Sherwood Forest Faire: A Medieval Escape in Bastrop County

Every spring, just 35 miles east of Austin in McDade, Bastrop County comes alive with the sights, sounds, and enchantment of medieval England. Since 2010, the Sherwood Forest Faire has been captivating over 150,000 visitors annually with its immersive 25-acre Renaissance village—complete with jousting, artisans, costumes, and more (en.wikipedia.org).

🏰 When & Where

• Dates (2026): Weekends from February 28 to April 19 (plus select Fridays) (sherwoodforestfaire.com).

• Hours: 10 AM–dusk, rain or shine (kids-houston.com).

• Location: 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX 78650—convenient for families in Bastrop and Austin (en.wikipedia.org).

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🎭 Spectacles & Storytelling

• 150+ live shows daily, including full-contact jousts, falconry exhibitions, swordplay, archery, fire juggling, comedy, and more (en.wikipedia.org).

• A continuing Robin Hood storyline, featuring actors as Robin Hood, Maid Marian, the Sheriff of Nottingham, and other familiar faces, with puppetry and drama across stages (en.wikipedia.org).

• Ideal for kids: a Faery Tea Party, Children’s Forest, petting zoo, puppet theater, castle siege reenactments, and interactive treasure hunts (austinmoms.com).

🛍️ Artisan Marketplace

• Over 170 artisans showcasing handmade crafts—leatherwork, pottery, blacksmithing, weaving, glass-blowing, jewelry, and more (kids-houston.com).

• Many offer daily demonstrations, plus shop-in-shop areas for garb rentals/costumes, perfect for full immersion (austinmoms.com).

🍖 Food, Drink & Merriment

• More than 30 food & drink stalls with turkey legs, medieval trenchers, global fare (like curried goat and shawarma), sweet treats, mead, and local ciders (communityimpact.com).

• Family favorites include unique snacks like chocolate‑covered bananas and strawberry-pickle lemonade (austinmoms.com).

🌙 Stay the Night (Optional)

• On-site primitive camping and RV spaces—perfect for families who want to extend the experience. Campgrounds have quiet zones, though festivity noise can carry (reddit.com).

• A romantic twist? Castle accommodations are available—book early for a stay in Nottingham Castle’s Great Hall (365thingsaustin.com).

🌟 Awards & Why It Stands Out

• Recently voted “Best Medieval Festival” by the Renaissance Festival Podcast, praised for its authenticity, camaraderie, and high-quality entertainment (austin.culturemap.com).

• Described as more than a fair—it’s a living community, built around shared stories, rituals, and immersion .

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

💡 Planning Tips

Tip	Details
Tickets & Deals	Kids under 5 free; youth/adult/military/senior rates available; watch for BOGO offers on early Sundays (do512family.com).
Dress Up	Costume rentals and contests happen daily—fully embrace the spirit!
Kid Prep	Bring strollers/wagons, dress for dirt paths, bring water/snacks; changing tables and quiet zones available .
Must-See Shows	Faery Tea Party, Sky Kings falconry, Solar Rain fireshow, castle siege finale .
Stay or Go?	Camping adds charm but can be lively—earplugs help. Castle stays offer luxury; woods + tents offer communal ambiance .
Weekend Events	Special weekends like ASL/Deafblind, clan gatherings, themed group weekends (e.g. pirates, Mardi Gras parties) happen organically .

Final Thoughts

The Sherwood Forest Faire is more than just a festival—it’s a fully realized medieval realm where historic craft, epic performances, immersive shopping, and family fun collide under the pines of Bastrop County. Whether you spend a sun-soaked weekend in costume, marvel at jousts, try your hand at archery, or simply sip mead by the fire, it's guaranteed to spark imagination for guests of all ages.

May your quiver be full and your heart light—your journey to Sherwood awaits!