The Grand Gathering of Hynafol is set in one of the largest and most immersive medieval villages in the US: Sherwood Forest Faire. It’s only 35 minutes away from the Austin airport (AUS) located at 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX 78650.

This particular location is PERFECT for an immersive live action experience as it has multiple taverns, restaurants, a castle, traditional buildings, forest trails, joust arena, battlefield and so much more.

Without a doubt the minute you will set foot inside the location it will feel like you’ve been transported into the pages of your favorite medieval fantasy novel.

For the third year in a row, we’ll be using this truly unique space for a one of a kind event in the United States… don’t miss out or you’ll be kicking yourself.

As you explore Hynafol you will truly feel as though you are in a medieval world.

As for the weather (average November in Austin), during the day the average temperature is between 68 and 75 degrees and at night the average temperature is 48 to 53 degrees.

Plus, the event is rain or shine! Life went on during the medieval era and Hynafol will be no different. There are plenty of sheltered areas and we will have many large pavilion tents to gather under if it should start to rain.

There is more to do and explore at Hynafol than can be done in one event; and each year it evolves and grows. There are large scale combat melees, tournaments to test your skill, a fully-functioning economy with resources to gather and our own currency system with minted coins and so much more.

There are quests that lead to ever increasing adventure, guild hosted parties, live music, street performers and vendors to supply your shopping needs!

Most importantly, an amazing group of people who are eager to welcome you on this immersive adventure! We’re just like you and think dressing up in medieval clothes and battling it out in the woods is the BEST idea of a good time.

Breakfast and dinner are included if you have the Immersive Package and Guild Package. Or if you get the Do-it-yourself Package, you can optionally add on just the meal plan and not have to worry about preparing your meals (we’ll contact you about after package checkout) and taking time away from enjoying the event.

Lunch is on your own, but there will be at least one food vendor to provide lunch and late night meals. We can cater to any allergy or dietary needs that you may have. Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free to name a few.

You’re also free to bring any drinks, snacks, and other provisions for yourself.

Yes! You can bring alcohol for your own consumption only (can’t sell it). The taverns at the site will also be open daily for your refreshment needs.

Yes there will be vendors on site for the duration of the event. Some that are staples of the Faire and some that we are inviting that are more focused on live action role playing clothing, equipment, weapons and armor. As we add vendors for the event we will be adding them to our website and posting in our Facebook groups.

The Immersive Package and Guild Package both include lodging in our high-quality, medieval style tents (up to 3 people) and you get to camp inside the village proper!

The tents are the real deal – you’re somewhere between glamping and roughing it. It’s part of the medieval experience. But they are warm, comfortable, and you’re free to bring your own decorations and touches to make your stay your own.

Or, with the Do-it-yourself Package, you can bring your own decorum tent and camp within the grounds! If you do not have a decorum, medieval style tent there will be ample camping space for you to setup with your group in our modern camping section that is outside of the village grounds.

If you want to stay with your partner in your tent, we also have a couples package that includes a private tent, double wide cot (perfect for snuggling), 2 Tickets, 2 Meal Cards, transportation from the airport, and all the bells and whistles of being part of a guild.

If not with a partner, you can still choose who you stay with in a tent. We will send out a survey to everyone who purchases the Immersive Package and Guild Package. On that survey you can identify whom you would like as your tent-mates. Just make sure they also put you down.

There are over 100 permanent buildings with taverns, stages and all the facilities and infrastructure to make your medieval adventure exciting and comfortable!

The Immersive Package and Guild Package also includes fire pits in each of the camps. For everyone else we will have guidance on what types of fire pits you must bring/construct in order to have a safe fire.

And yes, we have flushing toilets and hot showers. There will also be porta potties on site all around the site for convenience. We’re not that medieval…

If you have the Immersive Package or Guild Package, you will have lodging in decorum medieval tent (up to 3 people) inside Sherwood Forest Faire.

Or, with the Do-it-yourself Package, you can bring your own decorum tent and camp within the grounds! If you do not have a decorum, medieval style tent there will be ample camping space for you to setup with your group in our modern camping section that is outside of the village grounds.

If you want to stay with your partner in your tent, we also have a couples package that includes a private tent, double wide cot (perfect for snuggling), 2 Tickets, 2 Meal Cards, transportation from the airport (for an additional fee), and all the bells and whistles of being part of a guild.

If not with a partner, you can still choose who you stay with in a tent. We will send out a survey to everyone who purchases the Immersive Package and Guild Package. On that survey you can identify whom you would like as your tent-mates. Just make sure they also put you down.

We follow ADA guidelines and will allow service dogs for the event. Please email info@hynafol.com with any questions.

The world of Hynafol runs on small groups of people who band together based on their collective similarities for the purpose of furthering their internal goals, fighting battles, and exploring the world.

Guilds will be the primary means by which groups will interact with one another and the game will be pushed forward through those means. Guilds may band together to form kingdoms, governments and other alliances.

