In Service to the Dream: Newcomer Festival & War Practice

August 22–23, 2026
Spring Canyon Community Park — Creekside Shelters
3156 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80526

The Barony of Unser Hafen will welcome newcomers and longtime members alike for In Service to the Dream, a weekend-long celebration of the SCA featuring classes, demonstrations, tournaments, arts and sciences, food, bardic activities, and a Sunday war practice.

The event is designed to give newcomers an opportunity to explore the many facets of the Society while connecting with more experienced members and trying out new skills.

Saturday: Newcomer Festival

August 22 · 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Whether you’ve just discovered the SCA or are still finding your feet, Saturday is packed with opportunities to try something new.

Learn Something New

Classes and demonstrations will cover a variety of SCA skills, including scribal arts, dancing, shield making, and more. Come learn from the generous volunteers who make the SCA’s enormous variety of hobbies possible.

Compete & Show Off

Newcomers will have plenty of opportunities to put their skills to the test:

• Newcomers Armored Combat Tournament — for fighters with less than two years of experience
• Newcomers Fencing Tournament
• Arts & Sciences Competition — including projects in disciplines that may be new to you

No matter your experience level, this is a chance to learn, experiment, and cheer each other on.

Bardic Circles

Bring your voice, your instruments, your dancing feet—or simply yourself. Bardic circles will run throughout the day, and no preparation is required. Come share a piece, join in, or just relax and enjoy the music.

Food & Fellowship

A donation potluck lunch will be served during the day, organized by Lady Aifé and Mistress Ursula. Bring something to share if you can, and come hungry either way!

A Little Treasure Hunting

Bring your spare change and your haggling skills! Dagny’s Second-Hand Treasures will be on site with garb and assorted SCA supplies.

Proceeds will help the Barony cover operating expenses, including the storage unit.

Sunday: War Practice

August 23 · 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

The fun continues Sunday with a dedicated War Practice at the same location.

This will be a low-pressure introduction to melee tactics for newcomers, while giving experienced fighters an opportunity to get pickups, practice new skills, and work on both melee and single-combat techniques.

Schedule

Saturday, August 22

7:00 AM — Site setup (volunteers only)
8:00 AM — Gate opens
9:00–10:00 AM — Morning Court
10:00 AM–4:00 PM — Classes & demonstrations
10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Newcomers Armored Combat Tournament
12:00 PM — Donation lunch & A&S competition opens
1:00–3:00 PM — Newcomers Fencing Tournament
3:00 PM — Pelican Circle
4:00 PM — A&S competition closes
5:00–7:00 PM — Evening Court
8:00 PM — Event closes

Sunday, August 23

10:00 AM — Site opens
10:00 AM–2:00 PM — War Practice
2:00 PM — Event closes

Event Fees

None! This event is free to attend.

Come spend a weekend learning something new, meeting people, and celebrating the many ways we all contribute to the Dream. Whether you’re brand new to the SCA or have been part of it for years, there’s a place for you here.