Tucked away in Schaumburg, Illinois, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is one of the most unforgettable dining experiences you can find in the Midwest. Guests are transported back to the days of knights, castles, and royal feasts the moment they walk through the doors.
Whether you are planning a family outing, a birthday celebration, or just a fun night out, this place delivers excitement, great food, and memories that last long after the evening ends. With a jaw-dropping 4.7-star rating from over 12,000 visitors, it is clear that this castle-like venue has won the hearts of nobles far and wide.
A Castle-Like Venue That Sets the Scene
From the second you pull into the parking lot, the towering castle walls of Medieval Times in Schaumburg make it crystal clear that tonight is no ordinary dinner. The building is designed to look and feel like a real medieval fortress, complete with stone-style architecture and dramatic details that instantly spark your imagination.
Inside, the atmosphere continues to impress. Banners hang from the rafters, suits of armor stand at attention, and the entire space buzzes with the energy of a royal court preparing for battle.
Guests often say they feel like they have stepped into another world entirely.
Everything from the lighting to the decor has been carefully planned to pull you deep into the medieval theme. It is the kind of place where you forget about your phone and just soak in the experience.
Truly a one-of-a-kind setting in Illinois.
Knights in Shining Armor Put On a Thrilling Show
Few things get a crowd louder than watching a knight charge across the arena on horseback with a lance in hand. The jousting performances at Medieval Times Schaumburg are the heart of the entire show, and they never disappoint.
Real athletes in full armor bring the drama of medieval combat to life right before your eyes.
Each knight represents a different section of the audience, so the cheering feels personal and electric. You are not just watching a show — you are rooting for your champion.
The rivalry between knights builds throughout the evening, keeping everyone on the edge of their seat.
Reviewers consistently rave about how committed the performers are to their roles. One guest noted that the energy in the arena was amazing from start to finish.
Whether staged or not, the excitement is absolutely real.
Majestic Horses That Steal the Spotlight
Horses have a way of making any show feel magical, and the ones at Medieval Times Schaumburg are truly something special. Guests repeatedly mention how well-cared-for and expertly trained the horses appear, noting that the knights clearly share a deep bond with their animals.
Beyond the jousting, the horses perform intricate riding routines that showcase incredible skill and trust between rider and horse. Watching a powerful horse gallop and respond to subtle commands is breathtaking, even for those who have seen equestrian performances before.
One reviewer described the horses as majestic and beautiful, while another said the horsemanship was among the most impressive parts of the night. If you have a soft spot for animals, prepare to be completely won over.
Fair warning though — if you have horse allergies, you may want to come prepared with some allergy medicine beforehand.
Falconry Display That Will Leave You Speechless
Not many dinner shows can say they include a live falconry demonstration, but Medieval Times Schaumburg pulls it off brilliantly. A skilled falcon trainer takes center stage at one point during the evening, sending a bird soaring through the arena in a display that genuinely wows the crowd.
Falconry was a prized skill among medieval nobility, so this element adds a wonderful layer of historical authenticity to the show. Watching the falcon respond to its trainer with precision and grace is a reminder of just how remarkable the bond between humans and animals can be.
Several guests specifically called out the falcon performance as one of their favorite moments of the night. One reviewer described the bird doing amazing flying and called the trainer fantastic.
It is a short but seriously memorable part of the show that adds real depth to the overall experience.
A Four-Course Feast Fit for Royalty
Forget fancy silverware — at Medieval Times, you eat with your hands, just like a true medieval noble would. The four-course meal includes garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, a half roasted chicken, corn on the cob, a roasted potato, and an eclair for dessert.
It sounds simple, but guests rave about how hot and flavorful everything arrives.
The chicken in particular gets a lot of love from reviewers, with one calling it some of the best they had ever eaten. Portions are generous, and the food is served in a rhythm that matches the flow of the show perfectly.
You never feel rushed or forgotten.
Vegetarian options are also available, featuring a veggie tray, pita with hummus, tomato soup, and a rice and beans entree. The meal may not be gourmet, but it is hearty, satisfying, and perfectly matched to the royal atmosphere around you.
Eating With Your Hands Is Part of the Fun
There is something wonderfully freeing about being told to put your fork down and just dig in. At Medieval Times Schaumburg, eating with your hands is not just permitted — it is encouraged as part of the authentic medieval experience.
Kids absolutely love this part, and honestly, so do most adults.
Tearing apart a roasted chicken and gnawing on a corn cob while knights battle in the arena in front of you is an oddly satisfying combination. The whole setup removes the formality of a typical restaurant dinner and replaces it with something much more lively and communal.
Staff are happy to accommodate guests who prefer utensils, so nobody feels left out. But if you are willing to lean into the experience fully, eating like a medieval noble adds a playful and memorable layer to the night that you simply cannot get anywhere else.
Staff Who Stay in Character All Night Long
One of the things that separates Medieval Times Schaumburg from an average themed restaurant is the total commitment of its staff. From the servers who bring out your food to the performers in the arena, everyone stays in character throughout the entire evening.
