I am so excited to be hosted as a media guest at VikingFest KC in St. Joseph, MO a little north of Kansas City. I 100% would have attended this even if I wasn’t provided a free ticket.
It’s year 2! I’m excited to be an affiliate partner! When you buy your tickets, if you put in code ADVENTURE you get 10% off, and I get $2/ticket purchased. Your support helps me keep this blog going. You may need to click remove in the promo code box to be able to put in my code. I appreciate you taking the time to do this.
When
VikingFest: Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 11am to 11:30pm.
What
Similar to a Renaissance Festival, VikingFest blends history with fantasy. Dress up like a Viking (no level of realism required). Eat festival foods and drink lots of mead (or not). Shop! Experience the historical reenactment village. Listen to music, watch a fire show, play games (like Dungeons and Dragons: sign up required) and foam sword fighting, test your strength, and watch armored fighters. Join with the Wolves (Go Wolves! We’re the best!), Dragons, Bears, or Ravens and compete for glory.
The event is family friendly during the day with a kids area. Check out the KIDGARD section for the littlest Vikings to play!
In the evening (going until 11:30pm), the event is geared towards adults with the burning of a Viking ship and live Viking Rock music.
Theme
Year 2 theme: Games of the Gods.
“This year, four wanderers, Odin, Loki, Freya and Thor have decided that Hedeby will be site of a great contest – which will determine which clan is the most glorious! The gods have each chosen a clan to patronize, Odin – Raven, Loki – Wolf, Freya – Dragon and Thor – Bear. Earn glory for your clan through contests, feats of strength and enjoy a festival of legendary proportions!“
Entertainment
(Check the website for current performance information.)
- Music: Tordenkor (Viking-rock), Mad Maudlyn and the Bedlam Boys (Viking duo), Maggie Moon (duo), Half Hallow (punk-metal), Clearly Guilty (nerdy, musical comedy), and Bard Eclectic (unique performance).
- KCAC Banished: armored combat.
- SToRR (Hidden Ninja Taiko): war drums
- Morgen Agesen Artworks: live-painting.
- Dance: Knotty Orchid and Cerridwen
- Fire: Pyro Flow, Flow Rats, and Fire Flow.
Weather
Vikings fear not a little weather. This event is rain or shine. That being said, in addition to many fun outdoor activities, the Asgard (Castlebridge Castle Event Space) includes a spacious and comfortable inside area should you prefer to be inside. Check out my tips section for how to prepare for a great time in any weather. (If you’ve gone to a football game, you can do this!)
Tickets
(check website for current pricing)
When you buy your tickets, if you put in code ADVENTURE, you get 10% off, and I get $2/ticket purchased.
General Admission Tickets (Karl) online are $37.13 ($33.62 with code ADVENTURE). Buy advance tickets on eventbrite. You may need to click remove in the promo code box to be able to put in my code. I appreciate you taking the time to do this.
Kid Tickets (under age) 13 are $10.
Limited availability VIP (Very Important Viking “Huscarl”) tickets will likely sell out before the event, so if you are interested in a this special offering, buy your ticket right away. $117.91 with discount code ADVENTURE.
“Be Treated Like a Jarl…Exclusive seating in ‘The Jarl’s Hall’ – an exclusive area with a private bar, window view of the stage for evening performances, and a unique ambiance – A Delicious Feast Full of Meat and Magic – Souvenir “SHIELD WALL” wooden coaster set, so you can keep the spirit of the kinfolk alive in your living room – Unique entertainment and immersive experiences.”
Kid Ticket: $13.72 (discounted $12.55).
Speed Dating Add-on $12.55 discounted ($13.72 full price).
Tips
- Prepare similar to a Renaissance Festival or other fair.
- No real weapons allowed! Foam is great!
- Tips for rain/cold
- Pro tip is to double up on socks and put a plastic sandwich bag (no zipper) between the layers to keep your toes dry.
- Trash bags or grocery bags tucked up between a layer of clothing keeps the rain off and your heat in.
- Top everything off with something warm on your head/ears, hands, and neck.
- You might even bring hand/foot warmers for the evening chill.
- Wool and cloaks are encouraged.
- Dress in layers and bring a change of clothing. This is a long day, you might want to change if your outfit is elaborate or if rain falls.
- Dress up to maximize the fun! It’s not required, but I love to dress up. If you don’t have an outfit, you’ll most likely be able to buy costume pieces there.
- Bring cash. It’s only proper to tip performers at least a dollar when you watch their show (more is always welcome). While you can buy some things with cards, cash is easier for smaller vendors and is accepted everywhere.
- Be sure to check out the schedule of events for shows and fight times. Plan your shopping and eating around what you want to see and do.
- If you want to play Dungeons and Dragons read this for details
- Pick an animal clan and support your group with some friendly rivalry.
- Prepare to spend a day walking outside: comfortable shoes or boots, sunscreen, bug spray, and maybe even a parasol/umbrella are in order. Stay hydrated (even if it’s cold) especially if you are drinking. I like to bring a mug with a special belt clip to really get into the spirit (you can probably buy these onsite).
- Mead (strong, Viking honey wine) is very popular, buy it early in case it sells out.
- While there are a few paved areas the majority of the faire is set in open grassy fields in true festival style. Expect mud if there has been rain. Embrace the mud. Be one with the mud like when you were a kid.
- Dogs: “Well behaved dogs with up to date/current vaccinations are allowed at VikingFest if they are on a short leash.” Not allowed inside the building unless it is a service animal.
- Bring a reusable bag for your shopping finds because it’s a long walk back to the car.
- You can have a great time on your own, but it’s even more fun with friends or family.
- Use this great opportunity to buy unique gifts and treat yourself.
- Stick around for the evening party. If some of your group will want to leave early, drive separately.
Location
Castlebridge Event Center
8403 US-59, St Joseph, MO 64504
St. Joseph is located just over 40 minutes North of the Kansas City International Airport, 30 minutes North of Weston, and about 1 hour North of the River Market.
This is the same location as the wonderful Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival.
To find the entrance by car, keep an eye out for the Castlebridge Event Space sign and drive back past the Bargain Barn Antique Store.
Complimentary parking is located around the festival and is mostly on grass. (Try to avoid parking in any deep mud!) As with all festivals, be prepared to walk a distance from where you park.
Links
VikingFest eventbrite Ticket Page When you buy your tickets, if you put in code ADVENTURE, you get 10% off, and I get $2/ticket purchased. Thank you for helping support my work! You may need to click remove in the promo code box to be able to put in my code. I appreciate you taking the time to do this.
VikingFest Community Facebook Group
St. Joseph, MO Official Travel and Tourism Website
Viking Drums from HiddenNinja Taiko
Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival Website
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Renaissance Festival Posts: Bluffwoods Renfest (St. Joseph, MO), Topeka Renfest, Central Missouri Renfest (near Columbia, MO), Kansas City Renfest, Oklahoma Renfest (Muskogee)
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