Get ready, Houston! The Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF) is bringing the heat for its milestone 50th season, and what better way to celebrate than with a Barbarian Invasion? Taking place on November 16-17, this is the weekend for warriors at heart – gladiators, Vikings, and even the pint-sized barbarians-in-training are all invited to join in on the epic festivities at Todd Mission’s enchanted forest.

Imagine a world where history meets fantasy, and the lush, wooded grounds are alive with energy. This isn’t just any weekend – it’s a full-blown, action-packed adventure where the spirit of the barbarian comes alive. From fur capes and fierce axes to impromptu horde battles, the TRF’s Barbarian Invasion Weekend encourages festival-goers to channel their wild side and embrace their inner warrior.

 Photo Credit: Texas Renaissance Festival
 Steven David 

"Barbarian Invasion Weekend brings out the inner warrior spirit in all of us," says TRF marketing director Miranda Ramirez. "From staff to patrons, you’ll see plenty of leather, fur, and fierce energy around the grounds. It’s a weekend to celebrate combat, camaraderie, and maybe even brush up on your Viking knowledge."

Record-Breaking Attendance and Epic Entertainment

This season has already seen incredible attendance, with over 276,000 guests passing through the gates as of early November. Last weekend's Heroes & Villains theme drew a crowd of 61,714 people, setting the stage for another unforgettable weekend. The Renaissance festival is on track to break records, welcoming over half a million visitors over its eight themed weekends.

 Photo Credit: Texas Renaissance Festival
 Steven David Johnson 

Adding to the excitement, TRF has teamed up with the upcoming film *Gladiator II*, which debuts in theaters on November 22. Expect a thrilling gladiator competition featuring festival classics like the Strong Man Hammer and The Jacob’s Ladder, plus a Gladiator movie trivia round with chances to win a TRF silver season pass, exclusive tickets to a screening of Gladiator II, and special film swag. Want to test your mettle? Sign-up details for aspiring gladiators are posted on the TRF social media channels!

Activities, Contests, and Special Performances

TRF goes all out for Barbarian Invasion, so it’s not just about watching – it’s about joining in! Start your day with an energetic morning proclamation, and don't miss out on award-winning folk artist Lilith Max’s enchanting performances, taking place at dawn and dusk on the Globe Stage. For the young (and young at heart), the first 500 kids through the gates will receive a foam TRF-branded axe to add to their warrior wardrobe.

Feel like you’ve got the fiercest look on the battlefield? Enter the Barbarian Costume Contest at the Arena Stage at 2 p.m. and show off your rugged style. Or, for the truly bold, test your strength (and your stomach!) in the legendary Turkey Leg Eating Contest at 4 p.m. – floss highly recommended.

 Photo Credit: Texas Renaissance Festival
 Steven David 

Want a real clash of the titans? Don’t miss your chance to meet knights from the Full Steel Combat team at Odin’s Table, where armored warriors will showcase authentic medieval combat. Catch them on Sunday at 2:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., where history and heroics collide in an awe-inspiring spectacle.

Upcoming Themed Weekends

Barbarian Invasion is just one part of TRF’s spectacular lineup. Here’s what’s next as the festival heads into the final weekends of its 50th season:

Highland Fling (Nov. 23-24): Embrace the spirit of Scotland with Highland games, kilts, and bagpipes echoing through the forest.

Celtic Christmas (Nov. 29-Dec. 1): Close out the season with festive cheer, celebrating Christmas with a Celtic twist.

The Texas Renaissance Festival continues to captivate generations with its timeless blend of entertainment, fantasy, and history. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration. Tickets and more information are available at texrenfest.com