My Experience at the Medieval Festival 2026

Pictured: Two fair maidens making their way into the festival. Image credit: Erin Donaldson.

What: Adelaide Medieval Festival 2026
Where: Bonython Park
When: 4th & 5th April 2026

I’ve never considered myself a medieval enthusiast. I’m not a history buff, a cosplayer, or the kind of person who owns anything resembling a knight or a king. And yet, on an otherwise ordinary April morning, I found myself wandering through the outskirts of Adelaide’s CBD dressed as a fair maiden, feeling elegant, excited, and… somewhat embarrassed.

There’s something undeniably awkward about stepping out in full medieval attire against the backdrop of modern life.

Medieval playtrons on their way to the festival. Image Credit: Erin Donaldson.

That contrast was short-lived, however, as my fellowship and I continued down Port Rd into Bonython Park, where we quickly camouflaged into the hustle and bustle of the medieval lifestyle.

Entering the festival filled with fellow playtrons. Image Credit: Erin Donaldson.

There’s something magical about niche communities. The kind powered by pure passion, shared imagination, and a willingness to fully commit to the moment. I’m drawn to them, simply because I’m curious what it might feel like to step inside, just for a moment, and belong.

Somewhere between the flutter of velvet cloaks, the clash of steel, and the cheerful hum of bard music, something shifted. No one looked twice at us. We blended in effortlessly among the lords, peasants, and knights - all of us out of place in time, yet exactly where we belonged: the Medieval Festival.

The rough and tumble of the Buhurt tournament. Image Credit: Erin Donaldson.

The day started off strong with a Buhurt tournament, a full contact medieval combat sport where fighters attack each other with blunt weapons in a last-one-standing battle. Watching it almost felt like watching in slow motion, with each attack and defensive movement deliberately slowed by the sheer weight of the full-body armour secured to their bodies.

A delicious serving of Paella. Image Credit: Erin Donaldson.

After that we refuelled with a serving of Paella before the next act - a far cry from the gruel and stale bread our medieval counterparts might have endured.

The four (or eight) contestants of the jousting warm-ups. Image Credit: Erin Donaldson.

Next up were the jousting warm-ups. Unfortunately, no dramatic sword clashes here, just an impressive display of horsemanship, precision, and skill as riders guided their horses through tricks like collecting hoops, knocking blocks, and striking shields to earn points against the clock.

Harpist Siobhán Owen singing classical Celtic/folk songs. Image Credit: Erin Donaldson.

By mid-afternoon, the heat was becoming part of the experience, so we retreated to the shade of the tavern for a glass of sparkling honey mead. There, we were treated to live music from harpist Siobhán Owen (pictured) and the Blue Mountain Piper.

Checking out the rock collections at the market stalls. Image Credit: Erin Donaldson.

On our way out, we had a look at what the market sellers had on display, from mead tastings to handcrafted jewellery and leatherworks, it was the perfect place to stock up for your next medieval dress-up event.

A hot walk back to the 'horse and cart'. Image Credit: Erin Donaldson.

A big day always ends in the King getting piggy-backed over the hot gravel. We were feeble and swoomy from the hours of entertainment and it’s safe to say everyone (only just) survived the hot sun in their even hotter outfits.

According to their recent Facebook post, more than 10,000 people visited Bonython Park over the weekend, with the Events and Festivals Team saying they were humbled by the incredible response. It’s a clear sign the event struck a chord with the community, marking its busiest and most vibrant turnout yet.

The next event, SA Medieval Fair, will take place on May 2nd and 3rd 2026 at the Paracombe Recreation Gardens.

If you’re curious, even just a little, I’d highly recommend stepping into this world for yourself. It’s fun, it’s welcoming, and for a few hours at least, it lets you be part of a community so wonderfully out of the ordinary.

This page reflects the author’s personal experience at the event.