Beer, wine, and mead lovers are in for a treat this year. Saint Arnold Brewing Company has created the exclusive King’s Fest Ale for festivalgoers, while Karbach Brewing Co. offers Dunkels & Dragons, a flavorful dark lager. Texas Mead Works will present traditional meads, and Norse-inspired wines from Haak Winery will also be available throughout the season.Performances and New Acts Mark the Golden Anniversary
The 2024 season promises a spectacular range of entertainment across 21 stages. Known for its world-class performances, the Texas Renaissance Festival will host a special Golden Anniversary Celebration, featuring a variety show with performers from past seasons. New acts this year include the acrobatic feats of the Accidental Acrobats and folk-inspired dances by Carnival of Sound, celebrating international cultures through music and movement.Media Attention Sparks Interest—and Legal Trouble
While the anniversary season promises merriment, the Texas Renaissance Festival is also under the media spotlight, largely due to an explosive HBO docuseries, Ren Faire. The series offers an unflinching look behind the scenes of TRF, delving into the volatile leadership of Coulam, internal power struggles, and troubling accounts of misconduct, including allegations of violence and sexual abuse on the grounds. The series drew attention to conflicts over the festival’s ownership, with food vendors and minority shareholders attempting to buy the festival from Coulam, only to be rebuffed in dramatic fashion.The legal drama continues offscreen, as several parties, including a vendor group holding 7% ownership, have filed lawsuits against Coulam. Allegations range from breach of contract to mismanagement of finances. One lawsuit in Grimes County aims to compel Coulam to sell the festival, reflecting ongoing tensions over the event’s future.Surging Ticket Sales Despite Controversy
Despite the controversial portrayal in Ren Faire, the festival’s management reports a significant boost in ticket sales. General manager Jeff Baldwin revealed that ticket sales are up 45% compared to the previous season, crediting the documentary with sparking curiosity among both new and returning attendees. “The buzz has drawn people in, even if it wasn’t all positive,” Baldwin told the Houston Chronicle. Although legal disputes loom over the festival’s long-term prospects, they are unlikely to disrupt the 2024 run. As it has for five decades, the Texas Renaissance Festival welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in a world of medieval revelry, with plenty of food, drink, and entertainment to enjoy.
The 2024 season promises a spectacular range of entertainment across 21 stages. Known for its world-class performances, the Texas Renaissance Festival will host a special Golden Anniversary Celebration, featuring a variety show with performers from past seasons. New acts this year include the acrobatic feats of the Accidental Acrobats and folk-inspired dances by Carnival of Sound, celebrating international cultures through music and movement.Media Attention Sparks Interest—and Legal Trouble
While the anniversary season promises merriment, the Texas Renaissance Festival is also under the media spotlight, largely due to an explosive HBO docuseries, Ren Faire. The series offers an unflinching look behind the scenes of TRF, delving into the volatile leadership of Coulam, internal power struggles, and troubling accounts of misconduct, including allegations of violence and sexual abuse on the grounds. The series drew attention to conflicts over the festival’s ownership, with food vendors and minority shareholders attempting to buy the festival from Coulam, only to be rebuffed in dramatic fashion.The legal drama continues offscreen, as several parties, including a vendor group holding 7% ownership, have filed lawsuits against Coulam. Allegations range from breach of contract to mismanagement of finances. One lawsuit in Grimes County aims to compel Coulam to sell the festival, reflecting ongoing tensions over the event’s future.Surging Ticket Sales Despite Controversy
Despite the controversial portrayal in Ren Faire, the festival’s management reports a significant boost in ticket sales. General manager Jeff Baldwin revealed that ticket sales are up 45% compared to the previous season, crediting the documentary with sparking curiosity among both new and returning attendees. “The buzz has drawn people in, even if it wasn’t all positive,” Baldwin told the Houston Chronicle. Although legal disputes loom over the festival’s long-term prospects, they are unlikely to disrupt the 2024 run. As it has for five decades, the Texas Renaissance Festival welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in a world of medieval revelry, with plenty of food, drink, and entertainment to enjoy.