30th Balfar’s Challenge

30th Balfar’s Challenge

April 18th, 2026

Event Details

Balfar’s Challenge is turning 30 this year.  30 years issuing the challenge across the land.  30 years of fighting, fencing, throwing shooting and Feasting!!

Duke Balfar von Grunwald once again issues the challenge for you to bring your prowess to the field and display your skills before the crowds. 
Duke Balfar and The Barony of Dragonship Haven invite you to come spend the day with us as we TOURNEY, FENCE, THROW, SHOOT, SHOP, EAT, and ENJOY EACH OTHER’S COMPANY. 

Contestants will form teams of three.  Three Fighters, three Fencers, three Archers or three Throwers.  There is a limit of no more than one martial peer or order of high merit per team.  Teams must have names and we look forward to your boundless wit and dad jokes.  (Balfar will be reading names in court – be wary). 

HERALDIC CHALLENGE
Once again, Baron Agapios Cargos is issuing a heraldic challenge.  Make something with your heraldry on it, displayed with a photo of your device/badge.  Winners will be selected in the three categories:  use of arms, complexity of item, and overall favorite. 
Contact Baron Agapios at 214818@members.eastkingdom.org with any questions

Site Opens: 9am
Site Closes: 7pm

Questions in regards to Marshal Activities will go to:

Event Schedule

  • 9:00 Gate Opens
  • 10:00 Tourneys Begin/Guild of Osiris Opens
  • 12:00 Day Board Opens
  • 3:00 Gate closes/Merchant Breakdown/Guild of Osiris Breakdown
  • 4:00 Day Board Closes/Court Begins
  • 6:00 Event Ends
  • 7:00 Site Closes

Any assistance in clean-up before close of site will be cheerfully accepted.

Travel home safe – Thank you for coming.

Warlord Tourney Rules
  • 3 person teams
  • must have 1 great weapon
  • Teams cannot have more than one chiv
  • Following the Warlord tournament the field will be open for pickup fights and training.
Notes about the site

 This is an outdoor event, there is 1 covered pavilion with walls for day board with picnic tables.  There are 2 Pole Barns (open sided pavilions).  Some tables will be spaced outside for use.  DO NOT remove tables from the hall or relocate tables without permission from the Event Steward.  Any moved tables must be replaced by the end of the event.  

Event attendees are HIGHLY encouraged to bring their own pavilions/day shades and chairs. 

Site is DISCREETLY DAMP.  

Dogs are welcome BUT must be leashed/contained/attended at all times and well behaved. You must clean up after your pet. 

Site Opens: GATE OPENS AT 9 (***8 for STAFF ONLY)
Site Closes: 7pm

Registration Fees

Registration:
Adult Non-Member- Pre-Reg- $36, At Gate- $40
Adult Member – Pre-Reg $26, At Gate – $30
Children 10-17 – $20
Young Children 0-9 – free
Family Cap – $80

Pay Pal Link
https://surveys.eastkingdom.org/index.php/184128?lang=en

A PayPal invoice will be generated within 24 to 48 hours of the online pre-registration survey being submitted.  Online pre-registration is not complete until the PayPal invoice has been paid.


April 8, 2026 is the final date for PayPal pre-registration.

This survey does ask for membership information but you will still need to provide proof of membership at the event. 

Checks can be sent to:
Ann Straut
12 Liberty Street
Apt.  B
Southington, CT 06489

Please include
mundane name,
SCA name and age range for each person registering
an email address for confirmation.

Make Checks Payable to: The Barony of Dragonship Haven

Feast:
No feast.  Running day board opens APPROX at Noon and will run until APPROX 4 pm.  Any dietary concerns may be directed to Master Jaji at chefjaji@yahoo.com.  Help is always welcome. 

Contact Information

Event Steward:

Event Steward:  Pan Casimir Sarkastyczny (Michael Bourdeau)
203-915-0764
Email:  70767@members.eastkingdom.org

Merchants are actively encouraged!!  Please come sell your wares!
Merchants should contact Master Llewellyn Walsh at 207753@members.eastkingdom.org

Merchant should fill out the from found at Balfar’s Merchant form