2025 SPECIAL EVENTS

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Upcoming Major Events:

Fire in the Shire
Saturday, June 7th from 10am - 4pm

Our annual festival is a citywide celebration of all things medieval.

Highlights will include: fighting demonstrations by the Wisconsin Historical Fencing Association, fire breathing and sword swallowing by Kazimir the Hungry, medieval music by Bardmageddon, and a quest to find the “Holy Grail” in the shops of the shire. One Eye Dave’s Hotdogs will provide concessions.

We'll be posting the full schedule of events in the coming weeks. For event questions, contact the museum at info@castlerockmuseum.com.

Lectures & Programs:
Most lectures and programs are held in the museum's theater area. Seating is limited. Contact the museum at 608-685-4231 or info@castlerockmuseum.com for reservations. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students, unless otherwise noted. Museum members receive a 50% discount on most events.


Historic Lock Design and Theory
Saturday, April 12th at 2pm
Join local blacksmith Thomas Latane for a program on “The Defensive Theory Behind Preindustrial Iron Locks.” This discussion will cover keys and keyhole shapes, tumblers, multiple bolts, springs, and wards and their early manufacture. Tom will bring several examples of his work for visitors to see.

Arming Up for Battle
Saturday, May 17th at 2pm
Join museum volunteers, Jamie LaBreck and Patrick Kelly for a special presentation on “Arming Up for Battle” in the Middle Ages. The program will start with a brief discussion of the evolution of armor, followed by a demonstration of how a man-at-arms of the 1400’s would get into his harness. Afterwards, there will be a fighting demonstration in the museum courtyard, weather permitting.

Women in Warfare
Saturday, July 19th at 2pm
Join museum volunteer Luke Kramer for a lecture on the role of women in ancient and medieval warfare. Luke will focus on specific historical accounts of individual women, such as Queen Boudica who led a revolt in Roman Britain, Joan of Arc who inspired the French during the Hundred Years’ War, and Jeanne “Hachette” who used an axe to help defend Beauvais, France.

Medieval Myths and Misconceptions
Saturday, August 9th at 2pm
Join Patrick Kelly for a look at common myths and misconceptions about the Middle Ages that still exist today. Patrick Kelly is a museum volunteer and reenactor who also works as a cutler at Arms and Armor in Minneapolis.

From Forest to Furniture
Saturday, September 27th from 10am-4pm
Join Tom Latane, Paul Nyborg, and Derek Olson as they demonstrate woodworking techniques used since the days when woodworkers walked into the woods for their material and began the work on the forest floor. Spectators will be able to visit with the woodworkers as the chips fly.

Bardmageddon Concert
Saturday, October 18th (Time TBD)
Join the musical group Bardmageddon for a special concert in the museum theater. Bardmageddon collects and revitalizes the very best traditional Celtic tunes to bring you music with a rich, historical soul and a fresh, energetic sound. Using violin, guitar, bodhrán, and vocals to create their music, they will enchant and inspire you with their bardic performance!

Meet the Vikings
Saturday, November 1st from 10am-4pm
Join us for a daylong celebration of all things “Viking.” Reenactors will be on hand to answer questions about Viking history, culture, technology, clothing, and weapons. Visitors can also see several actual Viking era artifacts on exhibit including a spangenhelm, chieftain’s sword, and Danish axe.