r/Pennsic 2d ago

First time at Pennsic

21 Upvotes

I have a ton of questions about pennsic. I want to say I have already extensively googled and searched this sub and Facebook about these questions but I am getting a lot of conflicting answers so I figured I would just ask myself.

  1. I exercise to manage chronic pain conditions and mental health. I’ve seen a lot of people say they don’t want to see modern clothes on people running at 7am. Is this the collective’s opinion? I can’t run but I “speed walk.” Would it be better for me to leave site for walking if I want to be in modern exercise clothes?

Do you feel the roads near pennsic are safe for walking? It looks like a lot of just housing in the surrounding areas.

Also I saw that there are yoga classes in the morning. Are people wearing garb to these and if so what kind?

We are very poor so purchasing garb is out of the question. The only reason we are going is because my best friend’s family has been doing this for decades and they managed to suck my husband in. She is secretly subsidizing us going because she knows her father is pushing hard for this. If you have suggestions for garb for exercising, I need more info about DIYing it and not purchasing.

  1. I’m autistic and have not been managing it well recently. Where are all the quiet and kind of secluded areas around pennsic? My husband wants a game plan for me in case I need to go have a meltdown somewhere.

  2. This is probably a dumb question, is it okay to carry a modern reusable water bottle around? Also is the potable water really as disgusting as everyone is making it seem?

  3. What are some must do events? Everyone has the things they have been suggesting we see but what are the events that are actually must see?

I think I have more questions but I will come back later with those. Thanks to anyone that can provide advice or insight!


r/Pennsic 3d ago

Tent for sale

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20 Upvotes

14' x 16' roman wall tent. Includes all poles, stakes, ropes and tarp for floor. It has a dividing wall. In great shape. Located in Michigan. Message if interested for price.


r/Pennsic 5d ago

Carving A Dragon Head and Tail For The Viking Memorial Ship (video in comments)

20 Upvotes

My latest project involves carving a dragon head and tail for an important memorial taking place later this summer, The Pennsic Viking Memorial Ship. Viking ships were built with carved figureheads meant to protect the crew and represent the spirit of the voyage. It was an honor to be able to contribute to this year’s ship build in a small way.

I also have a full video of the building of the Viking Memorial Ship, including an interview with the ship’s builder out soon. Please subscribe to Resist The Grind on Youtube, if you would like to see the full video when released.

Whether you’re into woodcarving, traditional craft, Viking history, memorial art, or you’re part of the SCA, this video shows the full making of these iconic carvings — tools, techniques, challenges, and the meaning behind the work. Thank you for taking time out of your day to


r/Pennsic 6d ago

Periodish looking rugs at Five Below $15USD

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27 Upvotes

Yes, it's pale gules and argent, which isn't for everyone but this is a 4' by 6' WASHABLE rug which makes it perfect for Pennsic. The design is pretty period. Having a rug under your bare feet in the morning is a luxury you'll want.


r/Pennsic 14d ago

Driving from the southeast

15 Upvotes

Interstate 376 East is closing for a few exits near Pittsburgh from July 10 until August 3. Yes, I live here, and yes, I'm very salty about it. I don't want anyone else to be inconvenienced if it can be avoided.

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/news-and-media/newsroom/district-11/2026/i-376-parkway-east-25-day-closure-begins-july-10-in-pittsburgh--

There are more efficient ways to get to Pennsic coming from that direction if you're not local, some of which are mentioned in the official notice. No one wants to drag a Pennsic trailer through Pittsburgh city streets! Please advise your compatriots.


r/Pennsic 16d ago

Less than three weeks until Pennsic Starts!!!

20 Upvotes

It looks like the heat dome is moving westward but it is still a good idea to pack both the super hot summer gear and a couple of "winter" gear pieces. What is summer gear and why the heck pack winter gear at all?

Summer Gear

  • You want something that will be long, loose, and light. This means you need your arms and legs covered. The sun beating down directly on your skin is going to make you much hotter than wearing a loose linen tunic. There is a reason that people in desert climates cover up - the sun is your enemy. Hide from it. (Plus, lobster isn't a good look for anyone.)

  • Wear natural fabrics as much as possible. While that fabulous polyester brocade is a period correct design, you do not want it on a hot day. You will melt and you will give over to heat exhaustion. Natural fabrics like linen, cotton (period!), and lightweight wool are your friends. Plus, you won't have to worry about a stray campfire spark melting your garment on to your skin - most natural fibers are self extinguishing.

  • Hats are your friends. Parasols are period. If you can't carry your shade with you, don't stay out in the sun for long. Even if you are dressed in long, light, loose layers, the sun beating directly on your head will make you hotter than being in the shade.

  • Fans are period. Most fans were similar to the African circular ones, honestly. They are amazing in the heat.

Winter Gear

  • Here, a polyester fleece is actually okay, as long as you stay away from the fire. You will want a cloak, a cape, or a coat. As hot as Pennsic can get, it can also get cold. I personally have seen ice form on a bucket at Pennsic.

