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    King George dethroned

    Judge rules Texas Renaissance Festival owner must sell his kingdom

    Jef Rouner
    May 8, 2025 | 6:34 pm
    Amid scandals covered by multiple documentaries, the nation's largest Renaissance festival opens for its golden season.

    After a protracted legal battle, a judge ruled owner George Coulam must sell the Texas Renaissance Festival.

    Photo courtesy of the Texas Renaissance Festival

    A Grimes County judge ruled on Wednesday, May 7 that Texas Renaissance Festival owner George Coulam must honor an agreement he made in 2023 to sell the fair. The judgement and sale, if upheld, are not expected to affect the fair's operations in the fall.

    "Our commitment remains unchanged: to deliver a safe, vibrant, and memorable experience for the hundreds of thousands of guests who visit each year," spokesperson Tyler Moyer tells CultureMap in a written statement. "Festival operations are moving forward as planned for the 2025 season."

    The case stems from business dealings depicted in the HBO docuseries Ren Faire. Over the show's three episodes, Coulam is shown engaging in negotiations with a party referred to as "The Greeks," but the deal falls through. Those parties, a group that includes RW Lands, Texas Stargate, and Royal Campgrounds, sued Coulam to compel him to honor the contract.

    Judge Gary W. Chaney sided with the plaintiffs in a brief judgment against Coulam. Not only is he ordered to abide by the original contract to sell the festival grounds and adjacent properties for $60 million, he has to pay $22 million in damages as well as $1 million in attorney fees. Coulam has not commented publicly about the ruling, and it is not known at this time whether he plans to appeal the decision.

    King George's History

    For more than half a century, George Coulam has reigned as king of the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission. Not only is it the largest and one of the earliest incarnations of such festivals, it codified the concept to such a degree that its model is replicated all over the world. There is no doubt that Coulam has been the Walt Disney of renaissance events.

    However, that long reign has come with accusations of bad business dealings and sexual harassment. Multiple former employees have sued Coulam for hostile work environment related to his conduct. In addition to depicting the sale negotiations, Ren Faire exposed the backstage politics surrounding Coulam's business practices. The show dealt with the possibility of Coulam finally selling the festival to retire, while also highlighting his desire to remain "king," with all the privileges that entails.

    Former performer reacts

    As Coulam's management of the festival grew increasingly capricious, many longtime employees and visitors stopped associating with the fair. Niki Korontona was an employee until 2019 when she decided to leave, partially because of her health and partially because of the toxic environment. She says that if Coulam is truly out, she could see returning.

    "If the sale goes through as it says it's going to, I'll go back," she said in a Facebook message. "While my time with the performance company was its own b----, if the new owners are who I've heard, it will be going into... I don't know... less toxic hands?"

    Few renaissance festivals survive a change of ownership, but it's not unheard of. In fact, Coulam was a part of one of the bigger ones. Before starting the Texas Renaissance Festival in 1974, he founded the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in 1971. The investor of that enterprise, lawyer Jules Smith Sr., then sold his shares and opened a new festival in Maryland in 1977. These days, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is one of Texas's main rivals.

    That was long before the institutions were cemented into their current forms, worth tens of millions of dollars. Still, Korontana says that a change in management that doesn't mess with what works should succeed.

    "[It's] an ironclad business." she said. "Even recessions didn't break it. It's so commercial that it doesn't matter who owns it as long as tickets aren't too expensive and turkey legs exist."

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    weekend event planner

    Here are the top 16 things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig Lindsey
    Jun 17, 2026 | 6:30 pm
    A$AP Rocky
    Photo by @pleckham
    A$AP Rocky in concert

    This weekend, people will either be celebrating Juneteenth, or hanging out with their dads. There will also be those who will use the opportunity to do both. (You know there are some Juneteenth Father’s Day brunches happening ‘round here.)

    Anyway, we have some early Juneteenth popping off before the big day, along with some events celebrating International Yoga Day, Make Music Day, and the two-year anniversary of ARTECHOUSE Houston.

    And, if we missed anything, as a visiting comedian would say, we’re sorry.

    Thursday, June 18

    Acres Home Chamber Juneteenth Farm-to-Table Brunch
    This Juneteenth, the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development will honor Black American farmers, growers, and artisans through food, community, and storytelling. The Chamber's Farm-to-Table Juneteenth Brunch will feature ingredients sourced directly from local farmers market vendors. Diners can enjoy a seasonal meal prepared with fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients while learning more about the importance of food access, community agriculture, and economic empowerment in Acres Home. 11 am.

    BLD PWR Day + Juneteenth Weekend 2026
    BLD PWR is activating BLD PWR Day + Juneteenth Weekend 2026, three powerful days of culture, community and celebration going down at Houston-rooted cultural hub The SLAB. Things kick off on Thursday with BLD PWR Day, where director Boots Riley will host a screening of his new film I Love Boosters. The next day is the Juneteenth celebration, featuring a livestream activation with Boosters star Keke Palmer. It all ends on Sunday with a WAGBT Karaoke/The Session R&B Jam. 3 pm (11 am Saturday; 7 pm Sunday).

    The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston presents Once Upon My Mother
    The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston will host a screening of Once Upon My Mother, the Audience Choice Feature Film winner at this year’s Houston Jewish Film Festival, as part of its Summer Film Series. Inspired by Roland Perez’s bestselling memoir, the French-language film tells the moving story of a devoted mother who refuses to accept the limitations placed on her son after he is born with a disability. 7:30 pm.

    Friday, June 19

    Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes Tour
    The famously clean comic, actor, and Emmy Awards host (and UFC fan) comes to Houston, as part of his Big Dumb Eyes World Tour. He’ll be at Toyota Center on both Thursday and Friday nights. 7 pm.

