FULL SCHEDULE 

Barely Balanced

Award-winning acrobatic daredevils who dive through fire, hurl machetes, and test the limits of natural selection. The day starts with “Sharp Knives and Stupid Humans” and ends with the incredible “Fiery Extravaganza.”

🕑 10:45am · 12:45pm · 2:45pm · 4:45pm

The Puppies of Penzance

This brisk, energetic act takes audiences on a jolly pirate ship crewed by pups. Always a favorite — watch with bated breath to see if Poochie will really walk the plank!

🕑 11:45am · 1:45pm · 3:45pm

The Lady Victoria

Specializing in Celtic and Early music on the Hammered Dulcimer, Lady Victoria mixes education and entertainment in a high-energy show. Great for kids and music lovers of all ages.

🕑 10:30am · 12:00pm · 2:00pm · 4:00pm

Charry Garcia

A true magician when it comes to creating beautiful music on a wide array of instruments — all by himself! You’ll be amazed at the melodies this one-man band conjures forth.

🕑 11:15am · 12:45pm · 2:45pm · 4:45pm

Doc Dixon

Doc has performed at the White House twice and fooled legends Penn & Teller on national television. He brings a special mix of amazement and hilarity to every show.

🕑 11:00am · 12:45pm · 2:30pm · 4:15pm

The Swordsmen

Bright steel and sharp wit! A lively act blending blade work, banter, and bold entertainment. With flashing swords, quick humor, and plenty of charm, expect action, laughter, and a touch of danger.

🕑 11:45am · 1:30pm · 3:15pm · 5:00pm

The Mountebanks

Of all the magicians in Newcastle, Mountebanks is definitely…one of them. He will wow and amaze you with his various magic tricks and sub-par jokes.

🕑 11:45am · 1:30pm · 3:15pm · 5:00pm

Tuey

Over 40 years of providing laughter and awe with a perfect blend of family-friendly comedy, jaw-dropping juggling skills, and just enough danger to keep you on the edge of your seat.

🕑 11:00am · 12:30pm · 2:15pm · 4:00pm

Aaron BONK!

A 3-time International Performance Champion and 6-time Guinness World Record holder who risks his life to make you laugh. Machetes, whips, swords, and fire — the hottest show in all the ’Shire!

🕑 11:45am · 1:30pm · 3:15pm · 5:00pm

Old Soul Silk Road

These world travelers stop by Newcastle to regale you with tunes from foreign lands, full of mystery, intrigue, and fun!

🕑 Check stage sign for schedule

The Barehead Bards

Pub song staples and classic fiddle tunes — these bards always have fun and put on an entertaining show.

🕑 Check stage sign for schedule

Landloch’d

From the highlands of Scotland and the Moor-infested lands of Spain, these two met upon the high seas and share their love of Celtic and pirate music with the masses.

🕑 Check stage sign for schedule

Shenanigans!

Mischievous music and melodies! A trio of wand’ring Irish bards who will steal your heart and anything else they can get ahold of!

🕑 Check stage sign for schedule

Piccina Dreamer

A Renaissance flautist from England whose Celtic and fantasy melodies transport you to another world. Due to her frequent travels, she plays and improvises in many styles.

🕑 Check stage sign for schedule

PUB SING!

End your day the right way — join the whole pub in a rousing sing-along to close out the festival. Bring your voice and your tankard!

🕑 5:30pm

Pub Crawl

A rowdy, bawdy romp from tavern to tavern led by cut-purses and scallywags! Starts at Brewers Pub with a souvenir tankard, then carouse across the realm with a beer at each stop, music, riddles, and shamelessly bawdy drinking games. Choose Pirate Pub-Crawl or Peasants & Pissants. Rated R. Limited spots!

🕑 Each festival day · Does not include festival admission

Quiet Pub

The ale flows faster at the Nook. No stage, no performance — just a quiet spot to sit, chat, and enjoy a cold drink away from the crowd.

🕑 Open 10:30am – 6:00pm

Glassblowing Demo

Watch a master glassblower shape molten glass into beautiful works of art right before your eyes. A mesmerizing demonstration of skill and fire.

🕑 11:00am · 1:00pm · 3:00pm · 5:00pm

Shakespeare Shorts!

Two thespians allow the audience to choose which Shakespearean play to perform, and hilarity ensues. Come watch the cart wreck — exit pursued by a bear!

🕑 11:15am · 12:45pm · 2:15pm · 3:45pm

Zoltan the Adequate

Brilliant? Amazing? No, just adequate! Come see feats of bizarre geek magic and stunts of sheer stupidity — fire, four-foot balloons, and bamboozlement galore.

🕑 12:00pm · 1:30pm · 3:00pm · 4:30pm

The Tortuga Twins

Outrageously unpredictable and unstoppably hilarious, these three “Twins” spin wild tales and unleash nonstop laughs — making you the star of the show with every twist and turn.

🕑 12:00pm · 1:30pm · 3:00pm · 4:30pm

Boom Boom Shake

With Middle Eastern roots and a modern vibe, BBS blends rock, world, surf, and jam into a signature sound. Bring your dancing shoes — you won’t be able to resist the groove!

