About & FAQ

The Known World Dance and Music Symposium is a three-day event for those who are passionate about the Dance and Music of the past, from the early Roman era through the late Renaissance. The event is part of the Society for Creative Anachronism, an international group dedicated to research and recreation of the best parts of the Middle Ages. The local hosting group is the Barony of Sternfeld, located in Central Indiana in the USA.

Q: What all is included with the cost of admission?
A: We will have dozens of classes covering a wide variety of cultures and time periods from 9am-5pm on Friday and Saturday and 9am-1pm on Sunday. In addition, your entry includes a meal plan. There will be designated meal breaks in classes to allow everyone chance to sit and socialize while they eat before choosing their next class. The meal plan covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday evenings, there will also be Evening Balls, a wonderful chance to experience dancing together in a large group.

Q: What if I can’t be there for the whole weekend? Can I come just for one day?
A: Absolutely. See our Registration page for details on day rates. If you have any questions, please email our Gate Coordinator at KWDSGate@sternfeld.org

Q: Do I need to be a member of the SCA to come? 
A: Definitely not. Non-members are welcome to the event. There is a $10 discount for members.

Q: What food will be on the food plan? What if I have allergies?
A: A full menu can be found on our Food page. All meals will have Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and foods free from the top 9 allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, and soybeans) provided. Ingredient lists will be available ahead of the event on the Food Page closer to the event. If you have questions or want more information, contact KWDSDining@Sternfeld.org

Q: Can I pay to go to the event without the meal plan?
A: No, the meal plan is included in the price and can only be excluded by special arrangement due to severe dietary or religious restrictions.

Q: Is the event accessibility-friendly?
A: Yes! The site has entries and exits wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices, accessible bathrooms (as well as an all-gender bathroom), places to sit and rest throughout, and is clearly laid out (maps will be available as well). The exterior of the site has wide, paved walkways that are smooth and even and provide paths for sure footing across much of the grounds. Some classes and bardic circles will be outside but they will be close to the building. If you are camping with us, there will be an area closer to the building for accessibility camps which will have power hookups available. If you have a medication that needs refrigeration, we will have a refrigerator dedicated to that purpose available. Although some classes are outside, the buildings are both air conditioned and are comfortable. We also plan to have a Quiet Room for those who need a break from the hustle and bustle. If you would benefit from an accommodation that you don’t see listed here, please reach out, we’d love to make the event more welcoming! You can contact the event stewards through our Contact Page

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: The site allows service dogs only in the buildings. Pets, emotional support animals, and therapy animals are not permitted in the building.

Q: Do I have to wear medieval clothes?
A: Period ‘Garb,’ clothing worn piror to 17th century, is happily encouraged but not required for daytime sessions, but is required for the evening balls. However, the local group will have our collection of garb that you may borrow for the event. This clothing is hand-made by local artists and is washed after every use.

Q: Can I bring my kids?
A: We are happy to welcome music and dance fans of all ages! It is important to note however, that we won’t be having any programming specifically for kids, nor will we have childcare available.

Q: I’m coming from out of town, where can I stay?
A: Welcome to Sternfeld! We will have hotel blocks available at local hotels and camping available on site. Find more details about both on our Lodging page.

Q: What’s the weather like in Indiana in July?
A: Indiana, like much of the Midwestern USA, experiences a wide variety of weather at any given time. The average high at this point in the year is typically around 85 Fahrenheit with evening lows falling to an average of 60.

Q: Is there parking available?
A: Yes, there is a large parking lot adjacent to the conference center. If you are staying in one of our hotel blocks, we are working on arranging shuttle service to and from the hotels at the beginning and end of each day, although we are not yet sure about details.

Q: Is the site air conditioned?
A: Yes, the entirety of the two buildings (the conference center and the Expo Hall) are air conditioned.

Q: I’m traveling with someone who isn’t planning on attending the event. What is there to do around the area?
A: Whether you have someone who won’t be attending or you plan on extending your stay to make it a vacation, the Indianapolis area has some fantastic attractions: there are several museums (including the Nationally-ranked Children’s Museum of Indianapolis), tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, take in an Indianapolis Indians baseball game, get creative at the Tie Dye Lab and much more. Check out our Local Attractions page for ideas. 

Q: Is alcohol allowed on site?
A: Alcoholic beverages may be consumed on site, except in designated areas, under the following rules:

  • Underage drinking will not be tolerated. If you are caught drinking underage or contributing to a minor you will be evicted from the site without reimbursement.
  • Beverage containers should not be left in view unless they are historically period and non-obvious.
  • Empty beverage containers must be taken with you or disposed of in completely enclosed trash bags in site trash receptacles.