  • One or two velvet outfits or heavier wool outfits will be something you need. Again, it will get cold and it may get cold early. Blue isn't a good color for anyone to be anymore than lobster red is.

Sunscreen only goes so far. It also needs to be reapplied every hour. Most people simply aren't that diligent and we will all be outside all the time, every day, all day, for two weeks. Just wear the lightweight linen tunic with the long sleeves - which is going to provide you all day protection.

And bring your cloak.


r/Pennsic Jun 22 '26

What Is The Pennsic Memorial Ship? How to Participate at War This Summer

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19 Upvotes

Each year a Viking Ship is built off site and brought to War. During War Week, the ship is set up in a pavilion on Plunder Lane, near the food court, in the merchant area. Anyone is welcome to come paint a shield to adorn the ship and honor a loved one who has passed.

A processional takes place on Thursday evening, I believe around 8:30 pm, from the pavilion to Cooper's Lake. The ship is launched and memories can be shared, if you choose. It was both powerful and meaningful to my husband last year. Both he and my son were able to assist last year. My husband said it was the most important thing he was a part of at Pennsic.

This year's ship is being built in North Carolina again, the second one by builder Baron Sir Bedawyr Of Avaricum (Mundanely, Mark Miller.) He has a good start on it already and I know they welcome volunteers during war week to help staff the Pavilion, and to carry the ship in the processional to the lake.

I expect there will be an official ship announcement as war gets closer, including all the logistics and specific times. I am just the wife of a build helper u/obxchris and I am not speaking in any official capacity.

I just wanted to communicate early, so folks will know about the ship, it's history and the opportunity to participate, to make your planning easier. My husband's video is linked below. Thank you.

See less


r/Pennsic Jun 15 '26

Pennsic Music Lessons

14 Upvotes

This is my fourth year going to pennsic. Every year I try to set a different goal for myself to learn something new to focus on that year(dancing, scribal, etc) this year I want to learn how to play music. I’ve got lute and hurdy-gurdy lessons locked in but the big thing Im looking to learn are the drums.

Please let me know if anyone has any recommendations for resources pre-pennsic that I can start using learning now and if anyone would be around during pennsic to help teach me. If anyone also has recommendations on drums and where to get them from I would be very grateful!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!


r/Pennsic Jun 07 '26

Fyi — costco is selling portable showers

17 Upvotes

As many of us know, some of the campsites are pretty far from a water spigot. I saw this and thought it might be helpful for those camps. It uses a USBC charging cable. Currently priced at $173.

https://www.costco.com/p/-/rinsekit-pro-20-portable-shower/4000424429?langId=-1

I think showers are one of the harder things to pull off at Pennsic, so I wanted to share this in case it makes someone’s experience better.

edit: water heater is seperate, add-on product from the company.


r/Pennsic Jun 04 '26

Your magnum opus of camping?

9 Upvotes

Hey folks, I wanted to make a post to see what people bring to Pennsic that really makes their life significantly easier and/or less muggy. Specific products that just really ease the strain of certain annoyances or problems that you run into semi frequently. I always tend to forget my problems the moment I’m not actively camping, so I wanted to see what people bring along with them to make their lives a little easier! Cheap or splurge-worthy!


r/Pennsic Jun 01 '26

Creating a Map or Signage.

19 Upvotes

Howdy and well met!
I camp with Camel Lot and you might know that we're right at the bottom of Brewer's Hill. I sometimes feel like we're the welcoming face of the Bog and Lake District. People come from top side, and land at our crossroads and set out to create memories. We love our spot and generally try to be a friendly service desk. haha.

With that said, I'd like to make a sign or map. You come down the hill and aren't sure if you're going left or right to get X Y or Z camp. Ideally, I'd love a map that people can reference. You Are Here, etc. There are maps available, but they just say stuff like E16. I'd love one that shows the locations of specific camps. * This idea requires an aggressive knowledge of the Bog as a whole.

If I can't pull off a full map, I'd like to make road signs. Literal arrows that point left or right with the name of the camp on it. This could be done as a volunteer system. As in, I only make signs for camps who want to be a part of it. If made in advanced, I can craft and laser cut everything. I could make blanks to use on site.

* Privacy issues - The map involves broadcasting camps who might not want to be known day in and day out. I acknowledge this so I'm still brainstorming a way to facilitate this. I don't want to out groups who don't want to be outed. ((Sure, camps are kinda public record and word of mouth, but that doesn't mean I need to publically lay out bread crumbs))

Anyway, I'm spitballing ideas and brainstorming.


r/Pennsic May 21 '26

Pennsic Bound

13 Upvotes

My first Pennsic was in 1990. Sadly, I had to missed 2011 and 2018 but made all of the others. The SCA is what you ever decide to make it but this Game is fun for me.


r/Pennsic May 20 '26

PENNSIC CLASS REGISTRATION DEADLINE

10 Upvotes

Greetings from your friends at Pennsic University! The date for the book pull is quickly approaching! Please, if you are planning to teach at Pennsic go into Thing 2 and register your class by May 25. This is only 7 days from now! To assist you in registering classes, we have developed a demo video showing the updated process. The link to access the video is https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W4vVqO2lBbsx6IyOsC4SPwwHhpRygK8o/view?usp=sharing

