Gatalop 42 Renaissance Festival 2026

The Gatalop 42 Renaissance Festival takes place at Historic Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, Alabama, from October 30 through November 1, 2026. Organized by the Barony of the Osprey within the Society for Creative Anachronism, the event brings medieval reenactment, armored combat, and costumed participants to the fort’s grounds.

⚔️ Medieval Reenactment at Fort Gaines

The event focuses on life in the Middle Ages, with knights, lords, ladies, artists, and medieval merchants taking part. Visitors can watch armored fighters, group battles, and siege reenactments, with the fort’s ramparts providing the setting for assaults on its defenses.

Meeting the reenactors and browsing the merchants’ offerings are also part of the visit, alongside the combat demonstrations.

📅 Dates and Opening Hours

• Friday, October 30: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
• Saturday, October 31: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
• Sunday, November 1: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

🏰 Historic Fort Gaines

Fort Gaines stands at the eastern end of Dauphin Island, overlooking the entrance to Mobile Bay. The fort is associated with the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War.

Its surviving features include cannons, tunnels, kitchens, and a blacksmith shop, together with a museum interpreting the site’s history. The medieval reenactment takes place within a coastal fortification whose own history belongs to a later period.

The event listing gives the address as 95 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528.

For other historical events in the state, explore the calendar of Renaissance and medieval festivals in Alabama.

🎟 Admission

Admission is charged. For visitor admission details, contact Historic Fort Gaines at (251) 861-6992.

Getting to Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is connected to mainland Alabama by a bridge carrying Alabama Highway 193. Drivers approaching from the Mobile area can reach the island via this route and continue along Bienville Boulevard toward Fort Gaines at the eastern end.

📍 Approximate Road Distances

Approximate driving distances to Dauphin Island are listed below. Mileage to the fort varies with the starting point and route.

• Mobile, Alabama: 36 mi.
• Pascagoula, Mississippi: 43 mi.
• Gulfport, Mississippi: 78 mi.
• Pensacola, Florida: approximately 93 mi.
• Hattiesburg, Mississippi: 122 mi.
• New Orleans, Louisiana: 147 mi.

The festival spans the end of October and the beginning of November. Browse more events in October 2026 and events in November 2026 to plan additional visits.