If you purchase the Guild Package your guild leaders are not veteran Hynafol players, but they are experienced veteran LARPers. If you have the Guild Package, you will be put into a guild.

We’re asking that everyone join a guild the first year, but it is not required. You will likely miss out on a lot of the game if you don’t join a guild though!

You can make your own character and there will be a simple character creation process that you can expand upon to your desire! For the most part characters are “what you see is what you get” – with the focus on what you can role-play as your character. There will not be any premade characters and please do NOT be a character from your favorite game because this is your opportunity to create your own!

If you don’t want to play a character or don’t have any gear, it’s totally ok if you’re not interested in roleplaying! Many people who have attended our events in the past have felt the same and had an amazing time. All you need is a name for your character (we think it’s more fun to go by a different name for the event, but you don’t have to) and a decorum costume.

If you don’t have medieval clothing/costuming, we can help you! We have discounts available at most of the online clothing, armor, and foam weapons companies. Additionally, in our online community we will share a ton of tips on how to make a very low cost, yet very good looking, medieval kit.

As for the costume requirements, you must be in a decorum, medieval-fantasy costumer for the duration of the event. “Street clothes” will not be allowed at any point during the event.

Please review our Decorum Guide here.

The goal of the event is to live as much as possible in a medieval fantasy world. That means that EVERYONE is in costume the entire time and as much as possible we leave behind the modern world. Phones, watches, and anything modern should be hidden.

Additionally, you’ll be role playing a character for the duration of the event. You’ll want to think, act, and speak as that character would as much as possible. That means we leave behind real world politics, religion, and concerns in favor of the fantastic religion, politics and concerns of Hynafol!

We know that for a 5 day long event it’s pretty hard to stay in character the entire time so there will be plenty of leniency. However, our goal is to let you escape the world and enter Hynafol. We’ll need everyone’s help to make that happen!

The quests will vary from adventures you can do alone to small events that will require a small group of allies to complete. Some will run all week and be open to many players. Others will have to be found, sought out or stumbled upon… 

The event uses a propriety rules light system for larp/boffer weapon combat. All weapons will need to be checked by our staff for safety. You will need to provide your own weapons. Read our complete Combat Guide here. However we have a list of vendors and approved weapons that can be made available if requested.

Hynafol’s Comprehensive Code of Conduct may be read in full here. Our code of Conduct is built on the following Seven Tenants: 

1. Build Good Culture. Hynafol is really the people that make up the community. We aspire to be welcoming, generous and friendly in all we do. You should follow the Golden Rule + Grandma: Treat others the way you want to be treated; unless you don’t know how to treat them: then be as respectful as you would be to your grandmother.
2. Zero Tolerance on Harassment. Texas Larp Company does not allow harassment, bullying, or hazing of any kind. This includes physical, verbal and sexual harassment. Harassment is persistent and unwanted attention or speech. If you are harassing individuals in attendance of any Texas Larp Company event you will be removed without refund.
3. Zero Tolerance on Bullying. Texas Larp Company is a welcoming and inclusive place for people of all abilities. There is no tolerance for pressuring people into any kind of unwanted situation. Whether that be on the battlefield or their roleplay choices. You may not pressure people into doing anything at any time.
4. Zero Tolerance on Sexual Assault. Sexual Assault is any non-consensual sexual touching of a person. If your hands are not asked for or been given a sober, verbal affirmation of touching, they should not be on another person. Any kind of touching should be verbally consented to before it begins.
5. Policing is Forbidden. It is not your responsibility to enforce these rules. That’s the job of the staff and owners of Hynafol. If you are the victim of someone breaking these rules please report them to an owner, staff or volunteer of Hynafol.
6. Zero Tolerance on Physical Assault. Physical assault is defined as an act of causing physical harm or unwanted physical contact to another person, or, in some legal definitions, the threat or attempt to do so.
7. Do No Harm to Others. Participants should refrain from aiming to directly harm staff, volunteers, and other participants both in speech and action. Targeting individual persons, differentiating from their characters, in order to do them harm is forbidden. This rule is a guiding principle to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

You can absolutely bring kids, but please be aware that this is an adult event with mature themes and activities.

You must be 18 years old to participate in the combat portions of the event. You may still attend and participate in the quests.

You must be 18 years old to attend the event without a parent or legal guardian.

It would be good at some point to take a look at the Terms and Conditions so you can read about the details.

You can do that! On Saturday of the Grand Gathering on November 9th, we would love to have you join us for the day with a Visitor Day Pass! From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM visitors may come and visit Hynafol to learn, shop, and watch all that the event has to offer. Entry into tournaments, battles, and other roleplay scenarios is not included with this ticket.

Please note: All spectators must be in medieval costuming from head to toe and must follow all of our decorum requirements. Please read the guide here!

General Admission, Weekend Pass and the Spectator day pass will be available on the day of the event. Decorum camping spaces, inside of the faire, will not be available if you do not purchase a ticket early.

Yes! For each of our packages payment plans are available for most tickets.