Visit a royal kingdom at the annual Medieval Festival

The banners have been hung, the performer’s platforms raised and the minstrels are tuning up their instruments. It’s time for some medieval revelry! Once again, for two weekends this month, the Sands Point Preserve – and all who are present – will be transported back in time to the Middle Ages.
The Preserve’s great lawn, along with Castlegould and Hempstead House, provide the perfect backdrop for the annual Medieval Festival, now in its 31st year. The popular weekend event, which features knights in shining armor, medieval archers and kings and queens, takes place this year on Sept. 11-12 and Sept. 18-19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Each day, the colorful festival begins with a procession of the royal court to the viewing stand, followed by knights jousting on horseback with swords, maces and battle axes on the lawn behind Hempstead House. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions of archery skill by medieval bowmen; the public is invited to try their hand at this ancient sport as well. At the close of each day, there is a “storming of Castlegould” to free the captured queen, followed by a meeting of the royal court to determine the fate of the queen’s kidnappers.
Throughout the day, the historic atmosphere is enhanced with period entertainment, including instrumentalists, madrigal singers, a dance troupe, and a traditional Maypole dance, as well as a medieval-style puppet show. Other activities include a fashion show featuring the ornate costumes of lords and ladies, craftspeople demonstrating a variety of skills, food and craft vendors, games for children and adults, a pony ride, and the opportunity for children to “fight-a-knight.”
Perhaps the most impressive of the North Shore’s early 20th-century estates, Sands Point first served as the home for railroad heir Howard Gould and was later purchased by Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. The 216-acre preserve, located by the Long Island Sound, is dominated by the massive Hempstead House but also includes a second mansion, Falaise. In addition to the homes, Sands Point has beautiful walking trails, wooded areas and shoreline views.