Known for roasted turkey legs, jousting competitions, and costumed vendors, the Scarborough Renaissance Festival has been a Waxahachie tradition for more than 40 years. From April 8 through May 29, festivalgoers explore a 16th-century English village complete with King Henry VIII and his royal court, food, entertainment, and crafts. “This year, we’re introducing a new King Henry VIII and a new queen, Katherine Parr, who was Henry’s sixth and final wife,” says Helaine Thompson, director of marketing and communications for the festival.
Across more than 20 stages, performers put on fire whip shows, sword-swallowing displays, and aerialist feats. Over 100 actors portray the royal court, villagers, and peasants. New this year is a Shakespearean song and comedy show, a life-size puppet show, a two-piece Irish funk-punk band, a historical musician and wordsmith, and a member of the fairy squad who teaches fairy etiquette.
At the 200 village shops, artisans in period costume demonstrate glassblowing, blacksmithing, pottery, and other old-fashioned crafts. As visitors browse, they can try an array of treats from the five food courts, including Scottish eggs, fresh pasta and pastries, and all the food on a stick you could want. “The festival really is a great way to step back from today’s technology and commotion,” Thompson says. “You get so involved in what’s going on, you won’t see a lot of cellphones out.”
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
April 8-May 29
2511 FM 66, Waxahachie.srfestival.com
BIG BEND COUNTRY
FORT STOCKTON
Big Bend Open Road Race
April 19-22
The race is a 118-mile loop from Fort Stockton to Sanderson and back that’s open to everyone older than 18. Festivities include a car show, a party at Rooney Park, and a parade through town showcasing Vipers, Mustangs, Camaros, and other hot rods. Pecos County Civic Center, 1618 Airport Drive. 432-299-0202; bborr.com
MARFA
Airstrip Astronomy
April 22
Enjoy stargazing, astrophotography, and an astronomy-based oral history at the Sauceda Airstrip. Participants can view the night sky through the lens of telescopes by amateur astronomers, and learn the basics of night sky photography, all accompanied by an educational narrative through space and time. The evening winds down at the South Leyva campground, with limited camping on the airstrip. Big Bend Ranch State Park Complex Interior District, 1900 Sauceda Ranch Road. 432-229-3613; tpwd.texas.gov
MONAHANS
Spring Fling
April 4
The community welcomes visitors to enjoy live music and vendors. Ward County Event Center, 1525 E. Monahans Parkway. 432-943-2187; monahans.org
VAN HORN
Building Bridges Art Show
April 19-21
Local and regional artists display their sculptures, photography, oil paintings, and water colors to younger generations. Van Horn Convention Center, 1801 W. Broadway. 432-283-2682; vanhorntexas.org
GULF COAST
ALVIN
Rotary Frontier Day
April 27-29
The 49th annual event features a parade through the old downtown. Children’s rides, food concessions, carnival activities, arts and crafts vendors, and an antique car and bike show round out the event. National Oak Park, 118 S. Magnolia St. 713-828-9477; alvinrotary.org/sitepage/frontier-day
BRAZORIA
Migration Celebration
April 29-30
Tour the refuge on a marsh buggy. Free activities for children include archery, fishing for catfish, a BB gun range, bug sweeping, microscopes, touch tanks, and reptiles. Adults and children can both enjoy the “Birds of Prey” show by EarthQuest as well as the butterfly encounter tents. Naturalists give tours by marsh buggy or wagon. Guided walking tours to Bobcat Woods and to the largest Texas live oak are also available. San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, 2547 County Road 306. 844-842-4737; migrationcelebration.org
CORPUS CHRISTI
Big Bloom Mega Plant Sale
April 1
Plants for sale, specialty
