Costume Weapons at the Central Coast Renaissance Festival

Are you considering bringing weapons, such as swords and knives, to the festival as part of a costume? Here is the policy:

Few things complete a Renaissance costume like a sword at the hip or a dagger tucked into a belt. At the Central Coast Renaissance Festival, we welcome that tradition — with a few important rules that keep the day safe and fun for everyone.

Weapons Are Welcome as Costume Pieces
Swords, knives, and other bladed weapons are permitted on festival grounds as part of your costume. Whether you’re a knight, a pirate, a highland warrior, or a wandering rogue, your blade is part of the story you’re telling — and we’re glad to have it.

The One Big Rule: Peace-Tied
All weapons must be peace-tied. A peace tie is a cord, zip tie, or leather thong that secures your blade into its sheath or scabbard so it cannot be drawn. It’s a centuries-old custom, and at our festival, it’s mandatory.

Please arrive with your weapon already peace-tied. If you don’t, rest assured that our security team will inspect your weapon at the gate and peace-tie it for you before you enter.

Muskets and Pistols, Too
Carrying a period-appropriate musket or pistol as part of your costume? The same rules apply. Your firearm must be peace-tied, and if you arrive without it secured, security will inspect and peace-tie it at the gate before you enter.

Peace-tying a musket works on the same principle as a sword — you’re visibly disabling the mechanism — but since there’s no scabbard to bind, the tie goes on the firing mechanism itself.
For example: Tie the lock.

For a flintlock or matchlock, a zip tie or cord goes around the hammer (cock) and through the lock area so the hammer can’t be pulled back to full cock. On a flintlock, you can also run the tie around the frizzen so it can’t snap open. If the hammer can’t cock, the gun can’t fire — and it’s visually obvious to security.

No powder, no ball, ramrod secured. We prohibit carrying any powder, and want the ramrod zip-tied in its channel so nothing can be loaded.

Bows & Arrows
Bows are welcome as part of your costume, but they must be unstrung at all times while on festival grounds. An unstrung bow cannot be drawn or fired, making it the archery equivalent of a peace-tied blade. Carry your bowstring in a pouch or leave it at home — strings may not be attached, even loosely, at any point during the festival. Arrows must remain secured in a quiver, and we recommend tying them in with a cord or zip tie so they cannot be removed. Our weapons check at the front gate will inspect all bows and quivers upon entry.

Keep It Sheathed
Once you’re inside, your weapon stays put. Weapons are not to be drawn at any time during the festival — not for photos, not for demonstrations, not for friendly duels in the lane. A peace-tied blade at your side or a musket slung over your shoulder tells everyone you come in good fellowship.

If you draw a sword or knife, you can expect to be promptly escorted out.

Follow these simple rules, and your steel is as welcome as your smile. We’ll see you at the faire — huzzah!