WEEKEND PLANS: Barbarians Take Over Scarborough Festival Grounds

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.