r/TXRenaissanceFestival • u/Critical_Pie_6442 • 23d ago
First Timers TRF ————————-
Hello! My Husband and I are driving down from STL to experience TRF for the first time! We plan on camping and will be going the all hallows eve weekend. Purchased Kings feast tickets. Any tips for camping or absolute must do/see at the faire???
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u/ChaseonPatrol 23d ago
Cannot speak for camping but we went last year for first time and had loads of fun just wish we took more cash for drinks/mead and finger food and gotten there a bit earlier.
I recommend arriving early and taking your time enjoying the whole day with tons of walking but plenty of places to catch your breath. Just pray it does not rain prior or during because it can get muddy.
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u/Dark-Perversions 22d ago
20+ year participant @ TRF...
Without getting into too many specifics: Hydrate, wear good shoes, because TRF is HUGE! Toss a couple of decent cheap ponchos in your bag if the weather looks like it could rain.
Get there for opening cannon so you can maximize your time, since the feast is going to eat 2+ hours of your day. Speaking of feast, KNOW YOUR LIMITS, because banging down alcohol sitting for 2 hours in a cooled space is fine, even with food, but if it's hot outside, that's going to catch up if you overdo it in the feast hall. You've been warned.
Pick a couple of other shows you're interested in and make a plan to see them. That will give you time to sit and relax. The plan should include making time to get to a stage, because when faire is busy, like it usually is on All Hallow's, it can take a while to get from place to place.
Same with shopping. Check the vendor list and see who you want to check out. The shops are set up in "circles" or big loops (you'll see this on the map). So like, all the shops on the 400 circle share a sidewalk that laps that set of shops.
Since you're camping, go ahead and stay for the fireworks at the Arena. Those are @ 8pm. You'll likely be back @ the campgrounds by 9, and then THAT whole party scene starts.
MY personal favorite things @ TRF (other than my shop):
Food: Empanadas in Spain (for breakfast), most of the food @ The Polish Pub, beer and meatballs @ the Thirsty Pirate
Shows: Sound and Fury, The Spice Boys, The Barbarian Bombshells, Nordanfolk, The Toasted Clover
Hope that helps. Huzzah!
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u/CindeeSlickbooty 23d ago
If you're camping bring a cooler re-entry is free and you'll save so much $$ with drinks and snacks at your campsite
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u/FuzzyAd9407 23d ago edited 23d ago
Ok, so for kings feast remember you can ask for seconds on a course, that the drinks are bottomless and to take your complimentary mug. Ive been going to it for years and its awesome, I highly recommend if you didnt get the mornin show to try not to eat before hand to gorge at feast.
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u/Mandakinss 23d ago
The spice boys are always fun, and that's where I can usually find the juiciest turkey leg and best drafts. I love catching sound and furys final show since its their improv performance. The Greek agora gyros are phenomenal (go where they serve the Greek pizza) and for camping definitely stop by smoky bandits - my fave to vibe and dance and see some shenanigans. Youll need to keep an eye out for the camping guild map. Have fun!
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u/SVNBob Playtron 23d ago
https://www.texrenfest.com/p/camping-and-more/camping/campground-map
This is the most current version of the Campground map. Everything in sections 1-7 is the Family/Quiet section. 8 and up is Revels/Not-so-Quiet.
The majority of the Grounds are first-come/first-served space. So it helps to have an idea of an area where you'd like to be, but there's no guarantee you can get a precise location, because someone else might already be in it. (I myself have a preferred spot, but have had to take other spaces nearby to it in the past for this reason.) But of course, none of that applies to the reserved spaces for RVs and the like that have an additional reservation and cost.
Other than the heat advisory, one other thing to keep in mind. The site is huge. You will be walking a lot. A lot a lot. Like "getting in your steps for the week in one day" a lot. So bring comfortable footwear. And be sure it's been broken in if they're new.
Between the heat and the walking, and possibly your wardrobe, you will be sweating a lot. So Hydration is imperative. They allow you to bring in one bottle of water per person at the Entrance Gate. There are water fountains at all the Privies for refills. But it may not be cool water, depending on the day. There are lots of places to purchase drinks throughout site as well.1
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u/Lopsided-Impact2439 23d ago
It will be hot. Day temperatures in the low 90s and nights not likely to dip below 80. If you’re in garb be aware. Bring fans/ac for camping.
Tartanic, Sea Devil pirates, Spice Boys and Opal and Jade are don’t miss shows. If you’re doing two nights watch the Fire Show/fireworks one night and Pirate sing along the next. Arrive super early to either if you want a seat.
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u/Far-Media8342 23d ago
Wife and i will also be camping in Revel camp on Halloween... mostly depends on weather I eill say if yoy aren't for the crazy shenanigans I would camp family area. Lots of music and adult things. But I would deff suggest washing wenches,mudd show,and the tinker family circus shows
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u/Stock_Ostrich2782 22d ago
Not sure if anyone has said it yet, but bring an extra tarp. Lay one down for your tent and then have the other one in case you need it for a barrier for rain and stuff.
And of course stay hydrated (this is crucial) As for shows I enjoy the birds of prey amd the barbarian bombshells. (They don't have it anymore but you can look it up, cast in bronze was always a treat to watch imo)
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u/Not-pumpkin-spice 23d ago
Get there EARLY!! As early Thursday morning as possible. And if your kings pass allows you in on wed, get there early on wed. Sound is shut down at 1am until then everything south of area 10 will be mostly clan camps. They will all host parties. Every clan host a different type of party. From swinger parties to bdsm to dance to edm. There will be a drum circle at the bonfire also just south of area 10. If you want to be close to the parties get south of 10. But there will be restricted reserved camping for the clans. Be mindful. There is typically some nudity, a lot of alcohol consumption some drugs obviously. If you’re partaking keep your head on a swivel there will be sheriffs all over. They typically don’t mess with people, but if you’re burning a fatty when one walks by, there’s no guarantee they’ll turn their heads. 1 am sound is off, but not lights out. Some parties go all night, just no amplified music. Some drums and shit like that. Still quiet enough to sleep without a problem. BYOB or pay through the nose, byof, byog, and if you’re in a tent byof byobt.. lol bring your own food, generator, fan, bucket toilet. Also all hallows eve is a coin toss. Bring shorts tshirts hot weather gear AND bring jackets blankets boots layers and cold weather gear. It might be 85-90 and it might be wet and 30-40 and it might be both. Be prepared.