The big medieval fairs often include jousting tournaments, so be sure to check the websites or flyers for the schedules. The fights are usually set up in huge open lots or fields, so sunscreen and hats are needed during warm summer days.
Larger markets usually have a camp area that can be found outside the market area. It sure is something that should be checked out; many interesting things can be found there. The different camp groups are often separated by rope or fences, and people live in those camps during their market shifts.
Depending on the size of the group they may have set up several live areas, sleeping tents and cooking fires. The camp members usually prepare and cook their food using old world recipes and sit down at large tables to eat their meals together. The people there are dressed in medieval garb and armor, paying close attention to every little detail. You will find the robes and garments are in dim colors and kept in brown and grey shades. Knights will be showing of their Templar gear or family crests.
The bright, colorful and light silky dresses are reserved for royalty and rich folk. You also won't see any young girls or women with yellow sashes, those were a tell-tale that the woman was a prostitute.
If you stroll around the camps, don't be afraid to ask if you can take a peek into the living or sleeping areas; usually they won't object and are quite proud to show off their spots. Great effort is put in to keeping it authentic, so you won't find potatoes, coke cans or cellphones laying around.
The camp areas are most impressive when it begins to get dark. Bonfires, candles and torches are lit and the people meet up to sit together, play music on old instruments or listen to medieval music. If you get lucky, they may even invite you in for a glass of wine, ale or mead (and what is cooler than spending the night with a group of peasants, knights and bards telling old stories).
The medieval market in Horb (June 16-18) will feature a huge camp area. The guild „Bund oberschwäbischer Landsknechte“ will probably be one of the largest guilds there with over 300 members.
Keep in mind that these fests are well visited, so plan ahead, arrive early for parking and take advantage of public transport or shuttles, if they are offered. Many vendors won't have credit card readers, but don't be afraid to ask about websites to order from.
If you search the Internet, there are websites that list every market that is running during the year with some pages offering search functions for your area code.
http://www.marktkalendarium.de/maerkte2017.php is my favorite site. They do advise to double check the dates though since there may be changes.
Facebook events is also a great place to search, and stores or tourist centers usually have flyers for local markets.
Take the time to visit at least a couple of markets and spend some time back in time!
