Medieval Fair at Reaves Park
Reaves Park will transport you to a time of knights in shining armour and kings as you explore the magic of old times. This exciting event, which is held every year since 1977, recreates a 14th-century spring market fair with King Edward III. Enjoy the Middle Ages with over 200 artisans, food and games, and an array of entertainment for all ages. Handmade wares can include jewelry, woodworking and whimsical art.
There are six stages of entertainment with storytellers and minstrels. Enjoy a day of educational entertainment, demonstrations, and exhibits for the entire family at Oklahoma’s most unusual family event. The Medieval Fair will take you back in time to enjoy a day full of fun and revelry. As the kingdom comes to life, enjoy laughter and merriment among kings, queens and knights.
This living history fair is held annually since 1977. It features educational exhibits and crafts, food, games, demonstrations, and entertainment on seven stages.
Entertainment for all ages includes minstrels and dancing, theater, reenactments and jugglers as well as knights jousting on horseback, and human chess. Brightly dressed characters include King Arthur, the fair’s royal court, King Edward III, and mermaids.
Explore the medieval village with over 200 craft and art booths that offer unique, handcrafted wares. You can find pottery, wood crafts and stained glass. There are also costumes, jewelry, leather crafts, jewelry, and hair garlands. Master craftsmen demonstrate their skills.
The Norman Medieval Fair is Oklahoma’s biggest weekend event. It also ranks third in Oklahoma. Events Media Network named it one of the 100 most important events in the country. The Norman Arts Council Hotel Tax Grant Program as well as the City of Norman make it possible.
Histories
The Medieval Fair of Norman, which was founded in medieval times or renaissance in the state, is one of the few free medieval fairs in the country!
Since 1977, the Medieval Fair is held every year. It was originally a forum for English Department at University of Oklahoma, which chose April as the month to honor Shakespeare’s birthday.
It was a one-day event that took place on the south side of campus. The public was positive and the fair was extended the next year. Each year, interest grew.
The fair was not able to accommodate all the people who came to it every year. It was moved to the Duck Pond on one side and extended to two days. The schools expressed interest in the fair being made a three-day event. This allowed students from all over the state to attend the fair as part of their unit on the Middle Ages.
The event grew and attracted thousands of visitors from all over the country. The Fair moved to Reaves Park in Norman, one of Norman’s largest parks, in 2003 with the help of the City of Norman.