The Kerrville Renaissance Festival returns for the fifth year with a different look for its three-day run during the weekend of January 29-31 at the River Star Arts and Events Park, on the grounds of the Hill Country Youth Event Center in Kerrville.

Admission will be free this year, and the popular outdoor festival is being set up as a Renaissance Festival Marketplace, according to organizers April Cory and Hal Robinson of Hill Country Festivals.

“The layout will be more like a craft show with some entertainment,” said April Cory, noting the event will observe CDC and local guidelines for safe gatherings for both guests and vendors. “A mask is your ticket. We’ll space out the seating at the stages and encourage social distancing everywhere.”

The event will evoke a Renaissance Festival Marketplace, with a smaller entertainment lineup to spread out spectators. More than 30 craft shops and food vendors are scheduled to line the grounds, interspersed with jugglers, magicians, dancers and musicians.

Crafts are handmade and include wooden toys, leather accessories, clothing, hats, glassware, jewelry, and more. The food menu offers such treats as Funnel Cake, Cinnamon Roasted Nuts, Chocolate covered Cheese Cake, Fresh Donuts, Turkey Legs, Kettle Corn, Jerky, Deep Fried Carmel Apple, Deep Fried Oreos, and Deep Fried Pecan Pie, paired with craft beer, wine, and mead.

A complete list of entertainment, craft booths, and activities will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

As public gatherings gradually return, the organizers wanted to offer the modified Renaissance Fest in appreciation of their supporters.

“Because our local supporters worked so hard the past four years to get the ordinance changed to allow us to sell Mead and Wine, we didn’t want to let them down by not opening,” Cory said. “We are inviting our Patrons and Guests to visit the grounds for free, buy a craft, enjoy a turkey leg, sip some mead, and stay as long as they feel comfortable.