What’s one thing you think of when you think of “Lord of the Rings” that sounds amazing and fun? It’s probably not that long trek to Mordor. But what if you had the chance to celebrate and live like a Hobbit in the Shire?? European LARP experts Burgschneider have somehow secured the rights to create the Brandywine Festival, a multi-day LARP taking place later this year. It is a merry gathering to celebrate the harvest with games, songs, and second breakfasts aplenty—no better time to be a Hobbit!
It’ll take place in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, over October 7th-12th. If you’ve never been there before think of Old American architecture and miles and miles of fields. Fields perfect for lighting off magical fireworks and putting up tents to serve as Hobbit refuge. And it’s only a few miles away from Bardstown which sounds like a place an adventurer would find an Inn to stay in.
Also- yes, there are folks from Wētā Workshop involved. This also appears to be an officially licensed event through Middle Earth Enterprises (who hold the rights to all things “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”).
A Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds to put on the Brandywine festival is set to launch March 25th, and we expect to get more information about what attendees can expect. There will only be 1,800 tickets sold for this, so if you want to go, you’ll need to be ready tomorrow morning.
(Luckily this event is close to me, only about a 5 hr drive. So I intend to attend if I can get my ducks in a row by then.)
Read more about it below:
The First and Only Official Middle-earth LARP, October 7th-12th 2025!
The time has come to celebrate the grandest festival in all the Four Farthings! The lanterns are being hung, the tables set, and the finest barrels of ale are rolling into the taverns. This October, near Harrodsburg, Kentucky, the Shire comes to life for a 5 day, 4 night Live-Action Roleplaying Event!
The fields are green, the fires are warm, and the air hums with music and laughter.
Take a stroll through the festival grounds, barter for fine wares, or settle into a cozy corner with a mug of mead. But keep your ears open—there are whispers of riddles to be solved, maps leading to forgotten treasures, and tales of travelers who vanish into the night.
Will you stay safe within the comforts of The Shire, or will curiosity lead you beyond the lantern-lit paths?
Art by Gus Hunter
Art Direction by Beol Miller, asc Burgschneider
