jewelry

• Queen Anne’s Lace — 2nd Place, Favorite A Capella

• Rhiannon Oils and Incense — 3rd Place, Favorite Perfume, Soap or Incense

• Sarah Marie Mullen — 2nd Place, Favorite Solo Performer

• Syndicate Academy of Sword & Skill — 2nd Place, Educational Demonstration

• Washing Well Wenches — 1st Place, Small Comedy Performance

• Wondrous Works in Wood — 2nd Place, Favorite Drinking Vessels

The 2026 season will also welcome back two award-winning performers recognized in this year’s Renaissance Festival Awards: Tartanic, named Favorite Instrumental Group, and fan favorite Opal the Fairy, who placed third in Favorite Faery, bringing their celebrated talents back to the Scarborough stage.

The recognition comes as Scarborough Renaissance Festival prepares to celebrate its milestone 45th season in 2026, continuing a decades-long North Texas tradition that draws visitors from across the state and beyond.

The festival runs April 4 through May 25, 2026, open Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day Monday, transforming a 25-acre English village in Waxahachie into a fully immersive 16th-century celebration of history, entertainment and adventure.

The 2026 season will feature several new experiences and returning favorites, including a spectacular new joust arena and royal dais for tournament action, the reopening of Scarborough Castle: Hauntings of Yore, the immersive King’s Dungeon attraction exploring Renaissance-era justice and punishment, an expanded Viking Artisan Village with dozens of new artisans joining the marketplace, and a dozen new shows performing across the Festival village.

Following the spring season, the site will again host Scarborough’s Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival, which returns for its second season in 2026 after a widely popular inaugural year. The immersive autumn festival transforms the Crown Meadow area of the Scarborough grounds into a world of magic, mischief and seasonal wonder. Guests can explore artisan shoppes, enjoy live entertainment, participate in interactive activities for all ages and experience whimsical attractions with a touch of spooky delight.

Once a year, Renaissance festival fans from across the country vote to recognize the performers, artisans and festivals that create the immersive worlds audiences love. The awards celebrate the people and places that continue to keep Renaissance culture, storytelling and craftsmanship alive for new generations.

To learn more about both festivals, visitwww.SRFestival.com or follow SRFestival on Facebook,Instagram TikTok, and YouTube.  

For 45 seasons, Scarborough Renaissance Festival? has stood as a Texas institution, welcoming generations of families, travelers and tradition-seekers to step back in time to the 16th century each spring. In 2026, the Festival celebrates its milestone 45th season with eight weekends of immersive entertainment, legendary performances and new experiences that underscore its place in the cultural fabric of the state.

Running Saturdays and Sundays from April 4 through May 24 and closing with a special Memorial Day celebration on Monday, May 25, the Festival transforms a 25-acre English village in Waxahachie into a destination that draws visitors throughout Texas and nationwide. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each open day.

What began in 1981 as a modest gathering has grown into one of the largest and most respected Renaissance festivals in the United States, consistently recognized as a must-visit spring tradition. For many Texans, Scarborough is more than an annual outing — it is a rite of passage, revisited year after year and passed down through generations.

A Season Designed for Discovery

Each weekend at Scarborough Renaissance Festival is designed to offer a distinct experience, giving guests a reason to return throughout the season — whether to celebrate with family, explore artisan craftsmanship, embrace fantasy, enjoy immersive storytelling, or honor tradition.

Opening Weekend & Easter Celebration, April 4–5
The season opens with the ceremonial return of the Village with families enjoying Opening Day pageantry, an Easter Egg Stroll for children, and a Renaissance-style Easter service on Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free throughout Opening Weekend and Seniors (65+) receive a $10 discount at the gate, making it an ideal introduction for first-time visitors.

Artisan’s Showcase Weekend, April 11–12
This weekend highlights the heart of Scarborough’s artisan community. Guests are encouraged to slow down, watch live demonstrations and explore more than 200 handcrafted shoppes, celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship that define the Festival.

Barbarian Weekend, April 18–19
A high-energy weekend that leans into feats of strength, bold characters and spirited competition. Costumed revelers, themed contests and immersive performances make this a favorite for guests who enjoy spectacle and playful pageantry.

Celtic Weekend & Deaf Awareness Day, April 25–26
Celtic music, dance and storytelling take center stage, filling the Village with pipes, drums and folk harmonies. Saturday includes Deaf Awareness Day, with select performances interpreted in American Sign Language, reinforcing the Festival’s commitment to accessibility for all.

