Visitor Information
Festival Location - Waterloo Park West
Located in the heart of Waterloo, ON, the Royal Medieval Faire takes over the beautiful west side of Waterloo Park (sometimes known as Centennial Park or the Bandshell side). There are two entrances along the park road, one near the soccer field and another near the servery building. There are two entrances, one across the bridge from paid parking lot C for UW and the other just along the walking path from the baseball diamonds or bridge from the east side.
General admission: $10.00 (ages 14 and up); Children: $5.00 (ages 13 and under); Family admission: $20 (up to 4 people, maximum two general admission); Babes in arms are free; Personal Support Workers are free with a paid admission.
The Royal Medieval Faire will occur on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 11 am - 6 p.m. in Waterloo Park West.
Parking Options
Parking along Father David Bauer is available near the Waterloo Skate Park along with additional parking at the Waterloo Memorial Rec Complex. The University of Waterloo has paid parking facilities (Lot C) off of Seagram Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Faire for 2023 and COVID19
Q: Will the faire happen this year with COVID-19 in Ontario?
A: Yes, the plan is to have the Royal Medieval Faire in person this year for its 26th annual celebration. Of course, this will depend upon provincial and regional health guidelines that we are required to adhere to - so far it is looking good!
Q: What events will happen online and how to do I find out about them?
A: We potentially will make the Royal Medieval Faire Minecraft World available for people to play with a few weeks after the actual Royal Medieval Faire.
What to Expect At The Faire
Q: Can I get tickets in advance?
A: The faire is a cash only entrance event at the gate the day-of, there are no advance tickets (please be aware, we have seen people selling "fake tickets" in the past)
Q: Are vendors cash only?
A: It depends on the vendor, but many support other more modern forms of payment beyond cash.
Q: What kind of entertainment is there at the Faire?
A: At the 2 festival stages, there is singing and dancing. At the tournament area, there is an intriguing story that unfolds throughout the day with knights in battle. The Royal Court, minstrels and jesters are sure to charm you. Medieval merchants are located throughout the marketplace interspersed with games.
Q: Do I have to pay extra to play the games?
A: No, you do not have to pay extra to play the games at the Faire. Once you have paid your admission fee, this entitles you to play the games for free and to enjoy live entertainment at the 2 festival stages & the intriguing story that unfolds throughout the day at the tournament ring. When you fare well at a game, you will be given a token. You can trade your tokens for prizes at the Games Magistrate tent.
Q: Are there food and beverages available at the Faire?
A: Yes, there is an assortment of food fit for a King or Queen that is available for purchase.
Q: Is there seating available at the Faire?
A: The Faire is an outdoor event. There is limited seating at each of the festival stages, at the Tournament area, in the Tavern and interspersed in the park.
Q: Are there washrooms on-site?
A: Yes, there are washrooms in the Tavern area and portable washrooms are located throughout the park.
Q: Are there emergency services on-site in the event I fall ill while at the Faire?
A: We will have first aid services on-site to assist patrons who fall ill or may be injured while visiting with us. There is a mobile unit stationed at First Aid throughout the day.
Q: Are dogs allowed at the Faire?
A: Dogs are allowed in the park, however it is required to be leashed and you are required be in control of it at all times and deal with any bathroom issues (stoop and scoop). If there are concerns or issues with your pet's behaviour, you will be asked to leave. There are a significant number of people at the faire, along with many unusual smells/sounds that are compelling to dogs -- straw, food, wood, lots of children, so some dogs (depending on age and training) are perfectly fine, and others are significantly overwhelmed. Ultimately it's on the pet owner to manage effectively and make that judgement of appropriateness of the event for the dog in question.
Site Logistics
Q: Is there parking close to the Faire?
A: Yes, there is free parking at The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and at the Bauer parking lot on Father David Bauer Drive in Waterloo. There is also free parking on Seagram Drive in the parking lot outside the football field. Refer to the directions page for parking locations.
Q: Is the Faire accessible?
A: Yes, the accessible entrance is the Westmount Gate off of Westmount Road. Our volunteers will be there to direct you. Individuals in wheelchairs are allowed free access for their PSW.
Q: Can I rent a wheelchair there?
A: No. We do not have wheelchairs available for rent or loan. If you will be requiring one, please contact your local medical supply store.
Q: Will I be able to get back into the Faire should I have to exit for any reason?
A: Yes! You will receive a wristband when you pay at the gate, this entitles you to come in and out of the park as often as you like.
Q: What do I do if I am separated from the party I came with?
A: We have t-shirted volunteers assisting throughout the day to ensure that your day is enjoyable. Please let one of these volunteers know of your situation or come to the Information Booth to report your situation and wait for your party.
Costumes
Q: Can I come dressed in costume?
A: Certainly, you may come dressed in costume. It adds to the fun!
Q: If I come dressed in costume, will I get in for free?
A: Please feel free to wear your costume, but we still require you to pay the small admission fee. The Royal Medieval Faire relies on the admission fee to bring the faire to Waterloo Region for years to come.
Q: Can I wear a sword or dagger with my costume?
A: No. We have a strict no weapons policy. We want everyone to enjoy the festivities at the Faire. The safety of all is paramount.
Q: Where can I rent/buy medieval costumes in the Kitchener-Waterloo region?
A: The following are the costume shops in Kitchener-Waterloo that would outfit your guests:
A Kind of Magic
591 Lancaster St W - Unit #5
Kitchener, Ontario N2K 1L7
http://www.kwmagic.com
(519) 885-4700
Maskerade Manor
18 Queen Street East
Cambridge Ontario NEC 2A6
http://www.maskerademanor.ca/
(519) 658-6260
If you are looking for anything custom, we would recommend:
Richard Crossman, Laird of Glencoe and Lochaber
Hever Costumes and Designs
(289) 244-7922
Valkyrie Custom Wear
https://facebook.com/ValkyrieCustomWear
https://valkyriecustomwear.ca/
If you know someone else who sews, there are many Simplicity & McCall's medieval dress patterns available in the costume section of the pattern book. You can check the Simplicity one at www.simplicity.com.
Organizational
Q: Does the Faire move to a rain venue if it rains?
A: The Faire goes on Rain or Shine! There is shelter in tents and at the covered pavilion area. Some performances may be delayed or cancelled if the rain is pouring and there is danger of performers being injured. Otherwise, the show continues as scheduled.
Q: Where do the proceeds of the Faire go?
A: The Faire is a volunteer not-for-profit organization. The gate admission that patrons pay offset the expenses incurred (e.g. park rental; sword repairs; costumes; storage; banner installation, programme, posters & flyer production; sound system rental to name a few) in putting on an event of this magnitude and the remaining funds go towards the next year's Faire.
Q: Who organizes this event?
A: The Faire happens largely due to the generous time volunteered by individuals within our community. There is a group of work coordinators assigned to particular areas of the medieval faire which is then overseen by a board of directors. We are always looking for more help, so, if you'd like to assist with the year to year running of the medieval faire, please contact us at info@royalmedievalfaire.org or call (519) 279-4018.
Education
Q: My grade 4 class is studying the medieval period, do you do school presentations?
A: We do not do school presentations. The Royal Medieval Faire is made possible by many enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. Given our limited resources, we have decided to focus on producing an affordable high quality event.