Sherwood Forest Faire — Attraction in Bastrop

I’ve been going to Sherwood Forest Faire since 2023, and it’s quickly become a favorite! It’s a Renaissance festival just outside Austin (McDade, TX) that runs weekends in March and April. Not as massive as Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission, but still a great size to get your ren faire fix.

Hours & Arrival Tips:
Open 10 a.m. to dusk (around 7 p.m.). I recommend arriving 9–11 a.m. to beat traffic; the worst time is 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Parking:
Free and plentiful, with staff doing a great job at directing traffic to keep it moving.

Information:
Maps and schedules are available online ahead of time. I print mine to save my phone’s battery, though they also sell pamphlets at the faire.

Atmosphere:
Fantastic! Cast members stay in character, attendees are friendly, and the vibe is welcoming. The grounds are full of unique shoppes, shows, and medieval fun.

Food & Drink:
Lots of options, but pricey. No hard alcohol—just beer, wine, cider, and mead. On our most recent visit, my husband and I spent $85 (pulled pork fries $18, corn dog $12, kolaches $20, drinks $15, strudel $6, and oyster fries $14). The mead is fun to try, even if it’s not your usual drink.

Water:
$2 bottled water is available at any of the beverage stalls, or you can refill your own bottle in the bathroom sinks (no official refill stations).

Bathrooms:
Surprisingly great. Mix of porta-potties and plumbed AC bathrooms. Lines move quickly too.

Shoppes:
Lots of variety, though some can be a bit pricey. I would not recommend building a whole outfit from the shoppes here unless you’re ready to drop a few hundred dollars. Loved the new flower shop this year!

Shows:
Outstanding! You could spend all day just going from show to show. Jousting, Birds of Prey, Washing Well Wenches, and Paolo Garbanzo are my favorites. Only downside: some speakers are muffled, making it hard to hear.

My critiques: Water: Please add official refill stations like TRF has—Texas is hot, and people need access to clean drinking water. Food & Seating: Prices are steep, and seating is limited. I recommend eating beforehand and bringing protein bars/snacks. Jousting Arena: Sorry I keep comparing this to TRF in Todd Mission but, at TRF, their arena has stadium seating meaning you can be in the very back and still have a great view of the joust because the seating is tiered. At Sherwood, the seating is flat, therefore, if you’re not in the first row, it takes one tall person to obstruct your view in a substantial way. We also didn’t like that we saw some of the riders using spurs on the horses. Sound: Speakers often sound muffled, especially at jousting. Smoke & Dust: People smoke/vape throughout, and with dirt paths it gets dusty. If you’re sensitive, be prepared (I usually do a sinus rinse after).

Bottom line: If you’re in or around Austin, Sherwood Forest Faire is a must-do! The atmosphere, shows, and overall experience are worth it. We’re so lucky to have such a fun, immersive ren faire...

I'll say SFF is a solid Ren Faire, enjoyable, satisfying, worth the money. In 50 years I've been at many Ren Faires in several Western states, inc. 3 others here in TX over the last 6 years. I had gathered from multiple sources that SFF was "more kid-friendly" so it wasn't a priority for me. This was my first visit, I traveled 3 hours to attend, arriving in the early afternoon. Signage was lacking on the approach. Saturday afternoon had little road traffic. Parking was easy, plentiful and free. The setting is worthy of the name, there's more shade and fewer large structures than most other Faires. There wasn't a fancy Program to buy but a map and schedule sheet was free. I have my own garb, I didn't pursue any sort of rental. I didn't encounter any souvenir photo service. I didn't see a lot of strollers or scooters. There didn't seem to much pagentry or parading, which at other Faires can be almost overwhelming. I didn't encounter many Characters roving about; most other Faires see a plethora of stilt-walkers, jugglers, strolling musicians, cast jesters, flower girls, etc. The Dragon-man and Badger-folk were impressing folks, bravo. Shopping was good, hitting most all the points one should expect. I was very glad to find the sort of felt hat I had been missing for years at other Faires, although it wasn't cheap I indulged myself. The food and beverage options are excellent, although I didn't see my favorite Steak-on-a-Stick so I enjoyed a gyro bowl. There was plenty of seating near most vendors and the prices were not excessive. Wash stations were not common however, and I didn't notice any plain drinking fountains. On the topic of this being a "kiddie 'fest" I must add a note of caution. Obviously Ren Faires typically include bold, and ribold costumes, sexualization, Wenches and Wenching, double entendres, libertine antics, Jack Sparrow imitators, etc. This Faire is perhaps being "captured" by the Wierd of Austin ; more than a few bearded persons in lace, dresses and corsets were in attendance, aggressive PDA's by apparent same-sex couples, while there were a couple of females topless except for pasties, and even a few staff or cast members appeared to be dedicated to gender-bending....

Beautiful tree filled setting, lots of people in costumes having fun, plenty of activities for kids and adults, amazingly good food.

Two major cons: 1.) Waited in line on the road to park for about an hour. Arrived at 10:30am, entered the faire grounds parking area at roughly 11:30am. But this was expected so it wasn't a surprise. Parking was well organized and didn't have too far to talk to the entrance.

What was surprising is an...

2.) Appalling lack of drinking water. By the time I realized I was thirsty I was already dehydrated, stood in a line to buy water bottles for about 45 minutes. Almost became a serious situation.

Next year I will remember to bring my own water. I didn't think about it because another renfest further south has drinking fountains and easy access to water all over the place. This was my first time to this particular festival and I mistakenly assumed there would be drinking water easily available. I was horribly mistaken. I should have known better. This was the reason for the rating I provided.

Anyway...

I have a suggestion for the faire organizers: I noticed a number of vendors selling Turkey legs from carts roaming the faire grounds. It would benefit patrons if you had at least the same number of rolling cart vendors selling or providing water bottles. If you charged a minimum parking fee, say five bucks or less you could easily subsidize construction of water fountains throughout the grounds or at least provide free water from the roaming vendors. Although, I wouldn't mind paying for drinking water from a cart vendor had any been available.

In all I had a great time with my family. I recommend going. Just bring your own drinking water or prepare to wait...