St. Joseph goes Nordic with VikingFest 2025 set to kick off Saturday at Castle Bridge
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The lands of southwest St. Joseph will soon be transformed into a world of adventure and family-friendly renaissance activities this weekend.
The Castle Bridge Event Center in St. Joseph is set to host VikingFest 2025 this Saturday starting at 11 a.m., an immersive all-day experience filled with games, performers, merchants and renaissance activities in celebration of Viking culture.
Gates are set to open at 11 a.m. at event center located at 8403 U.S. Highway 59 in St. Joseph.
More than 1,000 people are expected to show out for the second annual gathering with activities in store for all ages, such as face painting and sack races to petting zoos, concerts and ax throwing.
Fans of the Renaissance period and Viking culture will get the chance to participate in a wide range of hands-on activities and reenactments of stories and battles.
Starting at 5 p.m., organizers will light a massive pyre of a Viking ship followed by a metal concert featuring Viking bands like Maggie Moon and Tordenkor, who have prepared a show of "mythic proportions." Bands will continue to play until 10 p.m.
Unique performances also on the docket include fire dancing and fire-spinning groups like Pyro Flow.
For the safety of everyone on the grounds, no live steel swords, axes, knives, or similar items (including peace-tied) will be allowed at VikingFest unless worn by cast/actors/security with prior approval. Security will be checking credentials throughout the event.