If you want your class to be in the printed Pennsic Guide book, you must register it by the end of the day Monday. This will give the Registrar and Track Coordinators time to schedule your class, the Development Team time to generate the reports for the book pull, and time for the Chancellor to check and verify the accuracy of the data in the reports. Of course, you can continue to register classes after this, it just means they won't show up in the printed book. They will, however, be available in the online class list. While looming deadlines are always stressful, we balance that with the excitement of knowing that we will soon be opening the University. We look forward to seeing all of you very soon!


r/Pennsic May 12 '26

Pennsic Pirates?

13 Upvotes

Okay so I have a friend who's been interested in the pirate culture at Pennsic and wants to get more involved.

When I was thinking about it, I realized, I can't pin point a solid singular thing as fact at what pirates do? Or how they operate?

Is it a group within the SCA? Is it seperate? We know vaguely about pirate games but can't pin point legit games that happen

Can someone give me a broad overview?


r/Pennsic May 08 '26

Pennsic friends

22 Upvotes

Hey everyone! This year will be my second time going to Pennsic War, and I’m hoping to meet some new people while I’m there. I’m still pretty new, so I haven’t met too many Pennsic peeps yet, but I’m always open to making new friends.

My group camps down by the swamp, but I wander all over and plan on staying for both weeks! Feel free to message me — I’m excited to see everyone there!


r/Pennsic May 03 '26

Help Me Find A Shop

7 Upvotes

Hey all, I'm trying to find the name of one of the shops/merchant stalls in the hopes that they have an online storefront. If anyone has the name of the shop that sold linen for $9/yd at Pennsic 50, that would be most appreciated. I don't remember if the $9 price was during the 'midnight madness' sale pricing, or if it was regular price. The shop also only sold or primarily sold linen, and had white tent walls if this helps anything.
Thanks!


r/Pennsic Apr 25 '26

Getting Ready for Pennsic: Projects in Progress: What are you working on for War? Here is My saw bench based on one found on a 17th century shipwreck. (Traditional Woodworking, Hand Tools, Green Woodworking & A Great Weekend Project)

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12 Upvotes

r/Pennsic Apr 10 '26

Newbie! Many questions

6 Upvotes

[28 They/Them]

I am interested in going to Pennsic this year for the first time, and I have been having trouble making sense of all of the plethora of information out there. Would anybody be interested in talking to me and answering questions. Someone willing to have a phone call would be highly appreciated and thanked, but I would also be thankful for anyone willing to engage with me here!


r/Pennsic Mar 10 '26

Thing 2.0 Soft Opening! Thing 2.0 is open NOW!

11 Upvotes

For those interested in registering classes right away, the Thing 2.0 soft opening is today! Tuesday, March 10th, at 10 am EDT.

For those who are not in a hurry, the Town Hall meeting will demonstrate the new features for both teachers and students. The meeting will be Sunday, March 15, 2pm EDT, and can be accessed via this link:

https://meet.google.com/zpf-rcwf-ujp?hs=224

We look forward to seeing the great diversity and depth of subjects that you, our teachers, will bring to the university this summer!

Your Pennsic University Team


r/Pennsic Mar 07 '26

THING 2.0 GRAND OPENING!

12 Upvotes

Greetings from the Pennsic University team! Even though the snow lies thick on the ground still, and the heat of Pennsic is months away, our team has been hard at work. The developers have been working since last Pennsic to incorporate many of the suggestions we received for improving Thing. Because of the many updates to Thing—and because some teachers asked for it—we will host a Google Meet at 2pm EST on Sunday, March 15, to demonstrate new features, including a person-centered, accessible, mobile-friendly interface, and answer questions for teachers. The meeting will be recorded and made available for those unable to attend on Sunday.

If we are ready before March 15, we will open Thing for class submission early for those who are comfortable entering schedules and classes without additional support. However, we’ll begin answering questions and providing support after the meeting on the 15th. Additionally, depending on the response, we may hold more online support sessions. The link for Sunday the 15th is:

https://meet.google.com/zpf-rcwf-ujp?hs=224


r/Pennsic Jan 19 '26

Wiki for Garb?

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2 Upvotes

r/Pennsic Jan 01 '26

Happy New Year! Have you registered your group yet?

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3 Upvotes

That's right! The group registration is open!


r/Pennsic Dec 21 '25

SCAdians what historic trades do you enjoy?

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1 Upvotes

r/Pennsic Nov 25 '25

Sky torches.

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6 Upvotes

As i have friends in Springwood, ive had the chance to look over theirs and had a few ideas on how to make the design a little more solid. Built myself 4, for camp and another event I go to. These come out so nice.


r/Pennsic Nov 23 '25

Was anybody here at Pennsic 21?

4 Upvotes

what did you think of the dancing?

https://pennsicdance.aands.org/pennsic21