(Facebook/ Medieval Faire & Artisan Market in Canada)

By Kenneth Cheung

'HUZZAH!'

Time travel, sort of: Medieval Faire to take over North Battleford for first time

Aug 5, 2025 | 1:46 PM

North Battleford is going back in time — way back.

Knights in armour, wandering Vikings and costumed villagers will take over the Battlefords Agricultural Society’s Grounds from Aug. 8 to 10, as the city hosts its first ever Medieval Faire and Artisan Market.

“We started this faire up in 2019 and have been growing it since,” said Gail Stamp, owner of the travelling company behind the event. “It has done very, very well and has been successful.”

Over the past few years, the faire has visited towns and cities across Alberta, including Calgary, Edmonton, Okotoks and Chestermere. Now, for the first time, it’s crossing into Saskatchewan.

“We figured it was time to spread our wings a little bit and move into Saskatchewan,” said Stamp. “We have a lot of Saskatchewan folks that come down to Alberta and they visit our shows… So we thought, ‘Well, you know what? Let’s take the show to them.'”

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Cybercrime response

Prince Albert Police Service 'limited in scope' to properly investigate fraud crimes

Nov 17, 2025

She also added they chose North Battleford in part because it has the right venue.

The three-day family festival will feature everything from live jousting and Viking combat to storytelling, music, magic, crafts and a sprawling medieval marketplace. The faire runs Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Based on the event’s track record, Stamp is expecting between 3,000 and 4,000 people over the course of the weekend.

One of the biggest draws? The joust.

“It’s a live joust with real horses, real armor, real people,” said Stamp. “It’s not as dramatic as what you’re going to see on television. Nobody gets hurt.”

(Facebook/ Medieval Faire & Artisan Market in Canada)

(Facebook/ Medieval Faire & Artisan Market in Canada)

Another highlight will be the Viking performers, who will host interactive shows and share medieval history.

“There’s lots of things to learn about how folks used to live way back then,” she said. “It’s a learning experience as well because their village is set up — it’s very authentic and they’re always happy to engage with people.”

Visitors can also take part in hands-on activities like “combat the knight” for kids, crown-making crafts, and photo ops in costume. A local band from Saskatoon called Triquetra will perform traditional-style music in 30-minute sets throughout the weekend.

“We really do try to focus on this being a family event,” said Stamp. “We have songs and dances, and we’ve got magicians and storytellers. There’s a lot going on at any given time at the show.”

Alongside the Faire is The Feast, a Saturday-night banquet from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering roasted meats, pies, and medieval dining in themed packages for an elevated experience.

More than 45 vendors will line the medieval marketplace, many of them selling handcrafted items from across Saskatchewan and Alberta.

“There’s going to be a lot of one-of-a-kind items,” said Stamp.

And costumes? Strongly encouraged.

“I would say at the very least half of the folks that attend our shows are in costumes,” said Stamp. “Lots of people like to dress up.”

There will even be a costume contest with prizes.

“It’s full of merriment and laughter and dance and music,” she said. “Honestly, it’s just a lot of fun.”

For more information and to get tickets, visit the Medieval Faires & Artisan Markets in Canada website.

—

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com