Families looking for a unique way to celebrate Easter weekend can step back in time when Scarborough Renaissance Festival opens its 45th season April 4 and 5, 2026, with festive holiday traditions, immersive entertainment and a full day of family-friendly adventure.

Easter weekend visitors can enjoy an Easter Egg Stroll for children, a Renaissance-style Easter service on Sunday and the festive return of Scarborough’s beloved characters as the Village gates open for the milestone season.

Set within a 35-acre recreation of an English village celebrating the 1545 visit of King Henry VIII and Queen Katheryn Parr, the festival blends history, pageantry and playful fantasy with strolling performers, artisan shoppes, human-powered rides and dozens of live performances.

Opening Weekend Easter Activities

With Easter falling on Opening Weekend this year, the festival offers families a unique way to celebrate the holiday with a blend of festive traditions and Renaissance charm. Children can participate in the Easter Egg Stroll, a playful twist on a classic holiday activity held Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Maypole. Designed for children ages 12 and under, the lighthearted event invites young guests to join village characters for a whimsical egg-on-the-spoon stroll around the Maypole. No registration is required.

On Sunday, April 5, at noon, guests of all ages are invited to attend the Renaissance Easter Service at the Crown Meadow Stage. The abbreviated Anglican-style gathering celebrates the renewal of the season through prayer, music and a message of hope, offering families a meaningful moment of reflection within the festival’s lively village setting.

Families can also take advantage of Kids’ Free Weekend, when children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult, with up to three children admitted free per adult. Children age 4 and under are always admitted free, making Opening Weekend an especially inviting opportunity for families to celebrate spring and begin the festival season together.

Family-Friendly Experiences

Recently voted the No. 1 Renaissance Festival in the Southeast Region at the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards and ranked No. 2 in the nation for family-friendly programming, Scarborough Renaissance Festival offers a wide range of experiences designed especially for children and families.

One of the most memorable traditions for young visitors is the Knighting Ceremony, where children are presented before the Royal Court and recognized for acts of courage and kindness. Each participant receives a commemorative seal naming them a Knight of the Realm or Lady of the Court, creating a lasting keepsake of their visit.

The Mermaid Lagoon invites guests to meet live mermaids in an enchanting tropical setting and interact with these mythical sea creatures during scheduled appearances throughout the day.

Animal lovers will enjoy the Birds of Prey Show, presented by Last Chance Forever Birds of Prey Conservancy. During the interactive presentation, hawks, falcons and other majestic raptors soar overhead while audiences learn about wildlife conservation and the important role these birds play in the natural world.

Young guests are often delighted by Opal the Fairy, a whimsical fae character who spreads joy through bubbles, playful gestures and sparkly surprises that leave children wide-eyed with wonder.

Across the Village stages, families can experience dozens of performances filled with comedy, adventure and daring stunts. The Nature of Mercy Pirates brings swashbuckling sword fighting comedy to the stage with a lively storyline that invites children to become heroes of the adventure. Harmless Danger Juggling combines outrageous humor with impressive juggling stunts and audience participation.

Guests can also enjoy the wildly entertaining Cirque du Sewer, which features trained rescue cats and rats navigating obstacle courses while performing acrobatic feats that have earned national television appearances. The high-energy Kamikaze Fireflies deliver a fast-paced spectacle of fire tricks, acrobatics and rare circus skills, including the giant German Wheel.

Animals, Attractions and Village Adventures

The Royal Menagerie gives children the opportunity to interact with animals such as goats, sheep, pigs and several exotic species. The Mythical Monster Museum offers a walk-through adventure filled with fantastical creatures from dragons to trolls, providing an imaginative experience for guests of all ages.

Each afternoon, villagers, nobles, artisans and performers gather for the Grande Parade, which winds through the Village in a colorful procession before concluding with royal proclamations.

Visitors can test their skills at Renaissance-style games such as archery and crossbow, enjoy treasure mining and explore a variety of human-powered rides including the Dragon Swings, Crow’s Nest and Carousello, preserving the festival’s old-world authenticity.

