This weekend, Amarillo will be transported to a world of knights, kings, and medieval magic as the Cottonwood Faire returns for its second year at Thompson Park. The two-day event, set amidst towering cottonwood trees, aims to bring the excitement and charm of larger Renaissance festivals to an area with few similar attractions.
Gates open at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, inviting attendees to step through a grand 15-foot castle entrance and into a meticulously designed medieval village. The atmosphere is complete with colorful tents, period-inspired costumes, and vendors offering handcrafted wares. For Amarillo residents, many of whom may be experiencing a Renaissance fair for the first time, it’s an opportunity to immerse themselves in an entirely different era — no travel necessary.
“This isn’t your typical weekend festival,” said Josh Wilson, owner of Fandom Events and creator of the Cottonwood Faire. Wilson, who also portrays the character of King Richard at the festival, emphasized that the event is designed to capture the joy and community spirit of larger Renaissance fairs in cities like Austin and Houston, but with a distinctly local twist.