Debardchery: Archery, Poetry & Games | Golden Gate Park

Submitted by the Event Organizer

The Shire of Cloondara (the San Francisco branch of the Society for Creative Anachronisms, who re-create the customs, combat and courtesies of the Middle Ages) invites you to attend “DeBARDchery,” its annual archery and bardic tournament in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, August 20.

That means you get to watch people dressed in middle ages garb match their mirth, merriment and archery skills (including using novelty targets) followed by a medieval poetic composition on either “The Illiad” or “The Odyssey.”

This event is free and open to the public. The organizers ask that you make an attempt at pre-1600s garb. If you don’t have any clothes that might pass, they have loaner tunics for you.

Want to Participate? The only requirements are that your bow be a traditional bow (e.g. recurve, longbow, etc.) and not a compound bow and that your arrows be made of wood with feather fletching. Fiberglass bows are okay. You should make a good attempt at medieval garb and they’ll have some loaner clothing available on site.

Just want to watch? Members of the public are also welcome to participate in silly competitions held throughout the day and to join in on the bardic competition at the end of the day by offering a song, story or poem based on “The Illiad” or “The Odyssey.” Come dressed for the appropriate century, and if you want, you can also bring a potluck dish to share with other poets and minstrels.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.