New Attractions for the 45th Season

New experiences and returning favorites make the 45th season one of the most exciting in the festival’s history.

Guests will witness thrilling armored combat in the new Joust Arena, where knights in shining armor charge on horseback in dramatic tournament battles inspired by historical competitions of the late medieval and Renaissance periods.

Visitors seeking adventure can explore The King’s Dungeon, a new immersive walk-through attraction that reveals the harsh realities of Renaissance-era justice through interactive displays and storytelling.

Also reopening this season is Scarborough Castle: Hauntings of Yore, a self-guided attraction that invites brave guests to wander the castle halls while discovering the eerie legends and ghostly tales said to linger within its ancient walls.

The festival also features a special engagement by viral performer Jacques Ze Whipper, a second-generation Renaissance and circus entertainer who has attracted millions of followers online with his daring whip artistry and charismatic performances.

Artisan Marketplace and Entertainment

Throughout the Village, more than 200 artisan shoppes offer handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, pottery, fine art, clothing and unique Renaissance treasures. Dozens of stages and street performers fill the lanes with music, comedy, swordplay and acrobatics, ensuring there is always something new to discover around every corner.

Tickets and Visitor Information

Tickets are available at SRFestival.com. Admission is $34 for Adults (ages 13+) and $15 for Kids (ages 5–12) plus taxes and fees. Children 4 and under are always admitted free. Some activities, games and rides require an additional fee. Parking is free.

Friends of Faire memberships, Season Passes and Weekend Passes are also available for guests who want to return again and again. Advance discounts will be available at North Texas Tom Thumb and Albertsons beginning March 28. Military and Senior discounts are available at the gate with valid ID.

Women from across North Texas gathered at the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center for the 15th Annual Inspired Women Luncheon. The luncheon’s official theme, “Unmatched,” represented a mindset and commitment to challenge the status quo and embrace possibility, bolstering the belief that leading with confidence and decisive actions can lead to transformative change.

Keynote speaker Conni Reed, founder, CEO & chief creative officer of Consuela, shared the creative journey behind her values-driven company. Reed told the origin story of Consuela and how her artistic talent, paired with rugged authenticity, allowed her to turn her passion into a thriving nearly 20-year-old handbag business.

Headquartered in Austin, TX and Guanajuato, Mexico, Consuela operates on three guiding principles: Create Art, Support and Uplift Women, and Work in Mexico. Reed’s mission and enthusiasm closely aligned with the vision of the Women’s Alliance, reinforcing the event’s focus on believing boldly and acting decisively. 

As Women’s History Month begins, events like this serve as a reminder to celebrate the women who lead, mentor and inspire within the Park Place organization and in the community. Park Place recognizes the incredible women who continue to shape its culture of excellence and contribute to its success every day. 

Park Place Dealerships served as the event’s official luxury vehicle sponsor for the xx year in a row. Park Place Members Lexie Arzamendi, Sarah Celestial, and Josselyn Jimenez attended, taking part in networking opportunities, professional development sessions, and silent auctions.  

About Park Place Dealerships

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and employs more than 1,400 members. Park Place Dealership operates three collision centers, an auto auction, and nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. For more information, visitparkplace.com.

The Oak Cliff Cultural District (OCCD), in partnership with the Oak Cliff Society of Fine Arts, is thrilled to announce its first-ever fundraiser: the Oak Cliff Cultural District Jigsaw Puzzle Competition with Honorary Chair, Dallas County Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia. This exciting, high-energy event will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Tyler Street Church located at 927 West 10^th Street Dallas 75208.

As Dallas prepares to welcome the world for World Cup this summer, the OCCD is launching this inaugural competition to support the organization's mission of assisting the twenty local arts organizations and the local community in showcasing the vibrant culture of Oak Cliff.

