Texas Renaissance Festival Founder George Coulam Dead at 87

TODD MISSION — Source: George Coulam is interviewed on the grounds of the Texas Renaissance Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. (Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival, was found dead at his home Wednesday, according to Grimes County Sheriff Donald Sowell. News of his death comes weeks after a major legal ruling related to the sale of the festival. He was reportedly 87.

The sheriff was notified of Coulam’s passing around 9 a.m., but as of Wednesday afternoon there is no word on how he died.

Coulam, known as “King George,” founded the Texas Renaissance Festival, which last year celebrated 50 years, in 1974. In that time, the festival has grown to be one of the most well-known theme festivals of its kind in the entire country. The festival released a statement on Coulam’s contributions over the years:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of [Coulam], founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival. For more than 50 years, he built a community that has become a cherished tradition for generations of performers, staff, and guests. At this time, we ask for respect and privacy for Mr. Coulam’s family and the extended Texas Renaissance Festival family as they grieve. As this is a deeply personal matter, we are not offering additional comments at this time.”

His death follows a court ruling where Coulam was ordered to sell the festival, following a civil lawsuit, and pay out around $23 million in fees and damages to the plaintiffs; Royal Campgrounds, RW Lands and Texas Stargate. Coulam had backed out of a $60 million sale agreement for the festival and its surrounding properties after already accepting the downpayment and closing costs.

Despite the legal issues and sale, festival officials have stated the 2025 season will continue as planned. The Texas Renaissance Festival runs for six weekends every fall in Todd Mission, TX.