Welcome to the inaugural Texas Mead & Music Festival. Screams became Scarborough’s Hollow last year, and ahead of the second annual revamped spooky-season park, a new fall festival weekend emerges. This Sat, Sep 19, you can sample mead, hear live music, and get a sneak peek at the Hollow from 1pm to 7pm on the Scarborough grounds in (2511 FM 66, Waxahachie).
What is Mead?
Mead is one of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverages, made by fermenting honey with water and yeast. Often called “honey wine,” mead predates both beer and wine and has been enjoyed for thousands of years by cultures across the globe.
Today’s mead makers are pushing the boundaries of the craft, creating everything from traditional honey-forward meads to fruit-infused melomels, spiced varieties, sparkling meads, and barrel-aged creations. The result is an incredibly diverse beverage with flavors ranging from crisp and refreshing to rich and complex. Whether you’re a longtime mead enthusiast or trying it for the very first time, there’s a mead for every palate.
Why a Mead Festival?
Because great mead deserves a great atmosphere. The Texas Mead & Music Festival was created to bring together some of the best meaderies in Texas and beyond for a day of discovery, entertainment, and community. It’s an opportunity to meet the makers, sample unique meads, learn about the craft, and enjoy a full day of live music, artisan shopping, food, and immersive experiences.
More than just a tasting event, the festival celebrates creativity in all its forms – from handcrafted beverages and artisan goods to live performances and unforgettable attractions. Whether you’re coming for the mead, the music, the marketplace, or simply a unique day out with friends and family, you’ll find something to enjoy at the Texas Mead & Music Festival.
Mead Education
Whether you’re brand new to mead or a longtime enthusiast, our educational sessions offer a deeper look into the world’s oldest fermented beverage. Learn from experienced mead makers and beekeepers as they explore the history of mead, the fascinating world of honeybees, and even how to make your own mead at home. Classes are held at the Harvest Garden. Attendance is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is included with festival admission unless otherwise noted.
From Hive to Honey // The Journey Behind Every Glass of Mead: Every great mead begins in the hive. Join Kirby Jay Carmichael of Rockwall Honeybee Company for a look at the fascinating world of honeybees and discover how nectar becomes one of nature’s most remarkable ingredients. Learn how hives function, how honey is harvested and extracted, and how different floral sources influence the flavor of honey – and ultimately, the character of mead. As part of the presentation, Kirby will uncap raw honey frames and spin fresh honey onsite, giving some lucky guests the opportunity to sample honey straight from the comb and take a taste home with them. Whether you’re curious about beekeeping or simply want a deeper appreciation for what’s in your glass, this engaging presentation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible journey from hive to honey. (Times: 2pm–2:30pm, 5pm–5:30pm)
The History of Mead // From Ancient Civilizations to Modern Craft Culture: Travel through thousands of years of mead history, from ancient civilizations and Viking traditions to today’s craft mead movement. Learn why mead became known as “the drink of the gods” and discover the fascinating origins of traditions like the honeymoon. Whether you’re new to mead or a longtime enthusiast, this engaging presentation explores the remarkable history, cultural significance, legendary stories, and modern-day revival of one of the world’s oldest fermented beverages. (Times: 3pm-3:30pm, 6pm-6:30pm)
There is also a class exclusively for VIP ticket holders called Introduction to Home Mead Making at 12:30pm and 4pm. Join Richard Antley, owner of The Clove & Hive and a longtime mead-making expert, for an exclusive VIP-only presentation exploring the art, science, and history of mead making. This 45-minute session introduces the ingredients, equipment, and techniques used to create traditional mead at home while exploring the many styles and possibilities available to aspiring mead makers. Richard will guide guests through the brewing process, share the rich history of mead and beekeeping, and answer questions during a live Q&A.
For general admission, VIP experience tickets, and the roster of live music performances and other entertainment options, check out the other promotional information at SRFestival.com/txmeadfest/.
