About this Event
Your armor, crown, or wizard robe finally has Saturday plans. ⚔️
Hear ye, hear ye! Join us at Shipgarten on Saturday, December 5, from 1–6 PM for our Winter Renaissance Festival 2026! Gather your fellow adventurers for an afternoon of archery, foam jousting, axe throwing, medieval games, and costumes. Admission is FREE!
Challenge your friends in the jousting arena, test your aim, browse local vendors, and take a break for something fresh from the grill. Then step into the spotlight for our 5 PM costume contest, with $175 in Shipgarten gift cards waiting for the kingdom’s best-dressed guests.
Knights, Vikings, royalty, wizards, rogues, and mythical creatures—there’s room for your whole party of adventurers.
🏹 THE ROYAL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
1:30–3 PM — Archery Challenge
Take aim and see who has the sharpest eye in your crew. Bring your concentration and a little friendly competitive spirit.
2–3 PM — Foam Jousting Tournament
Step into the arena for a medieval showdown using padded jousting equipment. Face off against your friends and compete for bragging rights!
3–4:30 PM — Axe Throwing
Channel your inner Viking and put your accuracy to the test. Who in your group will hit the mark?
4:30 PM — Stein-Hoisting Championship
A steady arm. A determined expression. See who can hold their stein the longest and compete for a $25 Shipgarten gift card!
5 PM — Grand Renaissance Costume Contest
Dress like royalty—or whatever character your imagination creates—and enter for a chance to win:
🥇 First place: $100 Shipgarten gift card
🥈 Second place: $50 Shipgarten gift card
🥉 Third place: $25 Shipgarten gift card
Homemade costumes, elaborate outfits, and creative last-minute looks are all welcome. Bring your character to life and give the crowd something to cheer for!
🍖 FEAST, SHOP & EXPLORE
- Outdoor Grill Station: Refuel between challenges with freshly grilled favorites.
- Local Artisans & Vendors: Browse unique gifts, handcrafted treasures, and other finds.
- Festival Music & Medieval Fun: Enjoy the atmosphere while you explore the festivities.
- Beer & Seasonal Cocktails: Raise a glass with your fellow adventurers. Alcohol service is for guests 21+.
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION
Your next adventure starts at Shipgarten. Costumes are encouraged, so pull out your cloak, polish that crown, and bring your crew!
📍 PLAN YOUR VISIT
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 1–6 PM
Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean, VA 22102
Free parking: 1651 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22102
Follow @Shipgarten on Instagram.
Come in costume. Join the adventure. We’ll see you in the kingdom!
Event venue & nearby stays
Shipgarten, 7581 Colshire Drive, Mclean, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.