WEEKEND PLANS: Barbarians Take Over Scarborough Festival Grounds

A costumed attendee at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in 2022.
A costumed attendee at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in 2022.

If you’re up for something a little louder (and a lot more fun), Barbarian Weekend is back at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival April 18–19.

This themed weekend leans all the way into high-energy entertainment—think Vikings, barbarians, and plenty of over-the-top costumes. It’s one of the festival’s more interactive weekends, with contests and performances happening throughout the day.

Here’s what to watch for:

- Costume contests (noon, Crown Stage): Open to adults and kids—barbarians, Vikings, and berserkers welcome.
- Beard contest (1:30 p.m., Canterbury Stage): Longest and most decorated beards take the spotlight.
- Stein holding competition (4 p.m., Royal Pavilion): Hold your drink steady the longest and win a souvenir stein.

There’s no registration needed for contests, so you can jump in or just watch the chaos unfold.

Sunday (April 19) also doubles as College Student Day, with $3 off single-day adult tickets at the gate when you show a valid student ID.