Are you considering going to your first event? We’re excited to have you join in on the fun!

Here are some quick things to know about going to your first event:

Fighter Practice:

If you are going to a fighter practice, this is where the guys with pointy sticks practice their craft. However Safety is priority! A designated Marshal will be onsite to make sure everyone is following SCA safety guidelines. Bring plenty of water, and dress for the weather: some groups practice rain or shine!

Kingdom Event:

These events are sometimes overnight or just single day, but they are lots of fun!

Bring a chair, drinks to stay hydrated, snacks, cooler, dress for the weather, and maybe have some cash on hand. There are often fund raiser lunches that cost a small donation. But you may also come across some of our Kingdom Merchants and you’ll want to shop!

There are many activities going on, so don’t be hesitant to stand by and observe or jump in and ask questions!

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What are the logistics when I arrive?

As you drive in to the event, there will be “SCA” signs with arrows along the road. When you get to the site, there will be an area near the road with a table and some people. You need to stop at this area and sign a waiver before you continue. They may ask you if you “preregistered”, which means if registered for the event online.This isn’t required, but can speed up the process for you. After you sign the waiver, they will tell you where to park. You will go to a second check-in, called “troll”, to pay any fee for the event and receive an event token. After that, you are free to wander and check out activities.

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What should I bring to my first event?

You should bring a drinking vessel (think pottery or a metal cup), your ID, some cash (for troll and vendors), garb to wear, comfortable shoes (don’t worry about these being medieval). It’s nice to have sunscreen, a hand fan, snacks, and a chair. Water is usually provided and is in the main area (where you pay when you arrive). 

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What are the main types of activities at events?

Tournaments are a huge draw at events. They are either “heavy” armored combat or “light” rapier fighting. These are a lot of fun to watch. Feel free to applaud or cheer, but do not boo or jeer at people. If someone yells HOLD, there is a safety issue with the fighting, so it must temporarily pause.

Archery is another popular activity and one that newcomers can often try right away! Loaner gear is usually available, and the archery community is welcoming and eager to help. While it’s easy to get started, becoming skilled takes practice, focus, and time—making it both accessible and rewarding.

Classes are open to everyone and usually free (or have a small materials fee). Teachers love sharing information, and many are Laurels, or masters of their subject matter.

A&S (Art and Science) displays or demos feature works made by kingdom artisans. These are fascinating to explore and offer a glimpse into the wide variety of medieval skills and crafts.

Revels, bardic, and balls can be scheduled or impromptu. People often gather to enjoy medieval dancing, storytelling, singing, playing games, or simply relaxing in good company.

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Who are “royals”?

Royalty is the King, Queen, Prince, and Princess. They obtain these positions by victory in armored combat at a competition (Crown Tournament) held twice per year. The winning fighter and consort will be the Prince and Princess for about six months then at Coronation, become the King and Queen for about six months. During the time between Coronation and the next Crown tournament, there is no Prince and Princess. People will often bow to the royals when they pass or if they walk by the throne. It is suggested that you do so, but you aren’t required to if it makes you uncomfortable.

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Who are the Barons and Baronesses?

Baronies (Trimaris has six) are determined by geographical location and membership numbers. Typically, the Crown will poll the populace of that barony to vote for their chosen leader. Based on the vote and other concerns, the Crown will choose the Baron and Baroness for that area. They will serve a fixed term of years. They can present baronial awards of recognition and merit. They pledge loyalty to the reigning monarchs.

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What is a feast?

This is an event dinner. There are a limited number of spots, so if you are interested in joining you should preregister for the event and select to “attend feast”. When you go to pay, they will let you know whether or not you registered early enough to get a spot. 

You will need to bring your own “feast gear”. This is a plate and/or bowl, drinking vessel, and silverware. Servers will bring communal dishes to your table. Someone will announce each course and the ingredients. 

Royalty will sit at a fancy “high table” at the front of the room. Everyone else is welcome to take a seat at any available spot. 

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What is a dayboard?

This is lunch during the day at an event. It is usually donation-based (typically $5 cash) and first come, first serve. Not all events have a dayboard, so check in advance if you are relying on this for your meal.

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What is court?

Court is when the Crown gives awards to the populace. Event staff will set up thrones at the front of the room, and everyone else will sit in chairs or benches facing them. A royal herald (official loud person) will announce the arrival of Royals and escort them to the thrones. 

The royalty will present awards of merit and recognition to such members of the populace. There may be gift presentations done in court as well, or there may be oaths of allegiance from the populace, ranking royalty, or peers. Typically, newcomers will be invited to come up at some point and receive a welcome gift.

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Can I camp? 

It depends on the event. Typically full weekend events do allow camping in tents and/or renting a bed in a cabin. Check the event page for more specific details. Where camping is allowed, the site usually has showers and flushing bathrooms. 

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What is good to know going in?

The SCA is a kaleidoscope of a hundred different arts that people can spend years or decades mastering. And spend that time with friends who have similar interests. Sometimes newcomers can feel overwhelmed with the amount and quality of information and skill they see at events. No one expects a new person to come with perfect, hand sewn and accurate garb or a lot of specialized knowledge. Take this as inspiration for what you would like to learn and explore. 

Everyone is assumed to be “of noble birth” regardless of persona. So you won’t be starting as a “peasant” (unless you want to). 

You should talk in your normal voice. People don’t speak with medieval accents at events unless they are being silly.

There are a few clothing items that are “reserved”, or not allowed for the general populace to wear. These include any type of crown, a white sash, and a white belt. Typically people will not wear a yellow, red, or green belt unless they are a squire or apprentice. 

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What is a persona and do I need one?

This is your character that you play. People will chose a name, time period, and culture to play. This isn’t required, especially at your first event, but adds a fun dynamic to social interactions. Most SCAdians will develop a skillset and wardrobe related to their persona. But anyone can wear clothes and learn skills from any time period or geographic location in the SCA. 

Your character should be a human who hypothetically could have lived in the past. Think like merchant, blacksmith, warrior, craftswomen. Fantasy-based characters like sorcerer or elf are typically not allowed.

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Can children come to events?

Yes! People of all ages are welcome. Events usually have a children-specific activity center. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

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Do I have to join the SCA to participate?

No, events are open to anyone who wants to attend. Membership will earn you discounts at events, but is not required.