SA Medieval Fair | Paracombe | Review
You’ll find knights, archery, jousting, unicorns and medieval entertainment, food and drink for all ages at the SA Medieval Fair. The SA Medieval Fair, organised by SA Medieval Fair Inc. runs for two days early in May each year.
Historically the fair has been held at Gumeracha, but from 2022 it moved to the Paracombe Recreation Grounds – allowing for more space and less crowding.
The fair makes for a lovely family day out (or two consecutive days if you are keen!). Generally a similar program of events runs on both days, so you can choose either Saturday or Sunday and get the same experience.
There is plenty to see, do and learn for children of all ages and adults alike.
Highlights include:
The combat arena – different groups hold mock battles throughout the day. This is where you will see knights dressed in armour and chain mail, sword fighting!
Horse archery and jousting – watch expert horse riders hit targets. If you’re lucky you will spot a unicorn here too.
Archery, with the opportunity to try out archery yourself (book in early, tickets are limited, but it is free).
Historical re-enactments – camps of people demonstrating medieval cooking, blacksmithing, making arrows, weaving and churning butter.
Many, many stalls selling interesting crafts and food.
The biggest drawcards for kids are the authentic Punch and Judy shows that are performed a few times a day, and roving entertainers – jugglers and belly dancers. Many people are also dressed up, which makes for great people-watching. You’ll see everything from knights and maidens to elves and goblins.
Things to consider:
- Parking is usually free along the roadside, or $5 in a paddock, but either way you may have a bit of a walk to the gate unless you arrive early. The speed limit is reduced to 25km/hr during the event to improve safety.
- Tickets can be bought online or at the gate. You’ll get through the gate quicker with online tickets. Family tickets can be substantially cheaper than individual tickets.
- There are usually ATMs on site, as not all stalls can accept cards. Arrive with cash to avoid the ATM fees.
- Dress for the weather. It can often be cold and possibly rainy at this time of year in the hills. The grassed areas often get muddy from foot traffic. However, most of the area is very stroller friendly if your stroller can handle a bit of mud.
- Dress for the occasion! Costumes are encouraged – and there are often costume competitions for all to enter if they wish. There are lots of kids in costume, and plenty of accessories to buy on site like wooden swords and shields.
- Pick up a schedule of events at the gate or check with the website close to the event so you don’t miss out on any particular things you want to see.
- Some of the food vendors will get particularly busy during lunch time, so consider an early lunch with the kids. There is also a tavern selling hot cups of mead and mulled wine for the adults!
For more information and all enquiries please visit the SA Medieval Fair website
What: SA Medieval Fair
When: Saturday (10am – 5pm) & Sunday (10am till 4pm), early May each year
Where: Paracombe Recreation Grounds, 383 Paracombe Rd, Paracombe
Who: Family friendly
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Claire Davill for Play & Go
SUBSCRIBE
Want to get all the latest events and activities straight to your inbox?
Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter below to keep up to date with our latest posts and find out all the best events & activities for Adelaide families. Newsletters are only sent once a week, and you may sometimes get a special offer exclusively for our subscribers only!