Spring Celebration & Chivalry Weekend, May 2–3
Scarborough welcomes spring with floral adornments, maypole dancing and village-wide celebrations of renewal. Guests are invited to take part in chivalry lessons and vow renewals, embracing traditions rooted in community and connection.

Flights of Fantasy Weekend & Mother’s Day, May 9–10
Fantasy takes flight as cosplay fans, fairy folklore enthusiasts and imaginative spirits fill the lanes. The weekend blends whimsical storytelling, costume contests and family-friendly activities. Children 12 and under are admitted free on Mother’s Day Sunday.

Legends of the Seas Weekend, May 16–17
Pirates, mermaids and nautical adventure take over the Village. Sea-themed games, scavenger hunts and costumed contests invite guests to embrace the lore and legend of the high seas.

The Last Huzzah! Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–25
The Festival closes its 45th season with a three-day celebration filled with music and merriment. Memorial Day Monday features a Veterans Parade and Fallen Heroes Tribute, honoring active and retired military members with a presentation of colors and commemorative ceremony.

Signature Attractions, Games & Rides Across the Village

Beyond its stages and street performances, Scarborough Renaissance Festival is known for its interactive attractions, hands-on experiences and human-powered amusements that invite guests to become part of the story rather than simply watch it unfold.

Fantasy and folklore come to life at the Mermaid Lagoon, where guests can meet and interact with live mermaids in a tropical-inspired setting throughout the day. Nearby, the Mythical Monster Museum of Raptus and Krane offers a walk-through encounter with creatures ranging from tiny fairies to towering dragons, blending theatrical storytelling with imagined histories, artifacts and preserved “specimens.”

Families can connect with animals at the Royal Menagerie, a hands-on experience featuring sheep, goats, pigs and other animals that reflect the important role livestock played in daily Renaissance life. Guests seeking pure whimsy can also visit the Unicorn Experience, set within a fairy-built garden and complete with a keepsake photo souvenir.

Throughout the Festival, visitors are invited to test their aptitude at games of skill, including archery and longbow shooting, crossbow challenges, axe, knife and star throwing, climbing walls, strength tests, mazes and a variety of Renaissance- and pirate-themed games designed for friendly competition.

Guests can also ride back to the past on a collection of human-powered Renaissance rides, including barrel rides, swings, the pirate ship swing and the quintain jousting ride. Animal rides, including camel and pony rides, offer younger guests an unforgettable, old-world experience that has become a Festival tradition. (All experiences above require an additional fee.)

Entertainment That Defines the Festival

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is known for its depth and diversity of entertainment, featuring more than 20 stages and performances areas of continuous live programming daily.

The 2026 lineup includes returning favorites such as social media favorites The Fortress Dwellers, Opal the Fairy, Tartanic, Kamikaze Fireflies, Adam Crack, Jacques Ze Whipper, Cirque du Sewer, Arthur Greenleaf Holmes, The Spice Boys, and dozens of musicians, comedians, acrobats and specialty performers.

Daily highlights include the Grande Parade at 1 p.m., living chess matches, birds of prey exhibitions, immersive dance experiences and nearly half a century of jousting traditions. Each day concludes with the Village Pub Sing, bringing performers and guests together in song.

Adult guests can also enjoy curated beer and wine tasting experiences, hosted by certified experts.

A Texas Tradition, 45 Years Strong

For 45 years, Scarborough Renaissance Festival? has remained a singular experience in Texas - one that blends history, performance, craftsmanship and community into a destination that feels both timeless and alive. As the Festival enters this milestone year, it continues to welcome audiences from across the state and beyond, honoring the traditions that built its legacy while inviting new generations to make it their own.

“Scarborough Renaissance Festival has always been more than a seasonal event - it’s part of the Texas story,” said Veronica Castelo, general manager of Southwest Festivals, LLC. “For 45 years, guests have returned with their families, introduced new generations to the Festival, and made Scarborough a tradition that spans decades. As we celebrate this milestone season, we’re honoring that legacy while continuing to evolve the experience, so it remains just as magical for first-time visitors as it is for those who have been coming for years.”

Scarborough Renaissance Festival? is in Waxahachie, Texas, approximately 30 minutes south of downtown Dallas.

