Institute for Medieval Studies hosts 3rd annual Medieval Faire on Halloween

This Halloween, history meets festivity at The University of New Mexico's 3rd annual Medieval Faire, hosted by the Institute for Medieval Studies (IMS). This free, family-friendly event takes place Friday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Johnson Field.

More than 30 participating organizations from across Albuquerque, will transform Johnson Field into a medieval village, with live sword fighting, armor displays, traditional music and dance, Shakespearean theater, hands-on craft demonstrations, and more. Attendees can also enjoy a festive Trick-or-Treating hour, food trucks, a medieval-themed bake sale, and the chance to engage with local artists and educators.

Organizers expect to welcome up to 1,000 attendees, including middle and high school students from Albuquerque Public Schools. Costumes are encouraged, and all open to the public.

The Medieval Faire serves as a cornerstone of the Institute's mission to make medieval scholarship accessible, engaging, and relevant to both academic and local communities.

The Institute for Medieval Studies supports the study of medieval Europe, the Mediterranean, and the wider world from 500 to 1500 CE. It includes advanced research opportunities, student engagement initiatives, and community events that highlight medieval cultures.

The Institute also annually hosts the Helen Damico Memorial Lecture Series, a week-long spring event that brings internationally renowned scholars to Albuquerque to speak on topics organized around a central theme.

The Institute promotes UNM as a major hub for humanities research and a vital intellectual resource at the local, national, and international levels. For more information, visit UNM's Institute for Medieval Studies.