Photo courtesy Santee Kiwanis
East County News Service
May 11, 2026 (Santee) — A coalition of East County community service organizations led by Santee Kiwanis will debut Santee Summer Knights, a new regional medieval festival, next month.
The three-day event from June 5-7 will be held on the grounds of the Historic Barn, 9200 Magnolia Ave., in Santee. A public-private collaboration, it is being designed to fund local youth, family and senior programs.
The festival aims to address a local demand for historical reenactment events. Unlike for-profit ventures, the event functions as a community fundraiser with a $10 weekend participant fee.
The schedule as shared by organizers are: Friday, June 5 (5 to 9 p.m.): Adults-only evening and Ball; Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.): Public festivities including jousting, archery, black powder demonstrations and a “Queen’s Quest.”
Adhering to a strict Medieval theme (fifth to late 15th century), organizers require all participants and decor to reflect period-appropriate lore. There will be two entertainment stages as well as a beer and wine garden.
Organizers noted that animals are prohibited on the grounds unless they are certified service animals or part of pre-approved official demonstrations, and also must follow all San Diego County ordinances.
Fairs and the future
Santee Summer Knights joins a growing sector of Renaissance and Medieval fairs, which have evolved into significant tourism and economic drivers across the country and globally. A major event like the Texas Renaissance Festival attracts more than 500,000 annual visitors.
While the Escondido Renaissance Faire, which just finished up earlier this month, remains a staple in North County, the Santee event aims to fill a gap for East County residents.
The June debut is the first of three planned events for the region. The Santee Kiwanis and its partners have also scheduled a Yuletide Medieval Festival for December and a Medieval Valentine event for February 2027.
For more information and full programming details, visit santeesummerknights.com.