UNM Medieval Faire draws crowds to Johnson Field

For the first time in the history of the UNM Medieval Faire, participants reached out to the organizers to ask for a spot at the event. This change in dynamic occurred during the fourth annual gathering held on Johnson Field today, October 30, 2026.

The University of New Mexico’s Institute for Medieval Studies student association hosted the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gathering aimed to connect the university community with the greater Albuquerque area through arts, food, and cultural entertainment. Organizers noted that the medieval period, spanning the 5th through the 15th centuries, was defined by hierarchical social structures, the Catholic Church, and Gothic architecture. Modern fairs serve a similar economic and social role by linking isolated regions and fostering community growth.

Jessie Bonafede, an IMS outreach fellow and UNM doctoral candidate in medieval studies, coordinated the event. She stated that a core value of the organization is increasing community collaboration between the university and surrounding businesses and residents. Bonafede explained that the team wanted to move away from a European-centric view of the field and incorporate New Mexico elements into the faire. The event featured experiential learning activities, including sword fighting demonstrations, spice blending workshops, and a working beehive display.

Vendors at the fair included UNM student resource departments such as Graduate Studies, National Student Exchange, Study Abroad, and the KIVA Club. Local shops also participated, including Old Barrel Tea Company, Fuller Forge Creations, Albuquerque Sword Labs, and Bumble & Bug Bakery. A new partnership this year included Daniel Fuller of Fuller Forge Creations, a local active blacksmith. Fuller demonstrated his tools and techniques to attendees.

Fuller noted that blacksmiths were essential in medieval times, performing behind-the-scenes work to make and maintain tools like nails and fasteners. He added that they also played health care roles, including making horseshoes and cauterizing battlefield wounds. The organizing team plans to work through proper channels to have Fuller use fire and work with metal on-site next year.

The event also supported three local middle school field trips from Albuquerque Public Schools. Organizers hope to expand this partnership in future years to bring more students onto campus. Lisa Myers, IMS co-director, said the mission is to share what UNM faculty and students are doing and to make the public part of the university's activities.

Bonafede and Myers both expressed a desire for the festival to continue growing in attendance and scope. The team aims to increase the number of school groups and deepen community involvement in the coming years.