Jousting for Applause: ‘The Tournament of Kings’ Dinner is Pure Medieval Fun!
The Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino (3850 S Las Vegas Blvd) is one of those classic Vegas experiences that somehow manages to stay timeless. I’d walked past the giant castle façade more times than I can count before finally deciding to check it out — and honestly, I wish I’d done it sooner. Once you step inside King Arthur’s Arena, the whole thing becomes surprisingly immersive: the smells of the feast, the sand-covered battleground, the thunder of the horses — they really go all-in on the medieval theme.
[Warning: spoilers from The Tournament of Kings are below!]
A medieval experience that pulls you in
When you take your seat, you’re immediately drafted into one of ten “kingdoms,” which basically means the show chooses a team for you and expects you to scream your allegiance for the next 75–90 minutes, very much in the vein of any sports-related activity. Ireland, Russia, and France, for example, are the seating areas you’re shuffled off into, with each section getting its own knight to root for, and the energy becomes infectious fast. I’m not someone who usually shouts at live events, so naturally, just the thought made me slightly uncomfortable at first, but by the time the jousting started, I was absolutely yelling like I had money riding on the outcome.
The show itself is packed with action unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. From full-speed horse riding to stunt falls and fire effects, and even broad-sword clashes — the whole medieval drama plays out in a giant circle around you, so there’s really no bad seat. You can tell the cast of the Tournament of Kings is trained for this; the way they stage the fights feels cinematic, even though you’re watching it live from just a few feet away. Think of it as your local Renn Faire, but with full-blown theatrics, making Tournament of Kings a true spectacle that only Las Vegas could truly pull off.
The Tournament of Kings’ dinner… and no utensils
One of the things you quickly learn about this experience is that you’re eating with your hands for that authentic medieval experience. No forks, no knives, just you and a roasted Cornish game hen to tear into like you’ve been transported back to the 12th century. The “Tournament Meal” is hearty and fun — game hen, lemon-pepper potatoes, corn on the cob, a dinner roll, and a little apple square for dessert. Is it fancy cuisine? No. Is it thematically perfect? Absolutely.
If you have dietary needs, they can accommodate them as long as you let the box office know in advance. They actually take that seriously, which I appreciated. At the end of the day, the Tournament of Kings wants each and every person to become fully immersed in the experience, which means considering all things, such as dietary needs, so everyone can be part of the fun.
Timing, tickets & practical stuff for this Las Vegas dining experience
The Tournament of Kings usually runs Thursday through Monday, with most nights offering two showtimes at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. The entire thing lasts about an hour and a half, which makes it an easy fit no matter how packed your Vegas itinerary is.
Tickets tend to fall in the $60–$100+ range, depending on the night and your seat. There are sometimes non-dinner ticket options too, which is nice if you’ve already overeaten on the Strip (been there). If you have questions or need special seating, Excalibur’s box office is genuinely helpful.
A quick note: if you’re sensitive to horses, strobe lights, smoke, or dust, you’ll want to keep that in mind — this show uses all of those elements heavily.
The personal verdict of the Tournament of Kings
At 32, I wasn’t expecting to walk away from this show feeling as entertained as I did. It’s not trying to be a modern artistic masterpiece — it’s trying to be a fully committed, high-energy medieval spectacle, and it succeeds. It reminded me that Vegas doesn’t always need to reinvent the wheel; sometimes it just needs to do something big and do it well.
Tournament of Kings is fun, theatrical, and surprisingly charming. If you want a show that blends action, humor, a little competition, and a big nostalgic payoff, plus dinner that fits the theme perfectly, it’s an easy recommendation. Just go in ready to cheer, get a little rowdy, and embrace the ridiculousness — that’s what makes it such a memorable night. Grab your tickets today! Have you checked out the Tournament of Kings in Las Vegas before? Let us know on social media!
Inside the Underworld: Unmasking America’s Criminal Past at The Mob Museum
