The Texas Viking Festival

09/12/2026

While construction of new buildings and improvements of older ones are happening, I’ve been sent to Denmark to get some seasoning the dragons like when they eat naughty children. While here, I stopped by the a viking museum in Aarhus. It’s not very big, but they have some amazing archeological items on display. Of course, they don’t have any dragon stuff for tourists, because of course they “don’t exist and we aren’t to talk about them…” but the museum is quite deep under the ground and we all know who likes to live in caves.

07/11/2026

America is now supporting team Norway! We are The Texas Viking Festival and thus, we are for Norway! Til krig! Nå kjører vi! Ro! Ro! Ro!

07/10/2026

With the website updated, and tickets on sale, we want to share with you some of our new FAQ thingies.

Q: What bands will you have?
A: None other than Norðanfólk Tordenkor and Skuggaheimrplaying full concert sets on our massive stage with speakers, lights, lasers, and probably fog machines. If anyone asks, the fog is from a machine and totally not produced through witchcraft, dragon fire, or god-sized hookahs. (Because of course those things "do not exist." *wink-wink*)

Q: Will the forest creatures appreciate the music?
A: The ravens are already fans. The gnomes have been caught humming Wardruna songs near the creek. One of the trolls reportedly wept during a Heilung performance in 2023 and has not been the same since. As for the Norse Gods, they have been attending live music for several thousand years and have very high standards. We are proud to report that so far none of them have overturned any tables in disapproval, which in Viking terms is basically a standing ovation.

Q: Is this like a Renaissance Faire where the bands play the same thirty-minute set four times a day?
A: We are so glad you asked, and the answer is an emphatic no. This is not a Renaissance Faire. We love Renaissance Faires, but we are not one. At the Texas Viking Festival, our bands play a real concert, a full set, performed with everything they have, once. No looping the same six songs between turkey legs. The concert takes place in the latter half of the day, so come ready to plant your feet in front of the stage and let the music wash over you the way the North Sea washes over a longship, which is to say completely and with great force.

Q: What magical creatures might I encounter in the forest?
A: The forest at Valkyrie Ranch is home to trolls, land elves, gnomes, and at least one very opinionated raven who seems to understand Norwegian. We also cannot rule out a Jotunn or two lingering near the tree line. We ask that you do not feed the creatures, do not challenge them to contests of strength, and absolutely do not make eye contact with anything that looks like it might be a Huldra. Trust us on that last one.

Find more, tickets, dates, and other stuff like videos from prior years at our website: https://www.TexasVikingFestival.com

04/13/2026

For all those wondering what the The Texas Viking Festival village looks like when it is transformed into a music festival… we give you these two (combined into one) videos from Astronox 2025. We wish we owned drones; we had to tape iPhones to the dragons. Luckily, none of these humans noticed the dragons overhead or I would have been in so much trouble!

https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1170481583

P.s. this video is not an official video from Astronox. This was made by Valkyrie Ranch. Enjoy!

04/12/2026

Friends! The village has been getting redecorated as it is the backdrop for a movie. They will be throwing a music festival the 16th through the 19th of this month and anyone attending will be extras in the movie. Tickets vary on the package, we have nothing to do with it, and the highest package they have is $222. This will be an electronic music festival meets Burning Man. From major headliner DJs from all over the world (house, techno, trance, some heavy bass, etc.) to burner camps, famous art cars, artwork, etc. from all over the USA. Below you can see us installing some of the art. Details on the event can be found at https://www.DidYouPeakYet.com come peak with us!!

And yes, there is camping!!!

03/11/2026

Congratulations to all the winners, and especially our good friends at Sherwood Forest Faire for placing second nationally! This is a testament to the leadership, patrons, and participants of SFF! It is an amazing festival, and currently happening by the way! Go get tickets and bring your entire family to what is, without question, one of the best fairies in the country!

Congratulations to the Ohio Renaissance Festival for being named Best Renaissance Fair in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Well deserved, and we raise a hearty cheer to everyone involved in bringing that village to life each season. Several Sherwood Forest Faire management team members, including the Sherwood business owner, have been to the Ohio show and they attest that it is truly GREAT!

And to our own incredible community at Sherwood Forest Faire, thank you. Because of your votes, enthusiasm, and constant support, Sherwood proudly claimed second place in the nation in this year’s 10Best poll.

To our patrons, performers, artisans, and crew who fill the lanes with music, craft, and storytelling every weekend, this recognition belongs to you as much as it does to us. We are proud to stand among the best renaissance festivals in the country and grateful to share this adventure with such an amazing community.

02/12/2026

Friends! Today we are here to publicly announcement, TreeStock! Help us "keep the rhythm going!"

🌲 A Night for Tree 🌲

Some people don’t just play music.

They hold a community together.

Tree Leom was one of those people.

Tree was a musician, a mentor, and a constant supporter of artists in the local music and renaissance community. He lifted bands when they were just starting, encouraged performers to step on stage, and helped shape the sound, spirit, and heart of venues we love, including Sherwood Forest Faire and The Texas Viking Festival

Now it’s our turn to give back.

On February 20, 2026, we’re coming together for a Benefit Concert for Tree at Valkyrie Ranch.

All proceeds will go directly to Tree’s widow and daughters.
🎶 Performances by:
Amanda Kitchens
Norðanfólk
Bedlam Bards
High-Bawlers
Goodking
…and more

🕖 Doors / Music: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Paige, Texas
📅 Date: February 20, 2026

This date was chosen intentionally so visiting artists preparing for Sherwood Forest Faire can join us in honoring a man who supported so many of them along the way.

🎟 Tickets:

This is a donation-based event.
• Minimum donation: $30
• Suggested maximum ticket donation: $100
• Additional donations may be added at checkout

No matter the amount, every dollar helps support Tree’s family and carries forward the kindness he gave so freely.
This event is produced by Valkyrie Ranch and The Texas Viking Festival.

🔗 Get Tickets here: https://www.strideevents.com/events/treestock/2026/tickets

Come raise a glass, sing a song, and stand with us as a community.
For Tree. 🌲💚

01/09/2026

This morning I learned that a heart spirit has passed from us. Tree, you will always be one of the most humble, loving, and beloved humans I have ever had the pleasure to know and the honor to call “friend.” My heart is broken and filled with grief, and I feel as if a light has gone out and we are all diminished in its absence.

To Laura, his love for you spilled from him even in your absence. His infectious smile would always grow ten-times larger whenever I would ask about you, and even more than that whenevehe would steal a glance at you. I know he had no greater joy than living his life with you, the love for his family and the beautiful humans you raised together, and how that especially showed in your combined music. My heart hurts for all of you.

Tree - Your music, friendship, counsel, and love will be forever missed. No more calm or loving person have I ever known.

01/04/2026

Happy New Year! As we finish putting away the decorations and preparing the village for Hynafol to use it as a backdrop of their amazing storyline, we want to know what you enjoyed most during the 2025 Yule event. Please post your pictures and comments below! We start planning 2026 in just two weeks.

12/22/2025

Wolfgang is such a good boy! Look at him posing for his picture with the cup on his head!