Renaissance festivals make it possible to experience the past without mining lawns in hope of finding a time capsule. Keep the grass intact with today’s Groupon to the Sherwood Forest Faire in McDade, about an hour outside of Austin. The Sherwood Forest Faire is open from 10 a.m. to dusk on weekends from February 11 to April 1. Choose between the following options:

• For $18, you get two general-admission tickets (up to a $36 value).
• For $34, you get a family four pack of general-admission tickets (up to a $72 value).<p>

Spectators walk along winding paths shaded by trees to explore the Sherwood Forest Faire’s recreation of the Renaissance, complete with more than 100 live performances a day, 150 independent merchants, and a jousting arena. Spectators can engage in anachronistic adventure while interacting with costumed bards and actors patrolling the park. Trainers command falcons to swoop over audience members’ heads and snatch historically inaccurate cell phones during the Birds of Prey show. Armored knights face off during the joust tournament to determine who is better at keeping their seat, which the winners put up for grabs in a game of musical chairs for the title of champion.

In between ocular entertainment, patrons can peruse shops selling pewter goblets, authentic swords, Celtic jewelry, and period costumes. Food vendors entice taste buds with hearty helpings of turkey legs and international cuisine, as well as cool ale from rustic pubs and taverns. Sherwood Forest Faire offers onsite camping for an extra fee ($5 for children, $10 for adults) for families who want to practice eating all their meals without utensils.

Though Sherwood Forest Faire sometimes features a discounted price online, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.