There are plenty of entertaining shows to watch in Las Vegas, from Cirque du Soleil productions to comedy, magic, concerts, drag brunches, and adult revues. But one family-friendly show that continues to stand out after decades is Tournament of Kings at Excalibur.
Tournament of Kings is a medieval dinner show that brings knights, kings, horses, sword fights, jousting, pyrotechnics, music, dancing, and audience participation into a 900-seat arena. It is one of the easiest Las Vegas shows to recommend for families because it includes dinner and gives kids something active and visual to watch.
If you like King Arthur stories, medieval themes, horseback stunts, and eating dinner without utensils, this show is a classic Vegas experience.
Below is an updated guide to Tournament of Kings at Excalibur Las Vegas, including current showtimes, dinner menu, seating tips, ticket rules, parking, and whether it is worth it.
Tournament of Kings: A Classic Las Vegas Dinner Show
Tournament of Kings is Excalibur’s signature medieval dinner show. It is adapted from the tale of King Arthur and takes place inside King Arthur’s Arena, a theater-in-the-round venue located one level below Excalibur’s casino.
The show has been running in Las Vegas since 1999 and follows the earlier King Arthur’s Tournament show, which opened at Excalibur in 1990. That history makes it one of the longest-running themed dinner shows on the Strip.
The basic idea is simple and fun: each seating section represents a different kingdom, and guests cheer for their king as knights compete in jousting, sword fights, horseback stunts, and battle scenes.
Expect:
- Jousting on horseback
- Sword fights with sparks
- Medieval-style costumes
- Special effects and pyrotechnics
- Smoke, fog, lighting effects, and strobe lights
- Dancing and musical moments
- Audience cheering and participation
- A full dinner served during the show
This is not a quiet stage play. It is loud, active, silly, and intentionally over-the-top. That is also why it works well for kids, first-time Vegas visitors, and groups that want a show with dinner included.
Because the arena uses horses, pyrotechnics, smoke, fog, dirt, and close-up action, guests with allergies, asthma, horse sensitivity, dust sensitivity, or other respiratory conditions should think carefully before booking.
Tournament of Kings Showtimes
Tournament of Kings usually performs Wednesday through Monday, with shows commonly scheduled at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
However, the exact schedule can change by date. Some nights may have only one performance, some dates may add extra shows, and dark dates may change during holidays, private events, or seasonal scheduling.
Excalibur’s current official page lists the regular schedule as:
- Typical show days: Wednesday to Monday
- Typical showtimes: 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM
- Common dark days: Tuesday and Wednesday, with additional dark dates listed by the venue
Because the page also lists special date exceptions, always check the official Excalibur calendar before buying tickets.
Doors usually open 30 minutes before showtime. Arrive early so you have time to pass security, find the arena, locate your kingdom section, take photos, and get settled before the meal and show begin.
Does Tournament of Kings Include Dinner?
Yes. Tournament of Kings is a dinner show, and the meal is part of the experience.
The official tournament meal currently includes:
- Roasted seasoned chicken
- Lemon pepper roasted red bliss potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Apple square
- Dinner roll
The fun part is that you eat the meal with your hands, matching the medieval theme. There are no forks and knives for the standard meal, which kids often find funny.
The meal is hearty and simple. Do not expect fine dining or a luxury restaurant experience. The food is designed to be easy to serve to a large arena while the show is happening.
Meals may not be served to late arrivals of 30 minutes or more, so do not arrive late assuming dinner will wait for you.
Dietary Accommodations and Children’s Meals
Dietary accommodations may be available by request. Excalibur says dietary and children’s meal requests can be made up to 90 days in advance and must be requested at least 4 hours before showtime.
To request accommodations, contact the Excalibur Box Office by phone at 702-597-7477 or email [email protected].
Special meals are not something you should leave until you arrive at the arena. If you need a vegetarian, vegan, allergy-sensitive, children’s meal, or other accommodation, contact the box office ahead of time and confirm what is available for your exact date.
How Long Is Tournament of Kings?
Tournament of Kings runs about 75 minutes and has no intermission.
Because dinner is served during the show, the time goes by quickly. You are eating, cheering, watching knights compete, and following the action at the same time.
The show is known for starting on time. Late arrivals may be seated with a delay, and guests who arrive more than 30 minutes late may not receive the meal.
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime. Excalibur is a large hotel, and the arena is located below the casino level. If you are walking from the parking garage, rideshare area, or another hotel, give yourself extra time.
Age Rules and Children’s Tickets
Tournament of Kings is an all-ages show.
Children 3 years old and younger may attend free when accompanied by a paying adult, but they must sit on the adult’s lap and share the adult’s meal.
Children age 4 and older need their own full-price ticket. They receive their own seat and dinner.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This show is one of the better Las Vegas options for families because the action is easy for children to understand. Still, parents should know that it includes loud sounds, horses, flashing lights, smoke, fog, pyrotechnics, dirt, and battle scenes.
Tournament of Kings Bag Policy and Security
All bags are subject to search before entry.
Backpacks, luggage, and similar large items are not allowed in the show room. If you are visiting Excalibur right after checking out of a hotel or before going to the airport, do not bring large bags to the arena.
