Knights on horseback. Lances splintering against steel shields. A four-course feast eaten entirely with your bare hands. Welcome to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Scottsdale — one of the most exhilarating and genuinely fun nights out you can have in Arizona. What began as a single castle in Spain back in 1983 has grown into a legendary experience across North America, having welcomed over 81 million guests into the grandeur of its 11th-century styled castles. The Scottsdale location, which opened in 2019, is centrally located in the Talking Stick Entertainment District — making it an easy stop whether you’re a local looking for a memorable night out or a visitor exploring the greater Phoenix area.
Kingdoms come together to celebrate their alliance and a new era of peace — but the celebration may be short-lived when rumors of a betrayal are afoot. Witness intense sword fights and jousting as six knights compete to become defender of the realm. It’s dinner and a show cranked up to an electrifying medieval maximum.
The Tournament: Where the Real Magic Happens
The lights dim, the music cues, the fog rolls in — and the tournament begins. Brace yourself for heart-pounding excitement: lance-shattering jousting, clashing swordsmanship, thrilling hand-to-hand combat, and extraordinary displays of horsemanship and falconry. The whole spectacle runs for a full two hours with no intermission, and the pacing is tight — you’ll barely notice the time passing.
One of the cleverest things about Medieval Times Scottsdale is how it turns a room full of strangers into passionate rivals within minutes. When you arrive, you’re assigned to a section based on a knight’s color, and from that moment on, that knight is your champion. You cheer for them, boo their opponents, and genuinely invest in whether they win or lose — creating an electric atmosphere that is hard to manufacture any other way. The narrative is simple but effective, setting the stage for a classic good-versus-evil battle that keeps the energy high from start to finish.
There’s also a memorable moment in the show where a trained falcon flies directly over the audience — a surprisingly intimate brush with nature in the middle of all that thunderous tournament action. The majestic Andalusian horses are equally breathtaking, their precision and grace adding a layer of artistry to the raw excitement of the competition. Medieval Times is, in fact, the #1 breeder in North America of the Pure Spanish Andalusian horse.
The Feast: Four Courses, Zero Utensils
One of the best things about Medieval Times is that you get to eat with your hands — and yes, you will receive no utensils for your meal. It sounds unusual, but it becomes one of the most talked-about and entertaining parts of the whole experience. The first course is a warm and creamy tomato bisque soup served with a hunk of garlic toast — feel free to dip the toast into your soup or lift the bowl directly to your lips, because everyone else will be doing the same! The main course follows with a bountiful half of a roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, and herb-basted potato. Finally, your sweet tooth will be delighted by a pastry of the castle served with hot coffee.
While the food is satisfying and plentiful, this isn’t a five-star gourmet dining experience — you’re here for the adventure, and eating a whole chicken leg with your bare hands while roaring for your knight is an unforgettable part of it. Dietary accommodations are also available — the vegan and gluten-free meal option has been noted as outstanding, flavorful, and thoughtfully presented.
Atmosphere & Décor
The building is designed to look and feel like a real castle, complete with thick stone-style walls, tall banners in bold colors, and torchlight-inspired lighting that fills the entire space with atmosphere. The moment you cross the drawbridge and step inside, the outside world disappears entirely. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re enveloped in the sights and sounds of the Middle Ages — the castle-like décor is elaborate, sets the mood instantly, and the energy is loud, festive, and palpable.
Centrally located in the Talking Stick Entertainment District, Medieval Times is a unique feature of the Scottsdale landscape, nestled near Camelback Mountain and Salt River Fields. If you time it just right, you can get amazing shots in front of the castle with one of Arizona’s magnificent sunsets in the background — so arrive a little early and bring your camera. Inside the arena, the entire venue is fully indoors with heating in winter and air-conditioning in summer, making it a comfortable experience year-round regardless of Arizona’s notorious heat.
Other Considerations
How’s the pricing, and what ticket options are there? The standard ticket includes the renowned show and a four-course feast with two rounds of non-alcoholic beverages. Upgraded tiers offer preferred and priority seating, VIP cheering banners, and for special occasions, celebratory mementos including a photo for your entire party and a slice of cake for all. Many travelers recommend VIP seating for an up-close view of the action. Ticket prices vary, so check the website for current rates and any available promotional offers.
Is it good for families with kids? Finding an activity that genuinely works for a three-year-old and a seventy-year-old at the same time is no small feat, but Medieval Times Scottsdale manages to pull it off. Groups spanning babies, toddlers, school-age kids, teenagers, and grandparents have all reported a great time — young children are especially captivated by the horses, the colorful knights, and the sheer spectacle. Children under the age of 3 are admitted free as long as they sit on adults’ laps and eat from their plate.
What about parking? Parking wraps comfortably around the castle, making it an easy stroll over to the drawbridge and castle entrance — and best of all, it’s ample and free. The lots can also accommodate RVs and buses, making group visits a breeze.
When should I arrive and what should I wear? Arrive at least 60 minutes prior to the show to enjoy pre-show activities before the performance. Dress as casually or as formally as you like — medieval costumes are also welcome, but weapons (real or fake) are prohibited. Come ready for a night of fun and participation, and if you can, dress for the occasion — dressing in medieval attire truly adds to the experience.
Should I book ahead? Medieval Times Scottsdale typically holds evening shows on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Shows are popular and can sell out — especially on weekends and around holidays — so booking your tickets in advance online is strongly recommended.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Scottsdale
📍 9051 East Vía De Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Website: https://www.medievaltimes.com/scottsdale
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