VikingFest 2026

VikingFest returns to Castle Bridge Event Center in St. Joseph, Missouri, on November 13–14, 2026. Under the theme Mead & Mischief, the festival combines Viking-inspired storytelling, live music, combat, merchants, and games. Friday evening is reserved for adults 21 and older, while Saturday daytime welcomes all ages.

Opening Hours and Age Requirements

• Friday, November 13: 6:00 PM–midnight. Loki’s Night is strictly for guests 21 and older.
• Saturday, November 14: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM. The Great Gathering welcomes all ages during the day; parental discretion is advised for evening entertainment.

Friday: Loki’s Night

Friday combines a night market with music and adult-oriented performances. The announced lineup includes Valkyrie’s Fire, GUNGNXR, Ice Howl, Mad Maudlyn and the Bedlam Boys, Trimble the Troubadour, Kater Tot, Marilynsdottir, and DJ Laufeyson. A drum circle closes the evening.

Saturday: The Great Gathering

Valkyrie’s Fire returns Saturday morning. Other announced performers include Maggie Moon, The Bardcore Babe, Pictus, Tordenkor, Bragi’s Ulfhe∂nar, and NorseMN, with another drum circle closing the night.

The wider entertainment roster includes sword dancer Knotty Orchid, dancer Bellatryx, roaming character Wanderer of the West, games from Stulto Mori Games, padded-weapon combat with Bluffwoods Boffers, armored fighting by Banished KCAC, and tattoo artist Reynaldo Barrera Mesa of El Rey Tattoos.

Explore Hedeby and the Festival Grounds

The festival’s interactive story takes place in Hedeby in 1017. Visitors can support one of four clans—Hrafn, Úlfr, Bjǫrn, or Dreki—and participate in the unfolding story. Joining a clan is optional.

• Hedeby Village: Craftspeople, historical interpretation, and sagas inspired by an 11th-century trading settlement.
• Thor’s Arena: Combat, strength challenges, and games.
• Asgard: Food and tabletop adventures inside Castle Bridge.
• Kidgard: Children’s stories, crafts, and games.
• Skald’s Stage: Music and artistic performances.
• The Pyre: An evening gathering combining fire, messages, and remembrance.

VikingFest was founded by Edward Schmalz to bring together history, fantasy, music, and community participation. Its historical village forms one part of a broader event that also includes mythology, contemporary music, and imaginative characters.

Tickets and VIP Experiences

Admission is available through the official VikingFest ticket page. Two VIP packages offer additional experiences:

• Huscarl: Admission for both days, a feast with entertainment, an engraved cup and a serving of mead, early access, a private bar, Jarl’s Lounge access, and admission to the year’s Skalds & Shields VIP parties.
• Valkyrie Club: Huscarl benefits plus a private lounge and service, a Friday steak-and-lobster feast, a wooden VikingFest shield, special concert seating, a bottle of mead, and a private entertainment experience.

D&D Ragnarök Adventures are separate ticket add-ons with six players per session and ready-to-play characters.

For other events during the same month, explore our calendar of Renaissance faires and medieval festivals in November 2026.

Venue and Visitor Information

Castle Bridge Event Center is located at 8403 US Highway 59 South, St. Joseph, MO 64504. Much of the festival takes place outdoors on grass and gravel. The event operates rain or shine, with programming adjustments when weather or safety requires them.

Costumes are optional. Attendees may not carry metal weapons, including peace-tied weapons; foam and boffer props are subject to inspection. Vaccinated, well-behaved dogs are welcome outdoors on short leashes, but only service animals may enter the building.

On-site camping is reserved for approved festival participants and workers. Visitors requiring accessibility arrangements should contact the team before attending, as some areas involve steps.

📍 Approximate Road Distances

Approximate driving distances to St. Joseph are listed below. Allow for additional local travel to the festival grounds.

• Cameron, Missouri: 35 mi.
• Maryville, Missouri: 40 mi.
• Kansas City, Missouri: 55 mi.
• Topeka, Kansas: 80 mi.
• Omaha, Nebraska: 135 mi.
• Des Moines, Iowa: 170 mi.

Find more gatherings centered on Norse history and mythology in our selection of Viking festivals.