El Paso is getting its first-ever renaissance faire, and this one comes with a fantasy twist: warring elves breaking into the human world through a magical rift. The inaugural Borderlands Renaissance Faire debuts Nov. 7-8 at Ascarate Park and Pavilion, located at 6900 Delta Dr., bringing artisan vendors, live performances, themed entertainment and an immersive storyline to the park grounds.
According to KFOX14, preparations for the two-day event have been underway, with contracts secured and the grounds being readied. This year's theme, “Converging of the Realms,” centers on a story in which the Seelie Court, the Unseelie Court and the mortal realm collide, according to KTSM. The premise, as KTSM describes it, involves dark elves and light elves who have been at war for years finally spilling into the human realm through a rift.
The faire is the brainchild of Zach Chenoweth and Elisabeth Gaytan, according to 93.1 KISS FM. Chenoweth is a fencing coach with a background in historical European martial arts, while Gaytan is a grappler and self-described wilderness devotee, per the same report. The pair designed the event to bring a darker, folklore-driven renaissance faire to the city, and Chenoweth told KTSM that he and Gaytan added their own twist to traditional renaissance faire conventions.
Three Realms, Three Vendor Zones
Rather than one generic marketplace, the faire is organized into three immersive zones tied to its lore, per 93.1 KISS FM's reporting. The Mortal Outpost will host traditional crafts, historical wares, faire food and alcohol vendors dubbed alchemists. The Seelie Grove is built around art, floral displays and whimsical goods, while the Shadow Court leans into gothic curiosities, forged iron and macabre offerings. Vendor setups are required to be themed appropriately to whichever realm they occupy.
Beyond the stalls, the faire promises fire performers, acrobatic acts, music, theatrical performances and wandering in-character actors roaming the grounds, according to 93.1 KISS FM. The faire's official website lists a broader menu of attractions as well, including turkey legs, meat pies, mead, craft beer, wine, quests and roleplay events, per borderlandsrf.com. Tickets are being offered through the faire's official website, the site notes.
Setup Day and Vendor Costs
Organizers sought vendors and performers ahead of the event; vendor applications closed Aug. 1, 2026, according to the official website. Merchants and artisans pay $125 for a 10x10 setup covering the full two-day event, while food and beverage vendors pay $200 for a 10x10 setup inside the park. Food truck vendors pay $250 for a spot, according to the same report. Performers interested in joining are directed to contact organizers to arrange a meeting, and vendors will have a dedicated setup day on Nov. 6, the day before the faire opens.
The vendor and performer recruitment effort has been building for months. The faire began accepting applications for vendors, performers and alcohol merchants in late February, according to borderlandsrf.com. Organizers issued a last call for vendor applications over the summer and followed with a last call for performers and actors, urging potential entertainers to join the event's entertainment crew, per the same site. Selections were slated to be finalized by Aug. 1, the website states.
A Debut Weekend at Ascarate
The faire secured its contract for Ascarate Park back in March, locking in the venue months ahead of the debut, according to borderlandsrf.com. On opening day, Nov. 7, the gates will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to KTSM. As El Paso's first renaissance faire, the event adds a new entry to a city that has previously hosted concerts, festivals, gaming events and film celebrations, per 93.1 KISS FM.