    Houston Broadway Theatre presents Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame
    The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a sweeping musical (and adaptation of the 1996 Disney-animated feature) from Disney's legendary composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid) and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked). Based on Victor Hugo's gothic masterpiece and featuring the film's Academy Award-nominated score plus new songs, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a breathtaking tale of love, acceptance, redemption, and hope even in the darkest of times. 7:30 pm (2 & 8 pm Saturday; 1 & 7 pm Sunday).

    Houston Symphony presents The Music of Queen
    On Friday and Saturday, celebrate one of the greatest bands of all time with this high-energy concert, featuring hit after iconic hit. Backed by the sonic power of the full Houston Symphony, vocalist MiG Ayesa channels Freddie Mercury’s signature sound for an evening of Queen’s greatest hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody” “Killer Queen,” “Somebody to Love,” and more. Let’s hope they play “Another One Bites the Dust” and we can get our disco on in the aisles. 7:30 pm.

    Performing Arts Houston presents Riverdance 30: The New Generation
    Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish/international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. To celebrate their 30th anniversary, Riverdance will present a production that rejuvenates the original show with new choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection, and motion graphics. And, for the first time, Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday: 1 & 6:30 pm Sunday).

    Saturday, June 20

    The Cards & More Tour
    This nationally traveling expo series brings together collectors, fans, and vendors from across the world of sports cards, Pokémon, comics, anime, memorabilia, and more. It's a free, family-friendly event filled with live entertainment, food trucks, vendor trade parties, raffle giveaways, and more. Both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers will find plenty to enjoy. 10 am (10 am Sunday).

    BEWM Coffee presents BRIKS Loves You Canvas Series Drop 006 Launch Party
    Austin-based coffee distributor BEWM Coffee will celebrate the launch of its Canvas Series Drop 006, featuring artwork by Houston artist BRIKS Loves You. They’ll be taking over Brasil Café with fresh brewed coffee, exclusive collectibles, giveaways, sticker trading, and plenty of good conversation. Come meet BRIKS, grab the new limited-edition release, and hang out with fellow artists, collectors, coffee lovers, and sticker heads. 9:30 am.

    ARTECHOUSE Houston Two-Year Anniversary Weekend featuring Beyond the Light
    ARTECHOUSE Houston marks its two-year anniversary with the return of Beyond the Light, one of its most beloved exhibitions. With the universe as its backdrop, this two-day exhibition highlights the importance of light in our pursuit of knowledge, and the evolution of technology that allows us to discover beyond our own experiences. For this special anniversary weekend, Beyond the Light will give longtime fans and first-time visitors the opportunity to experience the exhibition that introduced H-Town to ARTECHOUSE. 10 am.

    Hotel Saint Augustine presents Summer Solstice with Vave’ao
    Hotel Saint Augustine will host a Polynesian-inspired Summer Solstice Pool Party, in partnership with soon-to-debut beauty brand Vave’ao. Going down at the Saint Augustine Pool, this high-energy, sun-soaked poolside escape featuring traditional lei greetings, live performances, curated tropical bites, and an exclusive first look at a new beauty collection. Tickets for the 21+ event will include pool access and one signature cocktail. 5 pm.

    Consulate General of India, Houston presents 12th International Day of Yoga 2026
    The Consulate General of India, Houston will be hosting their International Day of Yoga event at Midtown Park, for a public gathering of yoga, peace and mindfulness. The celebration will continue at George Bush Park with a yoga session and 5K walk. All of these events are free and open to the public and everyone is welcome to come practice, from long-time practitioners, first-timers, elders, families and kids. 6 pm. (7 am Sunday).

    A$AP Rocky in concert
    The rapper/actor's 42-city, Don’t Be Dumb World Tour makes its stop in Houston this weekend. Named for his first full-length album in eight years, the rapper is coming off strong acting performances in Highest 2 Lowest and If I Had Legs I'd Kick You as well as a high-energy appearance on Saturday Night Live. He also served as co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala. 8:30 pm.

    A$AP Rocky
    Photo by @pleckham

    A$AP Rocky in concert.

    Sunday, June 21

    Fresh Arts presents Make Music Day Houston
    Houston comes alive with sound as Make Music Day Houston returns for a citywide celebration led by Fresh Arts. Part of a global event spanning 120 countries, this year’s festivities embrace the spirit of the FIFA World Cup with world-inspired music, community pride and the unifying energy of sport. Falling on Father’s Day, the event also features family-friendly, all-ages performances and interactive experiences. Noon.

    Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Hew Locke: "Passages" opening day
    Guyanese-British artist Hew Locke combines found materials and imagery to create theatrical tableaux that address iconographies of empire, history and collective memory. Starting this weekend, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will present the most comprehensive survey to date devoted to the work of this artist. Spanning the 1990s through to the present, "Passages" showcases the spectrum of Locke’s practice, with over 40 pieces that examine the histories of colonialism across five continents. Through Sunday, September 13. 12.30 pm.

    Czech That Film Texas presents iDENTITY: A Czech Graphic Design Love Story
    Auctioneer/Czech-American Nicholas Lowry travels from New York to Prague to explore what has shaped and defined Czech national identity. His journey across the Czech Republic takes him to iconic landmarks of graphic design, including Zlín, Litomyšl, Brno, and Plzeň. Through uncovering Czech identity, Nicholas also gains a deeper connection to his own roots—his great-uncle founded the Primeros factory in Prague, which played a significant role in the history of Czech graphic design. 7:15 pm.

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