First timers coming next weekend...

[RicKim]

We are coming to Texas next week, and plan to top off our vacation with a visit to TRF. We're from PA. What are some of the must see things you fine folks would suggest for people who only have one day at Faire? Any shops or performers we shouldn't miss? Please let us know. Thanx.

RicKim

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Well, Welcome to Texas!  TRF is crazy big... I'm sure half a hundred suggestions will be thrown at you here shortly... 

[Merlin]

TARTANIC..... If you only see one show...it must be Tartanic.

Then...playing at the same stage is Arsene and Sound and Fury.

[PollyPoPo]

There is so much going on, you might get more specifics for your visit if you post who is with you. Screen name RicKim –  from your info site, a couple.  Couple with kids?  Just the two of you?  Group of friends traveling with you?  Like wandering through shops?  Planning the day out to catch as many shows as possible?  Looking for photo-op places to sit?  Want to try new drinks or foods?

The main TRF website (http://texrenfest.com) has description of the stage shows, special themed events, etc.  A few are adult oriented, most are suitable for almost anybody, and a few are for the kids (with benches placed for grownups to just sit and watch some of the action).  They also have schedules posted for the shows.  Under Entertainment, Entertainment Schedule, the performances are listed by stage, then by time.  On that dropdown, the stages are in order as to how they are situated on the map.  That way you can plan for shows without having to criss-cross the grounds.  Under the Performance Company tab, you'll get a list of performances with descriptions.  Another tab lists demonstrations.

Also, on the website is a map of the grounds.  It's big. 

My Personal Recommendations:

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!  No matter what else you do.

For Everybody:

Jousting (not full-contact, smack-down, it's more choreographed)
Bird show – up close demonstration of birds of prey – sit down front unless you have an aversion to birds.  Do not have food in your hands – the birds like to share. 
Belly dancers
Fireworks.
Food of all sorts.
Music of all sorts (my favorite Bard O'Neill)

For  Adults:

Wine tasting, mead tasting (look at the earlier thread about mead tasting, it has phone number for wine tasting, too), King's Feast, taverns, demonstrations, shopping for everything from cheap souvenirs to high end goodies, a few performers are adult-oriented and give warnings to the audience (matter of personal preference on these, I like Iris and Rose, Sound and Fury).

Especially for Kids (of any age):

Ded Bob, Mud Show, Arsene, juggling, whip show, magician, Sherwood Forest area, swings, various rides, maze.   

Oh, yeah, my absolute favorite thing to do (when I can ditch the kids and grandkids ) – PEOPLE WATCHING.  Cell phone hidden, kids all doing their own thing, I just sit and enjoy the view.

[RicKim]

We're just two of us getting away for a week. We love music and shopping, and people watching too. We are really looking forward to TRF, thanks for the advice, everyone!

[gaerdon]

Iris and Rose are always my favorite but my main advice is try food for everywhere do much great food at trf

[raevyncait]

Also at the Polish Pub with Iris & Rose you'll find Arthur Greenleaf Holmes and his highly inappropriate poetry.  Across from the Polish pub is the Majikah Perfume oils gypsy cart, wonderful perfume oils in a wide array of scents that can be mixed up to make a custom scent as well.

At the Barbarian Inn, Sholo the Nubian's poetry show is also not to be missed.

For wonderful soaps/lotions/bath gels, whole herb incense, be sure to stop in at Estelril Enterprises, booth 246, across from the Musketeer's banquet, in front of the joust arena

[Zardoz]

And get there early to avoid traffic! The gates open at 9 AM if you get there by 8:30 you can park pretty close and see the pre game show outside the gate.