It creates a sense of immersion that is genuinely impressive.
Guests have praised specific staff members by name in reviews, with one reviewer highlighting a server named Sargon as phenomenal and extremely attentive. Another noted that the staff were excellent at reading the crowd and interacting in ways that made the experience more fun and personal.
The servers also double as part of the arena action, which means the people bringing your food are also part of the show itself. Tipping generously is highly recommended — these team members work hard both at the table and in the spotlight, and they earn every bit of appreciation.
Perfect for Birthday Celebrations and Special Occasions
Birthdays hit differently when a queen is involved. Medieval Times Schaumburg offers special party packages that can turn an ordinary birthday into an absolutely legendary event.
One of the most popular options allows birthday children to be officially knighted by the queen in front of the entire audience, complete with a photo and keepsake memorabilia.
Parents who have booked birthday packages rave about how special their kids felt during the ceremony. One reviewer shared that their son was knighted for his birthday and that everyone in the party received photos, making it extra meaningful for the whole group.
Anniversaries, group outings, and other milestones are also celebrated here with great enthusiasm. The venue has a natural talent for making guests feel like the night was designed just for them.
If you want to celebrate something in a way that nobody will forget, this is absolutely the place to do it.
The Drinks Menu Has Something for Everyone
Whether you prefer a cold soda or a goblet of something stronger, the bar at Medieval Times Schaumburg has you covered. Water, lemonade, and soda are included with your ticket, which is a nice bonus that keeps the evening affordable for families.
Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase and come in a variety of styles.
Drinks are served in souvenir cups that you get to take home, which adds a fun little keepsake to the experience. Prices range from around five dollars for a soft drink in a plastic cup to about twenty dollars for an alcoholic option, so there is something for every budget.
One reviewer noted that the bar stocks a wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, making it easy for everyone in your group to find something they enjoy. You can also order drinks directly from your server once you are seated, so there is no need to wait in a bar line.
A Gift Shop Packed With Memorable Souvenirs
Before and after the show, the gift shop at Medieval Times Schaumburg gives guests a chance to bring a little piece of the medieval world home with them. The selection is surprisingly impressive, featuring everything from toy weapons and shields to hats, plush toys, and other themed keepsakes.
Kids are naturally drawn to the replica swords and medieval accessories, and parents often find it hard to say no when the whole atmosphere has already put everyone in such a great mood. Reviewers mention the shop as a fun way to extend the experience beyond the arena.
One guest noted that the gift shop had a lot of cool items worth browsing after the show wraps up. Prices vary, so you can find small, affordable mementos or splurge on something more elaborate.
Either way, leaving with a souvenir makes the memory feel even more tangible and lasting.
A Story-Driven Show With Real Drama
Medieval Times is not just about watching people hit each other with swords — the show tells an actual story. Each performance introduces a cast of characters including a king, a queen, and multiple knights, each with their own role in an unfolding drama that keeps the audience hooked from beginning to end.
One reviewer described a particularly gripping performance where a traitor knight shook up the storyline and made the whole experience more engaging. Another guest said the show had a story that really came together, with the winning knight choosing a guest from his section to honor at the end.
The narrative structure makes the evening feel more like watching a live theatrical production than just attending a dinner show. Actors pour genuine energy into their performances, and the crowd feeds off that enthusiasm in a big way.
Every visit can feel slightly different depending on how the story unfolds.
Great Value for a One-of-a-Kind Night Out
Tickets to Medieval Times Schaumburg are priced in the mid-range, and most guests agree the experience is well worth every dollar. When you factor in the full meal, the live entertainment, the animal performances, and the immersive atmosphere, you are getting a remarkable amount packed into one evening.
Booking tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, as the venue fills up quickly and pre-purchased tickets help the check-in process run much more smoothly. Discounts and coupons are sometimes available, so it pays to do a quick search before you buy.
One longtime visitor who had not been in twenty years returned with their kids and said they were not disappointed at all. Another reviewer called it expensive but completely understandable given everything involved in running the show.
For a truly unique night that covers dinner, entertainment, and memories all in one, Medieval Times delivers genuine bang for your buck.
An Experience That Brings Out the Kid in Everyone
Some places are just for kids, and some are just for adults — but Medieval Times Schaumburg somehow manages to be wildly fun for absolutely everyone. Reviewers ranging from parents with toddlers to groups of coworkers on a night out all describe leaving with huge smiles on their faces.
There is something about cheering for your knight, eating with your hands, and watching a horse gallop past you at full speed that strips away the everyday stress of adult life. One guest said the experience brought back the feeling of being a kid again, and that kind of joy is genuinely rare to find.
Whether it is your first visit or your tenth, the combination of food, performance, animals, and atmosphere creates a night that feels fresh and exciting every time. Medieval Times Schaumburg is not just a restaurant — it is a reminder that fun has no age limit.