Twelfth Night 2027 is being built with newcomers in mind. You do not need to know anything about the SCA, you do not need to know anyone who is going, and you do not need to have the right clothes. If you have ever been curious, this page is for you.

Quick Answers

Your First Hour: What to Expect

1. Arrive and Check In

Pull into the paved parking lot at Maola at Riverside. Walk to the main entrance and look for the Gate table. Gate is where you sign in, sign the waiver, and receive your event token. Gate staff will be friendly and used to newcomers. Just say, “This is my first event.”

2. Find the Newcomers’ Point

There will be a dedicated Newcomers’ Point staffed throughout the day. You can stop there to get oriented, meet people who can introduce you around, and ask any question without judgment. This is not a check-in requirement; it is an available resource.

3. Pick Something to Watch

The easiest way to ease in is to watch something. The pas d’armes tournament, a class, a dance practice: pick one, find a seat, and settle in. You do not need to introduce yourself to anyone unless you want to.

4. Talk to Whoever is Nearest

If you want conversation, turn to the person next to you and say, “I’m new here. What am I watching?” You will get a genuine answer, and probably a friend.

What Should I Wear?

Garb (medieval or Renaissance clothing) is required at Twelfth Night. This is not as intimidating as it sounds. A simple T-tunic over pants or a long skirt is entirely sufficient for a first event. You do not need to sew, you do not need to spend money, and you do not need to match the Swiss/German theme. Here are three ways to put something together.

Option 1: Borrow from Gold Key

Gold Key is the Kingdom of Atlantia’s loaner garb program. Gold Key will be on site at Twelfth Night, with garb available to borrow for the day. If you would like to arrange something in advance (to confirm sizing, or if you want garb for Friday evening before Gold Key is fully set up), email the Event Steward at annabellaofthebay@gmail.com and we will do our best to connect you.

Option 2: Make a T-Tunic

A T-tunic is a long rectangle of fabric with sleeves and a hole for your head: one seam up each side, one at each shoulder. If you can use a sewing machine, you can make a functional T-tunic in an afternoon. Worn over pants or a long skirt with a belt, this reads as “medieval enough” for any SCA event. We are running a series of garb-sewing classes (in person and online) in the months leading up to Twelfth Night that will walk you through building garb and accessories in the Swiss/German style. Class schedule and sign-up details will be posted here as they are confirmed.

Option 3: The Thrift-Store Approximation

A long skirt or plain pants, a loose linen or cotton shirt or tunic, a belt, and a shawl or cloak. Earth tones, no visible zippers or logos. Not historically accurate, but entirely acceptable for a first event.

What Should I Bring?

What is the SCA?

The Society for Creative Anachronism is a volunteer educational nonprofit devoted to the study and re-creation of pre-seventeenth-century European history: the skills, arts, crafts, and ceremonies of the medieval and Renaissance world. People come to events for different reasons. Some for the fighting, some for the arts, some for the feast, some just for the atmosphere. All of those are the right reasons. Learn more at atlantia.sca.org.

Still Have Questions?

See the FAQs page for short answers to common questions, or email the Event Steward, Baroness Annabella of the Bay, at annabellaofthebay@gmail.com. No question is too small. We would rather answer the same question a hundred times than have you stay home because you weren’t sure.