Medieval Times is a dinner theater chain where actors perform staged combat and jousting while you eat
Medieval Times is a for-profit entertainment venue, not a historical site or educational program. You sit in a theater-style arena, watch costumed performers act out scripted sword fights and horse stunts, and eat a multi-course meal with your hands. There are locations across North America — the company operates about a dozen permanent theaters in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto. It is not a Renaissance faire (which are outdoor, seasonal, and vendor-driven), though both involve medieval-themed entertainment.
The show runs the same script every night. You are seated by section, each section "supports" a different colored knight, and you cheer for your knight during the tournament. The meal — typically chicken, ribs, and potatoes — arrives in courses timed to the action. The whole experience lasts roughly two hours. Tickets range widely depending on location, day of week, and how far in advance you book, but expect to pay between $60 and $120 per person before tax and tip.
Key Takeaways
- Medieval Times is a ticketed dinner show with a fixed script, not an interactive faire where you walk between vendor booths.
- You sit in assigned seating by section and are encouraged to cheer for a specific knight throughout the tournament.
- The meal is served during the performance and is eaten with your hands; utensils are not provided for the main course.
- Ticket prices vary by location and date, and you should book online or call ahead to check availability and current pricing.
- The show is family-friendly but loud and fast-paced; young children may find the combat scenes frightening or the length tiring.
How a Medieval Times show is structured
The evening begins when you arrive and check in at the box office. You are seated in the arena by your ticket section — typically labeled by color (red, blue, yellow, green) or by knight name. The theater fills up, and a herald or announcer introduces the show. From that point, the script unfolds in acts: a royal court scene, a series of one-on-one jousts and sword fights, a tournament climax, and usually a villain reveal and final battle.
Actors on horseback perform choreographed combat with lances and swords. The fights are staged — nobody is actually hurt — but they are loud and involve real horses, real weapons (blunted), and real falls. Between acts, your server brings courses of food. You eat with your hands; forks and knives are not provided for the chicken and ribs, though you do get utensils for soup and dessert. The show ends with a winner crowned and a final bow.
The whole experience is designed to be immersive but also to move quickly. There is no pause to browse or wander. You sit, watch, eat, and cheer on cue. If you need to leave your seat, you can, but you will miss parts of the show.
What to expect when you arrive
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your show time. You will check in at the box office, receive a wristband or ticket stub, and be directed to the arena seating area. If you have purchased add-ons — such as a photo package, a souvenir cup, or a special meal — those are usually handled at check-in or at a separate counter.
The arena itself is a large indoor theater with tiered seating surrounding a central performance space. The seats are bleacher-style or theater-style chairs, depending on the location. Sightlines are generally good from all sections, though seats closer to the stage cost more. The arena is climate-controlled but can be loud and crowded, especially on weekends.
You cannot bring outside food or drink into the theater. Alcoholic beverages are sold separately and can be added to your bill. The venue is wheelchair accessible, though you should call ahead to confirm seating options and any accommodations you need.
Ticket prices and how to book
Prices vary significantly by location, day, and season. A weekday matinee in an off-season month may cost $60 to $75 per person, while a Friday or Saturday night in December or around holidays can run $100 to $130 or more. Children (typically ages 3 to 12) sometimes have a lower ticket price, and infants under 3 may sit free on a lap. Group rates are available if you book 15 or more people.
You can book online through the Medieval Times website, by phone, or in person at the box office. Online booking usually offers the best visibility into available dates and times. When you book, you choose your show date, time, and seating section. Payment is taken at booking, and you receive a confirmation email with your tickets. Cancellation and refund policies vary by location, so read the terms before you purchase.
Some locations offer dinner packages that include a pre-show meal or a post-show meet-and-greet with actors. These add to the ticket price but are optional. You can also purchase merchandise — swords, crowns, photos — during or after the show.
What makes Medieval Times different from a Renaissance faire
A Renaissance faire is typically an outdoor, seasonal event (spring through fall) where you walk between vendor stalls, watch multiple stages with different performances, and control your own pace. You buy tickets at the gate, then spend money on food, crafts, and entertainment as you choose. The performers stay in character and interact with guests. There is no assigned seating or scripted narrative.
Medieval Times is a single, scripted show in a fixed indoor theater. You have assigned seating, a set start time, and a predetermined two-hour experience. The performers act out a story, not interact with individual guests. You pay one price upfront for the ticket and meal; additional spending is optional. It is closer to a Broadway show or a concert than to a faire.
If you enjoy wandering, browsing, and choosing what to watch, a Renaissance faire may suit you better. If you prefer a structured evening with may provide seating and a complete meal included, Medieval Times is the more predictable choice.
Things to know before you go
The show is loud. Horses, sword clashes, and crowd noise create a high-decibel environment. If you are sensitive to sound or have hearing aids, sit toward the back or call ahead to ask about quieter sections. The combat scenes, while choreographed, involve real falls and can look violent. Young children (under 5) may be frightened. Older children and teens typically enjoy it.
Dress code is casual. You do not need to wear medieval costume, though some guests do. Wear clothes you do not mind getting food on, since eating with your hands is part of the experience. The arena can be cool, so bring a light jacket if you run cold.
Parking is usually free and on-site or nearby. The venue is accessible by public transit in most cities. If you have dietary restrictions — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies — call ahead. Most locations can accommodate requests with advance notice, though options may be limited.
Photography and video recording policies vary by location. Some allow personal photos; others do not. Ask your server or check the website before you bring a camera. Professional photos are taken during the show and sold afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No. Outside food and beverages are not permitted in the arena. The meal is included in your ticket price. Alcoholic drinks are sold separately at the concession stand and can be added to your bill.
What if I have a food allergy or dietary restriction?
Call the location directly at least one week before your show. Most venues can provide vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals with advance notice. Nut allergies and other severe allergies should be reported to your server when ready upon arrival.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code exists. Casual clothing is fine. Wear something you do not mind getting food on, since you eat with your hands. Some guests wear medieval costumes for fun, which is permitted.
Can I leave during the show and come back?
Yes, you can leave your seat at any time, but you will miss parts of the performance. The show runs continuously without a long intermission, so plan bathroom breaks accordingly.
How long does the whole experience take?
Plan for about two hours from the time you sit down until the show ends. Add 30 to 45 minutes for check-in and seating before the show starts. If you browse the gift shop or eat at the concession stand afterward, add another 30 minutes.