"This is more than just a game; it’s a way for our community to piece together a brighter future for the arts in the Oak Cliff Cultural District," says Todd Hedrick, chair of the Oak Cliff Cultural District. "Whether you’re a serious 'puzzler' or just looking for a fun morning with friends or family members, this event supports the vital work of preparing our district for the global stage."

Details at a Glance:

• When: Saturday, April 11, 2026, | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Where: Tyler Street Church, 927 West 10th Street, Dallas, TX 75208
• Who: Teams of four players each (ages 8+) $100
• Registration online at www.oakcliffculturaldistrict.org/events
• Sponsorship opportunities starting at $500 available

For more information on registration or sponsorship, please contact the Oak Cliff Cultural District at info@oakcliffculturaldistrict.org or Augustine Jalomo at 214.718.2384.

About Oak Cliff Cultural District
The OCCD is dedicated to promoting the arts, heritage, and unique cultural identity of the Oak Cliff community. By partnering with local arts organizations, the OCCD ensures that the district remains a premier destination for residents and international visitors alike.

This weekend, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra is bringing a truly cinematic concert experience to the stage with Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton, running March 13-15.

In this spellbinding collaboration between legendary composer Danny Elfman and visionary filmmaker Tim Burton, audiences will experience the whimsical and dramatic scores from Burton’s most beloved films performed live by the orchestra. As the music unfolds, original sketches, drawings, and storyboards from Burton’s creative archives are projected above the stage, immersing the audience in the imaginative worlds that have defined their decades-long partnership.

Adding to the excitement, Elfman himself will appear as a special guest alongside conductor Sarah Hicks, violinist Sandy Cameron, and the Dallas Symphony Chorus for select vocal moments that highlight Elfman’s signature sound. The program features music from fan-favorite films, including Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Batman, Beetlejuice, and more.

This unique multimedia performance blends live symphonic music, film, and visual art, offering both film lovers and classical audiences a rare opportunity to experience Elfman and Burton’s iconic collaboration in a completely new way.

Tickets start at $75. Secure your spots now at dallassymphony.org.

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is located in Downtown Dallas at 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201.

By Brooke Mayer

The Winston School in Dallas, Texas has been approved as an International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), marking an exciting milestone as the school celebrates its 50th anniversary. The designation begins the process toward offering one of the world’s most respected academic frameworks to students who learn differently.

As a candidate school, Winston will begin faculty training and program development this spring while working toward full authorization. The school will align programs with the MYP framework for students in grades 6–10 during the 2026-2027 school year. Looking ahead, Winston also intends to add Diploma Programme (DP) candidacy in Fall 2028, with the first cohort of IB Diploma candidates anticipated to graduate in Spring 2030.

The International Baccalaureate is a globally recognized educational framework known for its rigorous, inquiry-based approach to learning. The MYP encourages students to think critically, make interdisciplinary connections, and apply their learning to real-world challenges while developing strong research, communication, and problem-solving skills.

For The Winston School—a school dedicated to bright students who learn differently—the IB philosophy closely aligns with its mission. The program emphasizes conceptual understanding, project-based learning, and multiple ways for students to demonstrate mastery, allowing teachers to maintain high expectations while providing the structured support and differentiated instruction learning different students need to succeed.

Once fully implemented, Winston will be the only independent school in Texas, specifically for learning different students, to offer the IB Programme, joining other exemplary schools worldwide that provide this opportunity.

“Tomorrow’s leaders are today’s students. The IB Programme offers our talented, incredibly creative students the connectivity, critical thinking, and community engagement essential for nurturing a globally and future-focused mindset. The IB curriculum is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and individualized, making it perfectly aligned to Winston's mission of serving students who learn differently,” said Dr. Jenn Milam, the Pamela K. Murfin Head of School.

Founded in 1975, The Winston School in Dallas has spent five decades empowering bright students who learn differently. Launching the IB journey during the school’s 50th anniversary year reflects Winston’s continued commitment to evolving its academic program while remaining true to its philosophy of providing a high-challenge, high-support environment where students can thrive.

For more information about The Winston School, go to www.winston-school.org.