As regulars now, it’s that time of year when people take in that annual celebration of turkey legs, mead, and other Elizabethan-era stuff known as the Texas Renaissance Festival, starting this weekend.

Now in its 48th year, the festival will be loaded with nostalgia. More than 400 stores, restaurants, pubs, and experiences will open their doors for all who come. Learn to create armor, leather goods, blow glass, and so much more, just like it was done in the 16th century.

“The banners are hung high, the band is in tune, and the turkey legs are waiting,” says festival marketing director Carl Foy. “The opening canon is loaded and we are ready to open our gates for the 48th season of the Festival! The King and Queen send a royal invite to all and all are welcome to come to the kingdom of the Texas Renaissance Festival!”

Texas Renaissance Festival will feature more than 50 performers. This year, comic/juggler/storyteller/non-attorney spokesperson Lester “Les” Jesterson, female singing trio Chaste Treasures, and singing/storytelling crew The Minstrel Rav’n are the new additions to the festival’s talent pool.

The festival is also proud to present a host of new experiences, including the Thirsty Pirate, Odin’s Table, and the RenMead Meadry. The Thirsty Pirate is a giant pub/restaurant that seats over 500 guests, has over 60 beers on tap, a full menu, and near-continuous shows on the full-sized stage.

Meanwhile, Odin’s Table is hosted by official wine partner Haak Winery, with a full wine tasting of all of their fantastic, local Texas wines. And RenMead will be the first-ever meadry on site, ready to give people that Renaissance-era libation of honey, water, and yeast.

Lots of shows will be returning, and fans can look forward to eight themed weekends. First off, Oktoberfest brings a touch of Old Bavaria to the Kingdom, while 1001 Dreams brings fairies and fantasy. Pirates Adventures and All Hallows Eve will round out the month of October. November brings Heroes and Villains, a Barbarian Adventure, a Highlands Fling, and a traditional Celtic Christmas.

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One of Houston’s most beloved cultural celebrations is back for three days of food, dance, shopping, and family fun.

The Original Greek Festival returns this weekend, Thursday, October 6 through Saturday, October 8, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral for an astounding 55th year.

More than 35,000 Houstonians are expected to pack the church’s complex to devour the famed and authentic, homemade Greek food, take in traditional dance performances, and — also a crowd favorite — lots of shopping.

Ahhh, baklava...

Arguably the biggest festival draw is the enormous food spread, all of which is prepared by Annunciation Greek Orthodox clergy members and much of coming from generations-long family recipes. Expect souvlaki (marinated seasoned beef cubes), tiropita (a triangular shaped cheese-filled puff pastry), spanakopita (tubular shaped spinach and cheese filled puff pastry), and dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with beef and rice).

Greek sweets include flaky baklava (nuts and spices layered in phyllo with honey syrup), kourambiedes (butter cookies with toasted almonds topped with powdered sugar), and loukoumades (hot honey puffs) made to order.

Get fired up for savory Greek meats.

Authentic Greek beer Fix Hellas, imported Greek wine, and a variety of domestic beers will refresh those strolling the food offerings.

Song and dance

Visitors clamor to watch a variety of traditional Greek dance performances by groups of adults and children. Musician Alex Kalos — known as “The Golden Greek” — will perform, where fans can practice or learn Greek dance. Young fans can check out the children’s activities area, the Athenian Playground.

Tiny dancers are sure to steal the show.

All about the agora

Shoppers, once full on food and properly refreshed, always stop by the festival shop (agora) to peruse the veritable feast of jewelry, clothing, cookbooks, icons, and religious items. Purists can find imported olive oil, popular Greek grocery store items, and even olive trees.

Keeping the faith

Fittingly for the venue, the festival offers cathedral tours, hosted by cathedral clergy who will explain the symbolism represented in the Byzantine style and the new hand-painted iconography in the cathedral.

Here’s a rundown of the festivities:

Thursday, October 6
5 pm – 10:30 pm
Dance program begins at 6 pm

Friday, October 7
11 am – 10:30 pm
Dance program begins at 6 pm

Saturday, October 8
11am – 10:30 pm
Children’s dance program begins at 11:30 am
Adult dance program begins at 5 pm

Festival tickets are $5 for adults, with children under 12 admitted free; free admission between 11 am-3 pm on Friday.

Fans can rest assured their money is going to a good cause: a portion of ticket proceeds benefit the Children’s Assessment Center, Harris County Sheriff's Office, S.E.A.R.C.H., the Covenant House, and more.

Consider this family fest a chance to celebrate Greek friends and neighbors, one of the biggest Greek communities in the U.S., and of course, a chance to scarf down all the souvlaki and baklava.

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