Images courtesy of MHS Digital Photography and SA Medieval Fair.
If there’s one forerunning event nestled in my file of happy childhood memories, it’s annual visits to the SA Medieval Fair with my parents. I was mesmerised by the costumes, character and colour of the Fair, and as a youngster, thoroughly enjoyed the crafts section for kids – and the face-painting!
Stepping back in time, there is so much mystery and magic about this era, and the fashion, food and activities allows attendees to completely soak up the atmosphere and peer through a window into the Middle Ages.
Taking you to days of yesteryear, 2026 celebrates the event’s 33rd anniversary running, and the SA Medieval Fair is the proud recipient of the 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award for Active Citizenship. Every year, thousands of kindred folk attend the event, where history comes alive and the grounds are filled with vendors and activities.
Event organiser, Brigitte Winton, says she’s been involved with the event for many years, and is pleased to announce that SA Medieval Fair is partnering with Canteen Australia this year, to provide a free medieval experience for 11 under-18s whose lives have been impacted by cancer.
“Canteen approached us, looking for events where kids can go and enjoy themselves for the day, without cancer invading their lives,” says Brigitte. “I feel cancer touches everybody’s lives, so when they reached out to us to see if we would be interested, it was a no-brainer for us. We’re really excited to be able to provide them with a place to just step out of their own world, and into our medieval world of fun and fantasy.”
The Fair is a truly immersive experience that encourages active participation from attendees, including costume competitions to be held each day at midday, live action role playing at the end of each day, and ‘come and try sessions’ for activities such as belly dancing, archery and fencing.
For the second time, the Fair is also welcoming back the ‘Grand Mounted Melee’, an event that was a huge success with participants and viewers last year, and involves reenactments of a combat sport similar to jousting, but with a longer duration and an armoured battle over the opponent’s colours.
Vendors and merchants will display a vast selection of arts and crafts for purchase, and local and interstate reenactment groups will conduct demonstrations of swordsmanship, horseback and medieval archery, with roving performers keeping the crowds entertained with lively tunes.
Indulge in tasty treats from worldwide cuisines, with vegan and gluten-free options available, and for the grownups, boutique beers and mulled wine are on offer. Feel free to bring a picnic blanket and your own snacks, but strictly no BYO alcohol.
With activities for both kids and adults, there’s something for every age at the Fair. All knights and fair maidens are welcome, and tickets can be purchased online or on the day.
SA Medieval Fair 2026
When: Saturday 2 May, 10am – 5pm and Sunday 3 May, 10am – 4pm
Where: Paracombe Recreational Grounds, 383 Paracombe Road, Paracombe, SA 5132
For more information or to book tickets, click here.
