Grand Gathering Info

Grand Gathering: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

General Information

When & Where (At a Glance)

  • Event Dates: Tue–Sun, November 11–16, 2025
  • Move‑In Day: Saturday, November 8 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., setup only; no overnight)
  • Early Arrival: Monday, November 10 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Early Arrival pass required; $50 + taxes/fees)
  • Gate Hours on Event Days: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (no late arrivals after gate closes)

Addresses:
– FRONT GATE (Check‑in, Village/Immersive/Guild/Castle): 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX 78650
– CAMPING GATE (Modern & Campground Decorum, RVs): 3106 US Hwy 290 E, Paige, TX 78659

Registration & Check‑In

  • All participants (including RVs) must complete registration at the FRONT GATE to receive a wristband, citizen card, in‑world currency, and a welcome packet.
  • Have your SeeTickets ticket or a photo ID ready.
  • RVs/large trailers may receive wristbands at the Camping Gate but must still complete full registration at the Front Gate.

Vehicle Rules & Car‑Out Times

  • Village: drive on roads only. Never park or drive on grass.
  • Unload quickly at your spot, then move your vehicle to main parking.
  • Vehicle removal deadlines: Village by 4:00 p.m.; Campground by 5:00 p.m.

Tickets, Packages & Forms

  • Ticketing via SeeTickets; package types include General Admission, Immersive, Guild, Grand Guild, and Castle.
  • Decorum Tent Placement (DIY decorum tents): complete the placement form linked below.
  • Modern/RV camping: first‑come, first‑served (no placement form).

Forms & Links:
Decorum Tent Placement (DIY decorum tents inside the Village or in Campground decorum)
– Modern & RV Camping: no form required; first‑come, first‑served.
Minors: Parent/Guardian e‑form (required)
– Rules & Info Hub (all public docs): https://hynafol.com/grand-gathering-2025/
– Camping Guide: https://hynafol.com/learn-camping-at-the-grand-gathering/
– Packing List: https://hynafol.com/packing-list/
– Decorum Guide: https://hynafol.com/decorum-guide/
– Combat Rules: https://hynafol.com/learn-the-combat-rules-of-hynafol/
– Narrative Game Doc: https://hynafol.com/learn-narrative-of-the-grand-gathering/
– Gameplay & Guilds: https://hynafol.com/learn-gameplay-guilds-of-hynafol/
– Five Courts: https://hynafol.com/the-five-courts-of-hynafol/
– How Hynafol Works: https://hynafol.com/how-hynafol-works/
– New Player Guide: https://hynafol.com/new-player-guide-hynafol-grand-gathering/
– Sherwood Rules (No pets etc.): https://www.sherwoodforestfaire.com/rules-of-the-realm
Full Schedule (live sheet)

 

Airport Shuttle

Airport Shuttle (Austin–Bergstrom International Airport ↔ Sherwood Forest Faire)
– Monday, Nov 10: 10:00 a.m. (Grand Guild Package only)
– Monday, Nov 10: 4:00 p.m. (Grand Guild Package only)
– Tuesday, Nov 11: 9:00 a.m. (All other attendees)
– Return: Sunday, Nov 16: Departs site at 12:00 p.m.
Grand Guild arrival shuttle reservation form: https://forms.gle/fzYn4Rp3aF7Z6c2B9
All shuttle riders receive a confirmation email the day before their ride.

Food & Beverage

Food & Beverage:
– Silk Road Rest Stop (main food vendor): Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner services.
– Bar Service: 5:00 p.m. – Midnight daily.
– Coffee and late‑night food: To be announced (check on‑site signage and the live schedule).
– Dietary/Allergies for meal packages: email info@hynafol.com with your needs; we will coordinate with the caterer.
– Ice for sale at the Hall of Houses bar (market price).

Gameplay, Rules & Guides

  • New Player Guide, How Hynafol Works, Narrative, Combat, Guilds, Religions, Decorum, and more are available at the Rules & Info Hub.
  • Phones/cameras/modern devices must not be visible in public areas (see Decorum Guide).
  • Battles & skirmishes are posted in the live schedule; a separate Battle & Skirmish document will be published.

Facilities & Services

  • Showers: open 24/7. Be kind and patient in queues.
  • Toilets: flush and portable units on site; alert a Steward if service is needed.
  • Ice: available for purchase at Hall of Houses bar (market price).
  • Charging: limited outlets for device charging only; bring power banks.
  • Medics & Security: on site 24/7; Player Liaison tent open most of the day.

Safety & Policies

Safety & Emergencies:
– Medics and Security on‑site 24/7. Player Liaison tent is open most of the day for support.
– Muster/Meeting Point: The Castle (Sherwood Great Hall).
– In any emergency: call 911 first, then notify staff via the numbers above.

Key Policies:
– No pets (service dogs only).
– Phones, cameras and modern devices must not be visible in public areas.
– Generators: Village – forbidden. Campground – must use a sound‑dampener at all times; staff may require shut‑off if too loud.
– Burn Ban: Announced 24–48 hours before the event; follow on‑site instructions.
– Hynafol is an all‑weather event; prepare for rain, wind, heat/cold.

Maps

  • Village Map: (Insert image here)
  • Campground Map: (Insert image here)

Live Schedule (Incorporated)

Appendix A — Silk Road Rest Stop: Full Menu

The full menu can be found here.

Paste the entire menu text below this line. If you cannot see it here, open the Google Doc and copy its contents

— Start of Menu —

(Place full menu content here)

— End of Menu —

FAQ (Top 15)

  1. Do I have to be in costume? — Yes, in all public areas for the duration of the event.
  2. Are showers open? — Yes, 24/7. Queue kindly and be patient during peak times.
  3. Are flushable toilets open? — Yes. Portable units also available; notify a Steward if service is needed.
  4. Is there a burn ban? — Announced 24–48 hours before the event by county/faire; follow staff instructions.
  5. Can I randomly attack people? — Combat rules and Fae Protection apply; read the Combat and Gameplay guides.
  6. Will I be randomly attacked? — Opt‑in/out mechanics exist; read the Fae/Combat sections; ask at the Archives.
  7. What if there’s an injury/accident? — Call 911, then notify staff immediately.
  8. How do I contact staff? — Visit the Archives during play hours; after 10 p.m., use the 24/7 numbers listed.
  9. Are generators allowed? — Campground only, with sound‑dampener; Village forbids generators.
  10. Are pets allowed? — No (service dogs allowed per Sherwood policy).
  11. Is Hynafol all‑weather? — Yes. Prepare for rain, wind, heat/cold.
  12. Where is Lost & Found? — Front Gate; found items on a table outside.
  13. Where can I buy ice? — Hall of Houses bar (market price).
  14. Do packages include bedding/towels/etc.? — Only Grand Guild includes bedding; otherwise bring your own.
  15. Is phone use allowed? — Phones/cameras/modern devices must not be visible in public areas.

Contacts

Important Contacts:
– Emergency: Call 911 first.
– 24/7 General Number (Hynafol): 206.395.6368
– Overnight Phone to Camping Guardshack (they can radio/call anyone needed): 979-575-3497
– Email: info@hynafol.com
– Discord (pre‑event comms): https://discord.gg/cgC8GhAq