Local Events
This is a list of annual events we host in Calafia throughout the year. It is not exhaustive, and does not include our many guild meetings, Arts & Sciences classes, and martial practices. Timing and location listed below may vary from year to year, always check the official Baronial Calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Winter Weekend
Where: Camp de Benneville Pines in the San Bernadino Mountains
When: Thursday-Monday of MLK Day weekend
What: Winter Weekend is a SCA cruise on land. We sleep in cabins, do arts, socialize, and EAT! The site fee entitles attendees to three meals a day, all prepared by some of the best cooks in Caid.
Summergate Anniversary
Where: Buddy Todd Park in Oceanside
When: a Satuday in the springtime, depending on the Kingdom calendar
What: Summergate is a Canton encompassing North County San Diego. We celebrate their Anniversary with a tournament to determine their Armored, Cut & Thrust, and Youth Combat Champions, as well as competitions for their Arts & Sciences Champion and Bard of Summergate. There is also a Hype Herald contest throughout the tourney!
Calafia-Gyldenholt Friendship Tournament
Where: Alternating each year between the Baronies of Calafia and Gyldenholt (Orange County), location in Calafia varies
When: A Saturday in early April
What: The celebration of Calafia’s friendship with the Barony of Gyldenholt! Activities of the day encourage inter-Baronial Friendship. Melee and doubles tournaments are a common feature at this event.
Potrero War
Where: Potrero County Park, 45 miles east of San Diego
When: Thursday-Monday of Memorial Day weekend
What: This camping event is Calafia’s largest! Four days and five nights of activities, including:
- Armored, Rapier, and Youth Combat
- Combat and Ranged Archery
- Hound coursing
- Arts & Sciences
- Reveling
- Grand Court
Visit the Potrero War website for more information.
Comic-Con Demo
Where: San Diego Comic-Con
When: Same weekend as Comic-Con (end of July), Thursday-Sunday
What: Since our Barony shares a home with one of the largest comic book conventions in world, we take the opportunity to share our love of the SCA with SDCC attendees. With a variety of combat and arts displays, we demonstrate what the SCA is all about to people from all over the world!
Arts in the Park
Where: Allied Gardens Park
When: First Sunday in August
What: One of our biggest recruiting events right on the heels of Comic-Con, this is a day meant to showcase the diverse aspects of the SCA. The Iron, Steel, and Tin Brigades hold their practices alongside various displays by the guilds, artisans, and households of our Barony. Come try some samples at the pickle contest!
Calafia Rapier Tournament
Where: Buddy Todd Park in Oceanside
When: A Saturday in the summertime, usually July or August depending on the Kingdom calendar
What: Often called "Uncollared," this is the rapier answer to Gyldenholt's Unbelted Tournament. Fighting is limited to Rapier and Cut & Thrust forms, with lists only open to fighters who are not members of the Order of Defense.
Leif Erickson Tournament
Where: Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa
When: A Saturday in mid- to late September
What: A celebration of all things Viking. Armored is a Mad Dog style tournament. Rapier is dependent on how many sign up on the list. Most importantly, we have plywood Ice Floes that everyone (including spectators!) can play swords on.
Calafia Anniversary
Where: El Monte County Park in Lakeside
When: Second Saturday in October
What: The annual celebration of our Barony! A tournament to determine our Baronial Martial Champions (forms include Armored, Rapier, Cut & Thrust, and Youth Combat)
Calafia Equestrian & Ranged Championship
Where: Tumbleweed Riding Club in Lakeside
When: A Sunday near the end of the year, depending on the Kingdom calendar
What: A continuation of the celebration of our Barony, this is a tournament to determine our Baronial Equestrian, Thrown Weapons, and Archery Champions.
Winter Arts
Where: Location varies
When: First Saturday in December
What: Calafia’s "Yule" celebration, dedicated to all things Arts and Sciences. We have contests to determine our Baronial Arts and Sciences Champion and the Bard of Calafia. The various guilds put on displays and “present their charters” to Their Excellencies. There is often a feast, venue permitting.
Kingdom Events
Where: Location varies
When: Date varies
What: Depending on the year, Calafia may be called on to host one or more of our Kingdom Events. These include:
- Crown Tournament: a semiannual Armored Combat Tournament in April and October to determine the Heirs of Caid
- Coronation: the court ceremonies to celebrate the end of one Royal reign and the beginning of the next; often includes a feast
- Consort's Champion Martial/Ranged/Equestrian: tournaments and contests to determine the Royal Consort's Champions: Martial (Armored, Rapier, Cut & Thrust, and Youth Combat), Equestrian, and Ranged, respectively
- Festival of the Rose: a contest to determine the Royal Consort's Arts and Sciences Champion