~Can I just buy tickets at the gate?

No, all tickets must be bought online.  We will not have any gate or cash sales.  This will help speed up the check in process.  We will have check-in by QRS code at the front gate. 

We are limiting Day ticket sales so we can better plan how many patrons to expect.  It is possible they will sell out. 

Tickets for speciality things, like classes, are limited in number and do sell out, so buy early.   

~What is the check in process?

After you have bought your tickets, have your QR code ready at the gate. It will be scanned and your wristband will be given to you at that time.  If you don’t have your QR code we will be able to find you by name and email but that will be slower.

~Should we wear a costume?

At TVE you will see many characters in traditional and fantasy costumes. It is not required for any guest to wear a costume to our event. However,  we encourage our guests to feel excited to wear a costume of their choice. Please keep in mind, our event is family friendly so all costumes should be comfortable to wear in front of guests of all ages.

~Can we bring weapons?

Edged weapons will be peace tied and remain sheathed throughout the event. Wood, foam or other non-edged weapons are allowed but there is no fighting permitted except in the fight pit and demo fields. Only LARP weapons will be allowed to be used in the fight pit. These are for demonstrations by our professional groups only. If you buy a weapon with a live blade at the event it will need to be peace tied. 

Since according to NC state regulations the whole festival is considered a bar so there can be NO open carry of firearms.  

~Can we bring our own food?

We will have food vendors available at TVE.  But we understand some people have special dietary needs.  Guests are welcome to bring  their own snacks and water in the gate.  But no coolers as we do not have the extra space for picnic lunches.

~Can we bring our own alcohol? 

The Viking Experience holds a responsible attitude towards alcohol consumption. Please be aware that outside alcohol will not be allowed to be brought to our events. Absolutely no illegal substances will be tolerated. Our festival will have alcohol vendors and they will be appropriately licensed to vend at our events. IDs will be checked and no one under 21 years of age will be served an alcoholic beverage. Bartenders and servers reserve the right to cut off anyone suspected of consuming too much alcohol. This is for theirs and others safety. 

~Can I bring my dog or animal?

No pets are allowed.  TVEF can be crowded and dogs can often have unpredictable behavior causing a danger to the animal and persons around them.  

Service animals are allowed.  But we reserve the right to ask a dog to leave if the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it. Examples of a disturbance include growling, barking, being a threat to other customers and other acts that would be considered unruly behavior in accordance with the ADA guidelines.  

~Do you have on site camping?

No this year we do not have room for patron camping.  Volunteers do get complementary camping so please consider joining us in running the festival. 

~What is acceptable interaction with those in costume?

Please be respectful of personal space for those in costume.  You are not permitted to touch those in costume.  You should ask if you can get a photo of them.  Being a character is a very demanding role.  If a character looks to be on a break please do not approach them. 

~Can I leave my children during activities?

No. Children must be accompanied by someone 17 years or older at all times, even in the kids' classes. One adult may be supervising multiple children. Our staff and volunteers will not be responsible for supervising children. We do not offer childcare services. 

~What do I do if I have a medical problem?

If you are able, go to the medical desk located at the merch table near the front entrance.  In an emergency call out to those around you.  Staff with medical or security training will be available at the event.

~Is taking photos alright?

Personal photography on cell phones or non-professional cameras is allowed at our event. Please ask before taking pictures of others and be respectful of our characters in costume. 

If you are a professional photographer you are not allowed to offer paid photo shoots to our patrons unless you are an approved vendor ahead of time.  

Please be advised that The Viking Experience reserves the right to use photos taken at our event for promotional materials, advertising, and press releases. By attending our event you are granting your consent for your image to be used for the above purposes.

~Are there any refunds due to stormy weather?

Our festival continues rain or shine.  There is coverage at our venue if you are concerned about getting too wet in the case of rain. However, most or all activities will continue.

~Is it wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair and stroller access may be limited due to this being mostly an outdoor event.  The field containing the main bulk of the event should have good access.  Some areas, i.e. the back camps, may be more difficult to access and if there is rain or wet areas navigation could be more difficult. There will be handicap portable toilets available.  

~What is the best form of payment?

There is no ATM on site to get cash.  Most vendors do take credit cards but running cards can be slow depending on connection.  Ideally you should bring cash. 

~Is smoking permitted?

Smoking allowed in areas with disposal cans only by the porta potties. Please do not smoke or vape in crowded public areas.