The Festival at the Friars' Gate

05/27/2026

For one weekend in May, the beautiful Moore Park became the magical village of Ravenmoore, offering entertainment, shopping, food and fun to all.

This year’s festival brought thousands of people together but operational costs, staffing shortages, and lower-than-expected concession sales left the festival operating at a significant loss.

We made the decision to have free admission because we believe families should be able to experience wonder, music, stories, costumes, knights and magic without a financial barrier. We still believe that. We built the festival for the community and we want everyone to be able to attend.

Our long-term goal is to secure strong corporate sponsorships so the festival can grow sustainably without placing the burden on attendees. Until then, we are trying to bridge the gap and keep the gates open for another year.

If you would like to see this festival continue in Irmo and become an annual event, we would deeply appreciate your support.

Even small contributions help more than you know.

Donate to the Festival- https://square.link/u/vlFIBAzm

05/19/2026

Looking for the first annual Festival at the Friars' Gate coin?
They are now being sold at the Woodrow Marketplace.

Solid pewter, they feature the Friars' Gate on one side and our own Sea Serpent from the pond on the back. This first year coin features the Serpentine Society, one of our five factions.

Each year, we'll feature a different faction.

They are $30, made of solid pewter and minted right here in Irmo by https://headsortailsmint.com/

There are only 70 of the original coins left, so reach out or head over to Woodrow Marketplace to get yours! They are conveniently located near the park on Woodrow St.

Discover rare gems from our 50+ local artisans and upscale resale vendors at Woodrow Marketplace in Irmo, SC. Explore unique items, handmade crafts, and support small businesses in our vibrant location at 7500 Woodrow St.

05/17/2026

If you are coming to the Festival today, there is no onsite parking available until after 12:00. Only people who have prepaid for parking are able to park onsite before noon.
After noon, parking is $20 and you need to come down Moseley Rd off Carlisle St (the gravel road) to access parking.

No traffic should be coming into the park via Church St- Church St is exit only.

Remote parking is open at Irmo Wellness Center and Green Charter School. Please drop off your riders by coming to the park via College St-Eastview Dr entrance and letting your riders out near the stage.
Then proceed to remote parking. This helps us to fit more drivers into the shuttles while letting your riders start enjoying the festival.

Thank you and we'll see you at the Gate!

Send a message to learn more

05/11/2026

Do you need to hide from the sun? Shelter from the rain? Conjure a small helper or two?
These fantastic handmade hats from Lady K's Magewares are just what you need.
Fabulous and fun, Lady K has been making hats for more than 12 years now and she knows how to craft a wizard hat to last.

Come shop Lady K's Magewares at the Festival at the Friars' Gate, THIS WEEKEND, at Moore Park in Irmo, SC

Https://www.friarsgatefestival.com/tickets
https://www.instagram.com/ladyksmagewares/

05/10/2026

Be a hero.
Add Knight-level VIP benefits to your free Festival ticket and gain access to the Royal Box Seats at the main stage and the Kennerly Court Canopies at the field stage.
Not to mention a bunch of freebies, discounts and BOGO offers from many merchants throughout the realm.
$25 gets access to shaded seating for your entire family, both days.
VIP packages are limited so don't wait to secure your comfort.
Be the hero of your party.

https://www.friarsgatefestival.com/benefit/knight

05/04/2026

Come pet a mini horse! Or a mini cow!
Ever met a kune kune? Now you can!
(It's a small, hairy pig!)
Big M Ranch is bringing big fun to the Festival at the Friars' Gate.

Festival admission is FREE but you must register a ticket
https://www.friarsgatefestival.com/tickets

(Petting zoo has a separate admission fee)

05/03/2026

Got stress? Bring it to the target.

Long week? Snarky boss? Cranky kids? We’ve got a very satisfying solution.

$10 wristband = unlimited axe throwing all weekend

Step up. Take aim. Release the tension… *thunk*.

(No bosses were harmed in the making of this therapy session.)
May 16-17 at Moore Park in Irmo

Buy your wristband in advance and save $5! https://www.friarsgatefestival.com/viking-games/buy

*Must register a free ticket to purchase

05/03/2026

Seek him… if you dare.

Somewhere within the winding paths of Friars’ Gate lurks Mort the Mage, purveyor of Wizardly Wisdom.

Got a burning question? A life dilemma? Wondering if you should buy that third pickle or pledge fealty to a questionable pirate faction?

Find Mort. Ask freely.

…but be warned:

⚠️ Answers may be cryptic, suspiciously confident, or wildly unhelpful
⚠️ Prophecies may be delivered with dramatic flair but limited accuracy
⚠️ Side effects may include laughter, confusion, and questionable life choices
⚠️ The Festival at the Friars’ Gate assumes absolutely no responsibility for quests, curses, marriages, or impulse purchases resulting from said advice

🧙‍♂️ Find Mort the Mage. Ask your question. Accept your fate.

05/01/2026

For $10 prepurchase ($15 at the Festival) you can do axe throwing all weekend. And knife throwing. And ninja star throwing.
https://www.friarsgatefestival.com/viking-games/buy
Admission is FREE.
Register your ticket today!