Renaissance Fest offers glimpse into 16th Century British life

The Texas Renaissance Festival, the nation's largest, most acclaimed Renaissance theme park, is now open every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 25.

The enchanted 53 acre New Market Village comes to life as all of Europe's royal courts come to pay homage to Queen Katherine on her birthday.

Each of the eight weekends has a unique theme with different courts vying for the Queen's favor by bestowing lavish amusements and gifts upon her.

Even the scalawag pirates and raucous barbarians will have their very own weekends to visit and pillage New Market Village.

Costumed performers inspire continuous laughter on stages located throughout the festival with hundreds of daily performances. Visitors meander along shaded cobblestone walkways visiting more than 340 shops overflowing with unique arts and crafts or offering delicious foods and beverages.

All ages will be amused by the games of skill and human-powered rides. Revel in the sights, sounds and smells of this authentically recreated 16th Century British village with lush landscaped grounds covered with gardens and vines. A perfect day ends as one beholds the burst of royal fireworks held at dusk above the festival's lake.

Tickets are available at these discount ticket outlets throughout Texas and southwest Louisiana: HEB stores, Woodforest National Banks, Randall's stores, Market Basket stores, Apple Tree stores and ClicknPrint Tickets online.

Tickets are also available on the website and by calling 800- 458-3435.

The Texas Renaissance Festival is located on FM 1774 between Magnolia and Plantersville, 45 minutes northwest of Houston.

For more information please call 1-800-458-3435 or visit our newly renovated website at www.texrenfest.com.