Take Part in the Revelry

Tickets are available at www.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. Friends of Faire memberships, Season Passes, and Weekend Passes are also available for guests who want to return again and again.  Discount tickets will also be available at participating Tom Thumb and Albertsons locations throughout the season. 

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is sponsored by Dr Pepper and Tom Thumb & Albertsons.

For schedules, tickets and additional information, visit www.SRFestival.com or follow SRFestival on Facebook, Instagram  TikTok, and YouTube.  

Panda-monium is about to take over North Texas! Panda Fest, one of the nation’s fastest-growing Asian food and culture festivals, is making its Dallas debut this fall at Carpenter Park in Downtown Dallas. The family-friendly event runs November 7–9, 2025, with tickets going on sale Tuesday, September 17.

Guests can look forward to a weekend filled with 60+ food vendors, live performances, panda-themed fun, and family-friendly activities that showcase the rich diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures.

Founded by BiuBiu Xu, the creator of New York City’s acclaimed Dragon Fest, Panda Fest began as a one-day pop-up and quickly grew into a multi-city, multi-day celebration. The festival has sold out in cities including Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle and Minneapolis/St. Paul—cementing its reputation as a must-attend cultural event. In 2026, Panda Fest will return to those cities while also expanding to Dallas, Austin, Nashville, Charlotte, Hartford, and Phoenix.

“Dallas has such a vibrant, diverse community, and we are thrilled to bring Panda Fest here for the very first time,” said Xu.“After selling out in city after city, we know Texas is ready for the panda-monium—where food, culture, and fun come together in unforgettable ways.”

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

• 60+ Asian Food Vendors: 150+ dishes from across Asia, including authentic street food, sweet treats, and creative fusion bites.

• Cultural Marketplace: 15+ vendors featuring artisan crafts, clothing, accessories, and Asian heritage goods.

• Live Performances: Traditional music, lion dances, K-pop showcases, arts like calligraphy and sugar painting, plus music and more.

• Panda Attractions: A 15-foot inflatable panda, themed games, panda merchandise, and Instagram-worthy installations.

• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids under 6 get in free (with perks!), strollers welcome, and pets allowed with guidelines.

FESTIVAL DETAILS

DATES & TIMES

• Friday, November 7 – 4pm - 10 pm

• Saturday, November 8 – 10pm - 10pm

• Sunday, November 9 – 10pm - 8pm 

LOCATION
Carpenter Park
2201 Pacific Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
In the heart of Downtown Dallas!

TICKET INFORMATION

• Tickets on Sale Sept. 17 atpandafests.com. 

• Early Bird (Sept. 17–21): $10 (limited to 1,000 tickets per time slot) (Saturday tickets +$2)

• General Admission: $14 (Saturday tickets +$2). Includes 2 free gifts: custom Dallas panda pin and panda headband

• VIP Admission: $35 (Saturday tickets +$2). Includes 3 free gifts: one customized Dallas panda pin, panda headband and customized bag, plus exclusive bathrooms; fast pass for entrance

• Gate Admission: $20 (subject to capacity; ticket holders receive priority entry)

Kids & Families:

• Children 6+ require a ticket (adult ticket price).

• Children under 6 are free (receive panda headband only).

TICKETS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 17

Early bird tickets go fast—secure yours atpandafests.com. Follow @PandaFestDallas or @PandaFestTexas on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for vendor spotlights, sneak peeks, and festival updates. Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation.

ABOUT PANDA FEST

Launched in 2024, Panda Fest has become one of the largest outdoor Asian food and culture festivals in the United States. With its unique blend of culinary tastings, immersive cultural performances, artisan markets, and panda-themed attractions, Panda Fest creates a vibrant, family-friendly space for celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions. Pandas remain at the heart of the event, with themed installations, inflatables, and souvenirs making it a one-of-a-kind experience for attendees of all ages.

Since 2015, the Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) at the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University has been helping transform “visions into ventures,” providing funding, business advisement, and training for more than 1,900 women-owned businesses across Texas to date. 

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, CWE will host an anniversary event on July 8 and will feature a vendor showcase of 40 grant recipients.

Over the last decade, CWE has awarded more than $2.37 million in grant funding to 467 women entrepreneurs across Texas, supporting efforts to launch, grow, and scale businesses in urban centers and rural communities. Among the rich diversity of ventures supported by CWE are a number of intriguing enterprises—such as a pet gift shop, doula service, custom prosthetics designer, and even a mortuary —that collectively showcase the innovation and creativity of women-owned businesses across Texas.  