🕑 12:00pm · 1:15pm · 3:00pm · 4:15pm

The Celt Father

Marc Gunn electrifies Celtic folk music with rock energy and rhythm & blues fire. Armed with an autoharp and a rebel yell, he turns every gig into a raucous, heartfelt celebration.

🕑 12:30pm · 1:45pm · 3:30pm · 4:45pm

Dad’s Garage

Award-winning comedy theatre returns with “The Tight Acquaintances” — Improvised Dungeons & Dragons! An uproarious improv comedy tribute to the classic RPG. A new adventure with every performance!

🕑 12:30pm · 1:45pm · 3:30pm · 4:45pm

The Mountebanks

Of all the magicians in Newcastle, Mountebanks is definitely…one of them. He will wow and amaze you with his various magic tricks and sub-par jokes.

🕑 12:30pm · 1:45pm · 3:30pm · 4:45pm

The Muckers

A raucous, rowdy good time — these muck-covered misfits bring chaos, comedy, and crowd participation to Fool’s Knoll.

🕑 12:30pm · 1:45pm · 3:30pm · 4:45pm

Rotating Pub Musicians

Grab a pint and settle in while the realm’s finest bards rotate through all day: Barehead Bards, Landloch’d, Shenanigans!, Piccina Dreamer, and more.

🕑 11:00am – 6:00pm · Check stage sign

Lady Prudence

Your Emotional Support Bard! Lady Prudence welcomes patrons of all ages to her Musical Retreat with tender harp, boisterous guitar, whimsical whistle, and sweet soprano.

🕑 11:45am · 2:00pm · 5:00pm

Maypole Dance

A beloved tradition! Join the courtiers as they weave ribbons around the Maypole in this colorful, participatory dance.

🕑 11:00am · 4:15pm

Knighting Ceremony

Young lords and ladies who complete the Courtiers Academy earn their knighting before the royal court. A proud moment for the whole family!

🕑 12:15pm

Costume Contest

Show off your finest garb! Whether you’re a knight, wench, fairy, or pirate, this is your moment to strut before the court.

🕑 1:00pm

Story Time with Queen Amina

Aminatu the warrior Queen has traveled from the Hausa tribe in western Africa to share her culture with Newcastle. An inspiring tale of courage, honor, and a woman who challenged the status quo.

🕑 3:00pm

Themed Weekend Contest

Special contests that change each themed weekend — from Highland Fling challenges to pirate pageants. Check the themed weekends schedule for details!

🕑 3:30pm

Rota Temporis

A five-person, high-energy Celtic band from Italy — medieval music with a full heavy-metal edge. Their roaring pipes and thunderous drums might just knock you off your bench!

★ Don’t miss the Front Gate Jam at 5:45pm!

🕑 12:30pm · 2:00pm · 3:45pm

Judas & Magnolia

This husband-and-wife team will amaze and astound you with fearless escapes and mind-bending illusions. A thrilling show you won’t want to miss!

🕑 11:45am · 1:15pm · 2:45pm · 4:30pm

Blacksmith Demo

Watch the royal blacksmith heat, hammer, and shape raw iron into works of art. An all-day demonstration of fire, sparks, and centuries-old craftsmanship.

🕑 All Day · 10:30am – 6:00pm

Bagpipe Parade

The pipes are calling! A stirring Highland parade marches through the grounds during our Highland Fling weekend.

🕑 11:00am · 2:00pm

Joust to the Death

The grand finale — the day’s last charge. End your festival visit with the most dramatic joust as the sun begins to set.

🕑 5:30pm

The Royal Joust

The afternoon tournament — costumed steeds, daring feats, and noble pageantry before the royal court. Upgrade to VIP seating at Knight’s Ale for the best view!

🕑 2:30pm

Joust of Chivalry

By royal decree, the King has summoned the finest knights to prove their valor! Watch thunderous charges, gleaming armor, and authentic weaponry bring the romance and adrenaline of the age to life.

🕑 11:30am

Archery Vetting & Contest

Between jousts, the arena hosts archery competitions. Watch the realm’s sharpest eyes compete for glory with bow and arrow.

🕑 1:00pm (Vetting) · 4:00pm (Contest)

Highland Games

Feats of strength and skill at the joust field during our Highland Fling weekend. Caber toss, stone put, and more!

🕑 12:15pm · 3:15pm

BuHurt

Full-contact armored combat — real steel, real hits, real adrenaline. Watch teams of armored fighters clash in this brutal medieval sport.

🕑 12:15pm · 3:15pm

Cast in Bronze

Four tons of bronze bells fill the festival with their majestic sound! Be enchanted by the melodies produced by the 35 bells of the Carillon and Carillonneur Charlie St. Cyr-Paul.

🕑 11:00am · 12:15pm · 1:30pm · 4:00pm

Washing Well Wenches

The funniest pair of “ladies” you’ll ever meet! Part vaudeville, part sketch comedy, full-on entertaining — the Wenches make interactive theater fun for everyone.

🕑 11:30am · 12:45pm · 3:00pm · 5:00pm

Rotating Pub Musicians

The tavern hosts a rotating lineup of wandering bards all day: Landloch’d, Shenanigans!, Barehead Bards, Piccina Dreamer, and more. Celtic tunes, pirate shanties, and Irish drinking songs.

🕑 11:00am – 6:00pm · Check stage sign