Experience Sherwood Forest Faire, an enchanting medieval adventure held annually on weekends each spring. Visitors indulge in thrilling sword fights, engaging artisan crafts, and delightful treats like smoked turkey legs and frothy mead. With over 150 live performances daily, each visit promises unforgettable memories. Guests can explore the Artisan Marketplace, tie the knot in fairy-tale style, or simply revel in the festivities. Venture further to uncover even more medieval marvels waiting to be discovered.
Image: MarkScottAustinTX, Sherwood Forest Faire 051521 DSC 6683 (51335980925), CC BY-SA 2.0
Event Overview and Dates
Sherwood Forest Faire continues to celebrate its annual tradition, offering a magical escape over eight weekends from early March through late April each year.
Set in a 25-acre medieval-style village in McDade, Texas—approximately 35 miles east of Austin—the event provides a full day of adventure, rain or shine, with operating hours from 10 a.m. to dusk.
Attendees can immerse themselves in a lively atmosphere with over 150 live performances per day, featuring jousters, falconers, musicians, and more. Tickets for Sherwood Forest Faire typically range from $26 to $28 for adults, while children enjoy half-price admission.
Special tickets are required for exclusive events like Robin Hood’s Feast.
Entertainment Highlights and Performances
Upon entering Sherwood Forest Faire, visitors are immersed in a whirlwind of entertainment that spans every corner of this medieval wonderland. The faire’s entertainment lineup includes thrilling sword fighting at the Castle Siege with Robin Hood, where action-packed displays unfold in front of excited crowds.
Families enjoy interactive experiences like the Children’s School of Sword, which offers hands-on swordplay lessons for young knights in training. Enchanting melodies from live bands, the comedic antics of Acrobatrix, and the illusions of Bodhi the Magi take place across numerous stages throughout the faire’s eight-weekend run.
Each performance offers a unique and memorable experience for attendees of all ages.
Artisan Marketplace and Crafts
After enjoying the lively performances, visitors can wander into the Artisan Marketplace, where creativity flourishes at every booth. With over 130 artisan booths, guests are enveloped in a world of hand-crafted goods from talented local artisans.
Live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as glass blowing, blacksmithing, and pottery spinning offer a fascinating glimpse into age-old skills. Many booths encourage hands-on participation, allowing guests to create their own unique items, adding a personalized touch to their visit.
From leatherwork and jewelry to swords and historical clothing, the marketplace presents a trove of distinctive wares. Purchasing directly from local craftspeople supports the artisan community while providing meaningful souvenirs from a memorable medieval adventure.
Food and Drink Options
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When hunger strikes, guests can indulge in the culinary delights of Sherwood Forest Faire, where medieval-themed food and drink options abound. Favorites include smoked turkey legs and savory Italian sausage, offering hearty sustenance for adventurous appetites.
A variety of food vendors present unique dishes that reflect the faire’s immersive theme. The Silk Road, for example, offers specialty items that add depth to the event’s culinary experience.
Tankards of frothy mead provide an authentic medieval touch, while sweet treats like freshly made funnel cakes round out the feast.
The faire’s wide range of flavors ensures a satisfying and immersive dining experience.
Weddings and Special Events
For those dreaming of a fairy tale wedding or planning a distinctive celebration, Sherwood Forest Faire offers enchanting options to make any event unforgettable. The faire features three picturesque wedding venues: Nottingham Castle’s Great Hall, 7 Sisters Sacred Stone Circle, and Maid Marian’s Chapel, each offering a magical medieval setting.
In addition to weddings, the venue hosts vow renewals, private parties, and company retreats, ensuring flexibility for all types of events. Themed wedding packages offer a customized experience and are available even during the off-season, accommodating a wide range of schedules.
Reservations include admission to the faire, allowing guests to enjoy the broader festivities as part of the celebration.
Unique Attractions and Activities
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Beyond weddings and shows, Sherwood Forest Faire offers a range of unique attractions and activities that captivate visitors of all ages.
Daily live performances include full-contact jousting and falconry exhibitions, while serene spots like the Belz Faery Garden provide a whimsical escape where children can explore a faery cottage and lily pond. Hands-on activities such as swordplay lessons at the Children’s School of Sword and live artisan demonstrations allow for immersive learning.
Special events like the Faery Tea Party and Castle Siege with Robin Hood create unforgettable family experiences. Themed competitions, including costume contests at the Falconers Stage, invite guests to actively participate and enhance the festive atmosphere.
Camping and Accommodations
For those seeking an extended medieval experience, Sherwood Forest Faire offers a variety of camping and accommodation options tailored to different preferences. On-site camping is available for tent campers, trailers, and RVs, providing guests with the chance to fully immerse themselves in the medieval ambiance.
For a more rustic experience, basic facilities are available to support primitive camping on the fairgrounds. Those looking for added comfort can reserve one of five themed bedroom suites in the Great Hall of King Richard’s Castle.
These luxurious accommodations offer a blend of historical charm and modern convenience.
Ticket Information and Pricing
Planning a visit to Sherwood Forest Faire involves understanding ticket options and pricing.
Adult tickets generally range from $26 to $28, while children’s admission is offered at half price. These tickets grant access to a wide variety of performances, shows, and themed areas throughout the fairegrounds.
The event is held annually on weekends from early March through late April, offering multiple opportunities to join the festivities. Certain exclusive experiences—such as Robin Hood’s Feast—require additional ticket purchases beyond general admission.
Advance online ticket purchases are recommended to ensure availability and streamline entry for attendees.
Personal Experiences and Visitor Tips
To make the most of a visit to Sherwood Forest Faire, guests are encouraged to arrive early to experience the full range of performances and activities offered throughout the day. Downloading the performance schedule in advance helps with planning a personalized itinerary.
Budgeting for artisan shopping and themed food enhances the experience, especially with over 130 booths featuring unique handcrafted goods. Families should prioritize children’s attractions such as the Children’s School of Sword and the Faery Tea Party for interactive fun.
Purchasing tickets ahead of time ensures a seamless entry process and maximizes enjoyment. With these insights in mind, every visit to Sherwood Forest Faire promises to be both enchanting and unforgettable.