Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Medieval Times is the Grand Strand's other great dinner show, and it scratches a different itch from Pirates Voyage: horses, steel and a tournament that gets genuinely competitive. The Myrtle Beach castle stands at 2904 Fantasy Way, in the Fantasy Harbour area off US-501 just across the Intracoastal Waterway from the city, and inside it is an arena of packed sand ringed by tiered seating. You are assigned a section and a knight to cheer for, each in his own colors, and over two hours six knights compete in games of skill, ride at full gallop, joust with lances and finish with choreographed sword fights that are fast and loud enough to make children grip the table. The horses are the stars for many guests: the castle features Pure Spanish horses, whose dressage and riding displays open the show, and a falcon flies low over the arena in one of the quieter, more striking moments. Dinner is served during the tournament by costumed serving staff: a four-course feast with two rounds of select non-alcoholic drinks included in general admission, eaten in the medieval manner, by hand. The castle runs shows through the autumn and winter calendar, so it is a reliable night out in November when outdoor attractions are scaling back. Book through the official page, choose your package, and arrive early to tour the castle hall before you are seated.

What to expect at the table: the meal is hearty and simple rather than gourmet, and it arrives in courses timed to the action, so you are eating while the knights warm up and finishing as the tournament reaches its final duels. Vegetarian and allergy-friendly options are generally available if you request them when booking, and upgraded packages add better seats and extras. Front rows are closest to the action and the flying sand; families with nervous small children may prefer a row or two back.

How the tournament works: each seating section is matched to a knight, and the audience is coached to cheer for its champion and jeer his rivals. Points come from the games of skill, the knights collect flowers and favors to toss to their sections, and the storyline builds to one-on-one combat until a champion is crowned. The choreography is rehearsed but physically real, which is why the riding and sword work impress adults as much as children.

Planning: the castle is about 15 minutes from central Myrtle Beach via US-501, close to the Tanger Outlets on that side of town, and a straightforward drive from most oceanfront hotels. Showtimes vary by season, with fewer weekday performances in the off-season, so check the calendar for your dates. If you are choosing one dinner show, Pirates Voyage suits younger children with its water, animals and acrobats, while Medieval Times suits older kids, teens and adults who will enjoy the horsemanship and competition.