If you’ve never seen armored combat in person, it’s a lot more intense than you’re probably imagining.
Over Memorial Day weekend, the Siege Armored Combat Tournament is taking over Renaissance Park, where fighters from across the U.S. and Canada will compete in full-contact matches using real steel weapons.
The event is hosted by the Cincinnati Barbarians and brings together some of the top competitors in the sport. The weekend includes team melees, individual duels, and divisions for both men and women.
Fighters step into the lists wearing historically inspired armor and compete under strict safety guidelines.
The matches are fast, physical, and easy to get pulled into as a spectator. When I saw the Barbarians last fall during the Ohio Renaissance Festival, I was surprised at how easy it was to get sucked into the fight, cheering for your favorite fighters and heckling their opponents!
This year’s tournament is being held in honor of Alex Ding, a Cincinnati Barbarian remembered for his impact on the team and the broader armored combat community. His legacy continues to shape the group and the sport.
The setting adds to the experience.
Ohio Renaissance Festival fans will be familiar with the grounds, which host the festival each fall. Over Memorial Day weekend, the same space becomes home to three days of competition.
The tournament runs Friday through Sunday, with events scheduled throughout the weekend. Spectators are welcome to come and go, or stay and follow the action from start to finish. Tickets are $15 for ages 13 and up, and free for kids 12 and under, which makes it an easy outing if you’re looking for something a little different to do over the holiday weekend.
Tickets and additional details are available at cincinnatibarbarians.com.
