Looking for a Halloween plan fit for a king? Shakespeare Live’s inaugural RenFest is a new immersive community arts event that will bring costumes, performances and Halloween fun to Arlington. The renfest will have free admission and take place on Oct. 31 from noon to 6 p.m. at Levitt Pavilion.
It will be hosted by Shakespeare Live, which began in April 2025 as a community-driven theater organization that offers accessible outdoor Shakespeare performances.
During the event, attendees can come dressed up in their Halloween costumes or garbs. There will also be live entertainment, artists, craftspeople, food trucks, performers and Renaissance-inspired festivities for all ages.
The live entertainment lineup includes ancient songs from the Celtic Isles with Timothy Stephen, country music performer Todd Marsh, Tori Routon, Passing Winds Ensemble and Sydney SumMallen – The Early Birds.
Vendors will be selling a variety of handmade jewelry, pottery, leather goods, chain mail, weaponry and other renfest goodies. Featured artisans include Gerard’s Wood Weapons, leathersmith Milo Strawn, Cici’s House of Clay & Pottery, Bug & Bloom, Cumi’s Gems and many more.
Food vendors include Big Tyme BBQ & Turkey Legs, Fox & Raven Meade, Los Concho Tacos, Little Dragon Boba, The Social Frozen Drinks, Cowboys Lemonaide and Mister Softee DFW.
“Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn, and cauldron bubble!” Shakespeare Live will bring the witches’ famous words to life with performances of “Macbeth,” the Bard’s famous tragedy about a Scottish general’s descent into darkness. It is co-directed by father-daughter team Raphael Parry and Claire Parry, and is free to attend. Picnic blankets, chairs, outside food, beer and wine are allowed. The play runs Oct. 29–31 at Levitt Pavilion.
Performances of “Macbeth” are Oct. 29-31 at Levitt Pavilion. Free. 100 W. Abram St., Arlington. The festival is Oct. 31 from noon to 6 p.m. at Levitt Pavilion. Free. shakespearelive.org.