2 hours ago - Things to Do
Your guide to the 2026 Louisiana Renaissance Festival
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The festival has different costume themes every weekend. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios
Louisiana Renaissance Festival kicks off Saturday with mead, music and medieval mayhem.
The big picture: The 26th annual festival is in the woods outside Hammond and is open every weekend through Dec. 13.
- Tickets often sell out, so buy yours online in advance.
- The ticket gets you access to a re-created 16th-century village and includes dozens of shows, including live jousting, sword swallowing, belly dancing and plenty of music and comedy.
- Activities like archery and pony rides are extra and are usually cash-only.
What's new: Gates open at 9am, an hour earlier than last year.
- There's also a new food court and three new dining areas where you can sit and feast, organizers say.
Costumes: Visitors dress up, but you don't have to. There are weekend themes if you need inspiration.
- You can also buy a costume at the fest.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. The parking lot and the festival grounds are unpaved and you'll do a lot of walking.
Pro tips: Print or screenshot your ticket. It will save you time at the entrance.
- Arrive early to avoid the traffic jam on the country roads leading to the festival.
- Bring cash and cards. Some of the vendors are cash-only.
- Cell service is spotty. Coordinate meeting plans in advance and screenshot the show schedules.
- It's a porta-potty situation so plan accordingly with hand wipes and costuming.
If you go: Trinket trading was big last year. You can bring small (preferably handmade) items to trade or gift to fellow festgoers.
- Try the turkey legs and Jester Chips. Turkey legs usually sell out before the end of the day, so go early.