In addition to funding, CWE has conducted more than 300 training sessions to equip women business owners with the skills, strategies, and resources needed to sustain a successful enterprise. The Center has also received a number of accolades and awards, including the Educate Award (2022) from the Denton Chamber of Commerce, as well as University of the Year (2025), Corporate Supporter of the Year (2024) and BIPOC Corporate Champion awards (2024) from the DEC Network. 

Overview of CWE Programs 

AccelerateHER
This immersive program fast-tracks early-stage, women-owned startups into scalable businesses. Six entrepreneurs are selected to participate in each cohort, gaining access to expert-led education and resources through CWE and its statewide partners.

To date, the rotating program has served women-owned businesses in Denton, Dallas, Houston, Abilene, Mission, Austin, and Corpus Christi.

Veteran Woman Grant
Designed to boost economic development, this grant supports innovative projects by veteran woman-owned small businesses across Texas.

Texas Rural Woman Grant
This grant empowers rural women entrepreneurs to pursue new ideas and expand business opportunities in underserved communities.

StartHER Grant
Aimed at startups, the StartHER Grant helps women-owned businesses launch innovative new initiatives and build early-stage momentum.

"According to the Office of the Governor, Texas is home to 1.3 million women owned businesses,” said Shannon Mantaro, Executive Director and Chief Officer for the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership.“Clearly, investing in women entrepreneurs is a smart move for our state’s economic development. Over the past decade, CWE has proven that with the right resources and relationships, women will build businesses that thrive. We’re proud of the thousands  of women we’ve partnered with, and we can’t wait to meet the next generation of Texas changemakers. If you’re ready to take your vision to the next level, CWE is ready to help.”

Investing in Visionaries

From Dallas to Houston, from Abilene to Longview, the stories behind CWE grant recipients across Texas are as vibrant and varied as Texas itself. A few examples of recently awarded CWE grants include: Embody Health (Keller), a women’s health clinic offering holistic, compassionate care; Clean Eatz (College Station), a franchise promoting wellness through balanced meals and fitness education; ATX Supper Club (Austin), a dining adventure community creating inclusive connections through beautiful meals; and Rose Soiree (Corpus Christi), a creative floral studio specializing in events and workshops.

Grants awarded prior to 2025 have supported a host of innovative businesses across the state, such as Centro de Consejeria Familiar (Arlington), providing culturally sensitive counseling to Latino families; Copano Oyster Company (Austin), promoting sustainable coastal practices; and Game Theory TX (Fort Worth), a scratch kitchen and board game bar focused on community. Other CWE-supported businesses include boutique storefronts, youth education enterprises, a baby supply vending machine company, and a natural personal care product brand for people with chronic skin conditions. 

A Legacy of Leadership

CWE is a flagship program of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University, the nation’s largest woman-focused university system. The Institute’s three centers—the Center for Student Leadership, the Center for Women in Government, and the Center for Women Entrepreneurs—are united by a common mission: preparing women to lead.

Upcoming Funding Opportunity 

Applications for the StartHER Grant open August 26 and close September 26. These grants support women-owned startups in launching new initiatives and driving early-stage growth. Other grant programs—including those for veterans and rural entrepreneurs—will open in phases throughout the year.

For full eligibility and deadlines, visit https://twu.edu/center-women-entrepreneurs/grant-dates/.

“Ten Years of Turning Visions Into Ventures”

To commemorate its 10-year anniversary, CWE will host a special celebration featuring refreshments, remarks, and a 40-vendor showcase of CWE-supported businesses:

- Tuesday, July 8 | 5 to 7 p.m.
- Southwest Ballroom, TWU Student Union at Hubbard Hall
- Remarks at 5:30 p.m. | Free Valet Parking
- Learn more: https://linktr.ee/twucwe

ABOUT THE JANE NELSON INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

The Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University is dedicated to preparing women for successful careers in business and public service.

Its three specialized centers—Center for Student Leadership, Center for Women Entrepreneurs and Center for Women in Government—ensure women have the education to establish careers as successful executives, the skills for building entrepreneurial businesses and the framework needed to excel in public service.

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 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a fundraising effort that has raised more than $160 million to date to support programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visitdreambig.twu.eduor twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook@TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram@txwomans,Twitter@txwomans, and LinkedIn@texaswomansuniversity.