A Winter Gathering Inspired by Viking Trade & Community

A Market Day at Birka is a beloved annual winter event in the Society for Creative Anachronism’s East Kingdom, bringing to life the spirit of a historic Viking trading center. Each year, participants from across the kingdom gather to celebrate Nordic heritage, craftsmanship, and community in a vibrant indoor marketplace setting.

At the heart of Birka is its renowned market — one of the largest in the SCA — where merchants offer an impressive array of period-inspired goods, from garb, armor, and jewelry to handcrafted tools, artwork, and specialty foods. It’s a place to browse, discover, and connect with artisans who keep historical traditions alive.

Beyond the market, the event is filled with opportunities to learn, participate, and be entertained. Visitors can enjoy fencing and martial activities, explore Arts & Sciences displays, attend hands-on classes, and watch the always-popular fashion show. As evening approaches, the atmosphere turns festive with bardic circles, storytelling, and a lively ball, inviting all to celebrate together.

More than just an event, Birka is a gathering of community — with guild meetings, order gatherings, and kingdom courts woven throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to wear pre-17th-century “garb” to fully step into the experience, with loaner clothing available for newcomers.