Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is a unique entertainment complex located in Schaumburg, Illinois, USA. It is not just a restaurant, but a true themed theater that transports its guests back to the Middle Ages. Here, you can enjoy a hearty, old-style dinner while witnessing a thrilling knightly tournament.

The complex is an impressive reconstruction of a medieval castle, featuring grand walls, towers, and waving flags. Stepping through its gates, you enter a completely different world. Inside the castle is a spacious sand-covered arena surrounded by amphitheater-style seating, ensuring an excellent view from every seat.

The interior of the halls is carefully designed and decorated in an authentic historical style: burning torches, knightly coats of arms, antique utensils, and other decor elements create a unique atmosphere of a long-gone era. Guests can expect not only a delicious meal but also complete immersion in the world of brave knights, fair ladies, and spectacular duels.

Visiting Medieval Times is a bright and memorable adventure for the whole family, where everyone can feel like part of a grand medieval celebration. It is a great opportunity to see real knightly competitions, including jousting and sword fights, all while enjoying a themed dinner.

Planning to visit the exciting Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament show in Schaumburg? To check the current schedule, ticket prices, or to make a booking, please use the official contact details. You can always find the most complete information on the show's official website.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages by attending the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament show in Schaumburg. The main event of the evening is a thrilling two-hour performance featuring professional actors and stunt performers. You will witness impressive demonstrations of horsemanship, fencing skills, and medieval martial arts. At the center of the show is the knightly tournament, featuring jousting, sword fights, and other authentic weaponry. An interesting feature is that each section of the audience is assigned its own color and knight, whom guests can actively cheer for throughout the entire competition.

During this spectacular show, guests are served a medieval-style dinner. Visitors are encouraged to eat with their hands, as was customary in those distant times, which adds to the authenticity of the experience. The menu typically consists of hearty dishes such as whole roasted chicken, ribs, potatoes, soup, and dessert. Drinks are served in special mugs styled after medieval goblets, further enhancing the era's atmosphere.

In addition to the main performance and dinner, visitors have the chance to expand their experience. For example, you can visit the Museum of Torture, which displays replicas of medieval devices. There is also an on-site gift shop offering a wide range of themed goods. Here, you can purchase replicas of weapons, costume elements, and various jewelry to take a piece of the medieval tale home with you.

The Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament attraction is located in Schaumburg, Illinois, which is approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The exact address for your GPS is 2001 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195, USA. Thanks to its distinctive architecture resembling a real castle, the complex is easily visible from a distance, making it simple to find.

If you plan to drive from Chicago, the most convenient route is via the I-90 (Northwest Tollway) heading west. Take the exit for Roselle Road and then head north. Follow the signs, and you will soon see the impressive Medieval Times building.

For those who prefer public transport, it is possible to reach the area by the Metra commuter train. You will need to travel to the Schaumburg station. From the station to the attraction itself, it is most convenient to take a taxi or use ridesharing apps such as Uber or Lyft, as the destination is several miles away.

A nice bonus for visitors arriving by car is the spacious free parking right on the complex grounds. It is designed to accommodate several hundred vehicles, so you won't have to worry about finding a spot for your car.

Immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is more than just a dinner show; it is a true journey through time inspired by the grand traditions of 11th–15th century medieval Europe. In those distant times, knightly tournaments were not only demonstrations of martial skill and preparation for battle but also a thrilling spectacle for both nobility and commoners. These events were accompanied by grand feasts where guests customarily ate with their hands while enjoying performances by minstrels, acrobats, and, of course, the highlight of the evening—fierce knightly duels.

The idea of recreating this unique atmosphere in a dinner theater format was born in Spain, where the first venue under the "Medieval Times" name opened in 1973. The success of the concept allowed it to cross the ocean, and in 1983, the first American "castle" opened its doors in Kissimmee, Florida. The venue in Schaumburg that you might be planning to visit is one of nine such majestic castles scattered across North America, each proudly continuing this fascinating tradition.

The creators of Medieval Times drew inspiration not only from knightly tournaments but also from the overall culture of medieval feasts and the growing popularity of medieval themes in mass culture. The performance strives to recreate many details of that era, from the costumes to the tournament rules. Interestingly, even the concept of the hearty meal served during the show has historical roots. While today it is a full dinner, in the Middle Ages, street vendors in large cities already offered various ready-made dishes such as pies and boiled meat, which can be considered a precursor to modern fast food that complemented spectator events.

When planning a visit to the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Schaumburg, you should allow for 3–4 hours. This will be enough time to fully immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere and enjoy the show and accompanying entertainment without rushing.

The main part of the program—the knightly tournament with dinner—lasts about two hours. However, to fully experience the spirit of the era, it is recommended to arrive at the venue approximately 45–60 minutes before the show starts. This time can be spent checking in, exploring the castle, visiting the themed museum of torture, and choosing souvenirs at the local shop.

After the main performance concludes, you will also have the opportunity to linger. Many guests enjoy taking photos with the competing knights or buying last-minute commemorative souvenirs. Thus, the total time spent at Medieval Times can range from three to four hours, providing a rich and memorable experience.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament performances in Schaumburg usually take place from Tuesday to Sunday. On weekdays, the show typically starts at 7:30 PM. On weekends, there may be both afternoon sessions (approximately at 2:00 PM) and evening sessions (at 7:30 PM). It is worth noting that additional performances may be added during holidays or the peak summer season.

Since the schedule can vary depending on the season and demand, it is highly recommended to check the official Medieval Times website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and ticket availability. Also, given the popularity of this show, it is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance to guarantee a seat for your desired performance.

A visit to a place as vibrant as Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is an unforgettable event in itself. However, to make your trip to Schaumburg even more rewarding and full of impressions, it is worth taking the time to explore the surroundings. Near this unique attraction, you will find many other interesting places that can complement your itinerary and offer new discoveries.

Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to get better acquainted with the city of Schaumburg, its atmosphere, and its variety of entertainment. Whether it's shopping malls for shopaholics, nature spots for a peaceful break, or other exciting venues, everyone will find something to their liking. Below is a list of some attractions located nearby.