Weapons, Costume Props & Prohibited Items

Costume Weapons & Props

Foam, EVA foam, cardboard, plastic, and similar lightweight costume weapons and props are generally permitted when they can be safely carried and do not contain hazardous features. Examples may include:

• Oversized fantasy swords
• Foam axes and hammers
• Shields
• Wizard staffs
• Walking staffs
• Quarterstaff-style props
• Cardboard weapons
• Lightweight fantasy weapons
• Costume armor components
• Similar cosplay-style props

Safe costume props must not have

• Sharpened edges
• Dangerous hard points
• Exposed blades
• Hazardous spikes
• Functional projectile capability
• Loose components likely to injure another person
• Modifications that make the item unsafe for a crowded public event

An item is not prohibited simply because it resembles a broadaxe, halberd, mace, spear, or war hammer. What matters is what it is made of and whether it can be carried safely.

Oversized Costumes & Builds

Large costumes are welcome when the wearer can safely control them. This may include large wings, creature builds, oversized armor, giant foam weapons, large shields, tall staffs, elaborate headpieces, and other oversized costume elements.

Guests wearing or carrying oversized costume elements must maintain reasonable control and awareness of the space around them.

Costumes and props may not

• Block entrances or exits
• Obstruct emergency routes
• Prevent normal pedestrian movement
• Repeatedly strike or brush other guests
• Interfere with performances or vendors
• Create a significant tripping or collision hazard

GARF may ask a guest to adjust, temporarily remove, or relocate an oversized costume element or prop if it creates a safety or operational problem. If a costume substantially limits the wearer's visibility or mobility, GARF may ask that the guest use a companion or handler to help navigate crowded areas safely.

Metal & Realistic Costume Weapons

Approved swords, daggers, and similar costume weapons must be presented for review at the Front Gate. Where required, the weapon must remain properly sheathed, be securely peace-tied, and remain peace-tied for the duration of your visit.

GARF staff may require additional inspection, or may decline entry of an item that presents a safety concern.

A real or metal weapon approved for entry may not be drawn, removed from its sheath, brandished, or used for demonstrations, posing, mock combat, or play while inside the Festival.

Carry It — Don't Fight With It

Costume props may be carried and used for ordinary posed photographs when they can be handled safely. Guests may not:

• Swing props through crowded areas
• Jab or thrust them toward another person
• Throw them
• Strike another person or object
• Engage in unsanctioned mock combat
• Brandish them in a threatening manner
• Use them in a way that creates a hazard

Real Firearms & Functional Weapons

Real firearms are prohibited on Festival property, including for guests with carry permits. Other functional weapons that GARF determines present an unacceptable safety risk are also prohibited.

Realistic modern firearm replicas are prohibited.

Clearly fictional, fantasy, or period costume firearm props may be allowed when they are obviously nonfunctional and pass Front Gate review. Examples may include clearly fake flintlocks, blunderbusses, fantasy pistols, steampunk-style props, and other costume-only firearm props.

Any firearm-style costume prop must be nonfunctional and must not be capable of firing a projectile. GARF retains final discretion regarding realistic-looking weapon props.

Projectile Weapons

Functional projectile weapons and devices that can discharge or launch objects are not permitted unless specifically approved by GARF for an authorized performance or operation. Prohibited examples include functional airsoft guns, BB or pellet guns, slingshots, blowguns, and similar projectile devices.

Bows may be permitted only without tipped arrows, and crossbows only without bolts. Costume arrows must not have dangerous or functional tips.

Toy devices intended for spraying, firing, or launching items into crowds may also be prohibited when they create a safety or operational concern.

Outside Food, Beverages & Alcohol

Outside food and beverages are not permitted on Festival grounds. Outside alcohol is prohibited, and coolers are not permitted.

Costume accessories such as potion bottles, flasks, drinking horns, tankards, belt bottles, hollow staffs, costume pouches, decorative containers, and similar costume props are welcome when used as costume pieces.

They may not be used to carry or conceal outside food, beverages, or alcohol, and props may not be modified or used as a workaround for Festival entry rules.

For current water and necessary infant or medical exceptions, please review our FAQ and Guest Services information.

Other Prohibited Items

The following are not permitted unless specifically authorized by GARF:

• Drones
• Explosives
• Fireworks
• Incendiary devices
• Hazardous chemicals or substances
• Glass containers
• Coolers
• Items designed or modified to conceal prohibited alcohol or other prohibited materials
• Equipment or objects that create an unreasonable safety or operational hazard

Tripods, large lighting setups, and significant photography or production equipment require prior written approval when they interfere with guest areas or Festival operations. See our Photography & Filming Policy.

Mobility & Medical Items

Mobility aids and medically necessary items are not treated as costume weapons simply because they resemble a staff, cane, or other prop.

GARF may review an unusual item at entry when needed to distinguish a mobility or medical item from a costume weapon or prohibited item.

Gate Review & Inspection

Costume weapons, realistic-looking props, oversized builds, containers, bags, and other carried items may be visually inspected at entry.

GARF may require an item to be

• Peace-tied
• Adjusted
• Emptied
• Returned to a vehicle
• Removed from Festival grounds

GARF staff do not need to physically confiscate an item in order to enforce this policy.

Authorized Performers, Vendors & Productions

GARF-approved performers, vendors, contractors, joust participants, productions, and other authorized personnel may use weapons, props, equipment, or materials specifically approved for their work.

Those operational approvals do not create permission for guests to bring the same items onto Festival grounds.