The nation’s largest Renaissance fair is headed for the auction block, and its HBO-famous king is on the hook for millions.
A Grimes County judge ordered the sale of the Texas Renaissance Festival, ruling that founder George Coulam breached a $60 million contract to sell the 255-acre property, and awarding over $23 million in damages to the would-be buyers, the Houston Chronicle reported.
Judge Gary Chaney’s decision follows a multiday civil trial last week over the future of the massive fair, held annually in Todd Mission, about 55 miles northwest of Houston. The court ruled in favor of RW Lands and other affiliates who claimed that Coulam — known on-site as “King George” — failed to meet closing obligations for the sale of the festival and surrounding real estate in 2023.
The buyers alleged that despite a signed agreement and a scheduled April 2023 closing date, Coulam and his entities failed to produce required closing documents, including organizational records and tax paperwork, and ultimately refused to finalize the transaction.
Coulam argued the deal was never truly finalized, and that more negotiation was required before closing.
The ruling mandates a judicial sale of the Texas Renaissance Festival and adjacent parcels, and orders Coulam to pay damages, attorney fees and additional costs totaling more than $23 million.
Founded in 1974, the Texas Renaissance Festival has grown into the largest event of its kind in the U.S., attracting more than 500,000 visitors each year across 55 acres of themed attractions and over 200 acres of campgrounds. It features costumed performers, artisan vendors, live jousting, food pavilions and fantasy-themed events across nine fall weekends.
The festival and Coulam were the subject of the 2023 HBO docuseries “Ren Faire,” which spotlighted the inner workings of the operation and Coulam’s combative leadership style as he explored succession options.
Though the court battle raised questions about ownership and continuity, festival organizers announced this week that the 2025 season will proceed as scheduled, emphasizing that programming and operations are unaffected in the short term.
What happens next, including who ultimately takes control of the festival’s land and legacy, will depend on how the court-supervised sale unfolds. Coulam, now in his late 80s, had long hinted at stepping away from day-to-day involvement but never publicly committed to a succession plan.
— Judah Duke
Read more
Former Sears stores backfilled with entertainment concepts
KNA buys Galleria-area hotel in Houston for upscale shopping center
Pepper Square trial set as redevelopment clash shapes election
