Guardians of the Black Forest
First to Fight Last to Fall
Education through Entertainment
With our living history encampment and thrilling unpredictable live steel show, we bring the Middle Ages to life.
MEET US
About us
By blending an immersive living history encampment with thrilling, unscripted, audience-driven steel sword fighting demonstrations, the Guardians of the Black Forest deliver a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Our fighters captivate crowds with high-energy, daring, and often humorous performances, while the rest of the team offers engaging family-friendly activities, hands-on historical demonstrations, and expert insights into the weapons, armor, and daily life of the era. Our diverse and passionate crew works seamlessly together to create a dynamic and educational atmosphere that keeps audiences coming back for more.
Come to Our Next Event
Spring 2025
April 26-27: Fairfield Renaissance Faire
May 10-11: Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
May 17-18: Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
May 24-26: Iowa Renaissance Festival
May 31- June 1: Iowa Renaissance Festival
Fall 2025
August 30- September 1: Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
September 6-7: Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
September 13-14: Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
October 11-13: Iowa Renaissance Festival
October 18-19: Iowa Renaissance Festival
November 1-2: Denmark Iowa Renaissance Faire
More fairs will be added as the year progresses so check back!
HIRE US
For Faires
One or both is available for faires
Living history encampment
Multiple tents
Hands-on weapon and armor displays
Living history displays and interactions
Daily life reenactment
Patron crafts
Children’s activities
Combative demonstration
Audience-led
Story line spanning multiple shows
Wide range of weapons and armor
Engaging and interactive
Non-choreographed fights
availability is limited, Please inquire for
remaining open dates
For Events
Available on a limited basis for additional events
Parades
Wedding sword arches
County fairs
Educational demonstrations
New events
Please ask us about any upcoming event you are interested in having us at
JOIN US
Find Your Closest Chapter
Ames, IA
Adam Baldus
Practices held-
Monday 6pm-8pm
Lockwood Cafe
Cedar Rapids, IA
Trevor
Practices held-
Friday 4pm-7pm
Noelridge Park
Dyersville, IA
Alek Curoe
Practices held-
TBA
Ottumwa, IA
Chris Wenger
Practices held-
Sunday
Want to Join?
Looking for general information about our encampment? We will get you in touch with the right person!
For Members
Looking for our tutorials, handbook, gear recommendations and upcoming fair information? Contact your local chapter leader for login information.