Costume Weapon Policy

We encourage creativity and authentic costuming while keeping our guests safe. Please read the following guidelines carefully:

Prohibited Weapons

  • Modern weapons (firearms, tasers, pepper spray, explosives, etc.) are strictly forbidden.

  • Functional firearms of any kind are not allowed on festival grounds. Replica or black powder guns may only be used as non-operable costume pieces (see below).

  • Sharp or dangerous objects (live steel, sharpened blades, exposed metal points, etc.) are not permitted.

Period & Costume Weapons

  • Period arms such as swords, daggers, maces, pikes, and similar may be worn as part of a costume provided they are sheathed, secured, and peace-tied (zip-tied or otherwise fastened so they cannot be drawn).

  • Daggers, short blades, and swords must be fully sheathed with no part of the blade exposed.

  • Stage combat or blunt steel props are permitted if they are sheathed, peace-tied, and pose no danger to others.

  • Black powder or flintlock replica firearms are allowed as costume pieces only if:

    • They are visibly peace-tied to holster/belt and may not be drawn.

    • They cannot fire any projectile.

    • They contain no powder, percussion caps, flints, or other operable parts.

    • The barrel or pan must be plugged.

    • They must be clearly marked as non-operable (orange tip recommended).

Bows & Arrows

  • Functional bows may be carried unstrung as part of a costume.

  • Arrows must be peace-tied together and have tips removed, blunted, or covered.

  • Decorative prop arrows/bows are welcome if clearly non-functional.

Prop & Toy Weapons

  • Foam, plastic, resin, rubber, and wooden prop weapons are welcome.

  • Props must be carried responsibly and not wielded in a way that could injure guests.

  • Oversized props are permitted if they are under 6’6” in height and under 50 lbs.

General Notes

  • Any weapon or prop deemed unsafe or misused must be secured in a vehicle or removed from the grounds.

  • Festival staff may refuse entry or ask guests to modify costumes that present a safety risk.