'King' George Coulam, Founder of Texas Renaissance Festival, Dies at 87
George Coulam, the founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival and a key figure in Texas cultural life, has died at age 87. He was found at his home in Todd Mission, Texas, on the morning of May 21, according to law enforcement reports. The cause of death is under investigation, though police say there is no threat to the public.
The Texas Renaissance Festival confirmed Coulam’s passing in a heartfelt statement on social media, calling him the creator of a beloved tradition that has stood for more than 50 years. “King George,” as many affectionately knew him, started the festival in 1974 on 15 acres of land on a former strip mine. It has since grown into one of the largest events of its kind in the country, sitting on 200 acres and drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each fall.
His death comes shortly after losing his role as Mayor of Mission Todd — the first and only mayor of the town until this year. The Coulam legacy suffered another critical hit shortly before his death as a Grimes County judge ordered the sale of the festival amid a lawsuit involving failed business deals. The court awarded more than $23 million in damages and fees to plaintiffs associated with festival vendors and landowners.
Meril Rivard, one of the plaintiffs and a longtime business associate, said he was “shocked” by Coulam’s passing in a statement. “Our thoughts go out to his loved ones,” he stated. “Like everyone else who loves the Texas Renaissance Festival, we remain committed to ensuring that the festival lives on, and we are working steadfastly to make that happen.”
Despite legal and personal controversies — including previous lawsuits involving allegations of sexual harassment that were settled in 2019 and 2021 — Coulam's legacy as the first mayor of Todd Mission and the visionary behind one of Texas' most iconic events remains significant.
Festival organizers say plans for the 2025 season will continue. The Texas Renaissance Festival is scheduled to return in October for its annual six-week run.
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