Travel light and bring only what you need for the show.
Where Is the Best Place to Sit at Tournament of Kings?
Tournament of Kings is performed in a 900-seat theater-in-the-round arena. The seating is arranged around the center dirt arena, and each section represents a different kingdom.
The seating sections may include kingdoms such as Ireland, Spain, Norway, Hungary, Austria, France, and Dragon, depending on the current layout and ticketing map.
The good news is that there are not many truly bad seats. The arena is designed so the action happens in the center, and the rows are tiered so guests can see over the people in front of them.
That said, some seats are better than others:
- Front rows: Best for close-up action, horse stunts, sparks, dirt, and interaction.
- Middle rows: Best overall balance of view, comfort, and arena perspective.
- Corner sections: Often provide a strong angle because you can see action from multiple directions.
- Back rows: Still usable, but less immersive than closer seats.
If you have kids, sitting closer can make the show more exciting. If you are sensitive to dust, smoke, horses, or loud action, sitting farther back may be more comfortable.
Seat prices may vary by package, availability, and seller. Do not assume every kingdom costs the same on every ticketing platform.
Tournament of Kings Ticket Prices
Tournament of Kings tickets can usually be purchased up to 120 days in advance.
Prices vary by date, seat, taxes, service fees, seller, and package. Older versions of this article listed fixed starting prices that are no longer reliable, so it is better to check the official ticket page for your exact date.
Typical ticket options may include:
- Standard dinner show admission: Includes show admission and the tournament meal.
- Dinnerless admission: Available for some 8:30 PM shows only and usually must be purchased at the Excalibur Box Office rather than online.
- VIP or add-on packages: May include premium seating, photos, meet-and-greet style extras, or other package benefits depending on current availability.
The official Excalibur page currently lists dinnerless admission starting at $65.82 before taxes. Standard dinner-show tickets and packages may cost more depending on date and seating.
You can buy tickets through:
- Excalibur / MGM Resorts official ticket page
- Excalibur box office
- Ticketmaster
- Vegas.com
- Other authorized Las Vegas ticket sellers
For the cleanest policy and most reliable information, use the official Excalibur / MGM page first, then compare trusted ticket sellers if you are looking for discounts.
Where Do You Park at Excalibur for Tournament of Kings?
Tournament of Kings is inside Excalibur, so the easiest place to park is the Excalibur parking garage.
Current MGM Resorts parking rates list Excalibur self-parking as:
- Non-hotel guests, Monday to Thursday: $20 for 0 to 24 hours
- Non-hotel guests, Friday to Sunday: $25 for 0 to 24 hours
- Registered hotel guests: $20 per day
- Valet parking: $40 per day
Nevada residents with a valid Nevada driver license receive up to 3 hours of complimentary self-parking at the exit gate, except during special events.
MGM Rewards Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and NOIR members generally receive complimentary self-parking. MGM Rewards Gold, Platinum, and NOIR members generally receive complimentary valet parking, subject to availability and current MGM rules.
Excalibur is also the MGM Las Vegas resort designated for oversized vehicle parking. Current MGM information lists oversized vehicle parking at Excalibur at $50 per 24-hour period, subject to availability, with complimentary oversized parking for qualifying MGM Rewards members.
Parking fees can be higher during special events, and parking rules can change, so check MGM’s current parking page before driving.
Walking, Tram, and Rideshare Tips
Excalibur is connected by pedestrian bridges to New York-New York, MGM Grand, and Tropicana-area walkways. If you are staying at a nearby south Strip hotel, walking may be easier than driving.
Excalibur is also connected to Luxor and Mandalay Bay by a free tram system, which can be useful if you are staying at those resorts.
Rideshare pickup and drop-off are available at Excalibur, but allow extra time after the show because many guests may be leaving at once.
How to Find the Tournament of Kings Arena
King Arthur’s Arena is located one level below the Excalibur casino.
From the parking garage, walk toward the Rotunda and casino, then follow signs toward the Box Office and lower level. Excalibur’s official direction guide says to go down to the lower level and make a left U-turn toward the Dairy Queen area to arrive at the arena.
From the hotel lobby, walk toward the Box Office, go down to the lower level, and follow signs for the arena.
Because Excalibur is large and can be busy, do not wait until the last minute to find the theater.
Is Tournament of Kings Worth It?
Tournament of Kings is worth it if you want a fun, family-friendly dinner show that feels different from the typical Las Vegas performance.
It is especially good for:
- Families with kids
- First-time Las Vegas visitors
- Fans of medieval themes
- People who want dinner included with the show
- Groups who enjoy cheering and audience participation
- Visitors staying near Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, New York-New York, or Park MGM
It may not be the best choice if you want fine dining, quiet theater, luxury production design, adult comedy, or a sophisticated Cirque-style show.
The food is simple, the theme is cheesy in a fun way, and the action is designed for broad family entertainment. If that sounds appealing, Tournament of Kings is still one of the most enjoyable dinner shows in Las Vegas.
Read More:
Tournament of Kings FAQs
Where is Tournament of Kings in Las Vegas?
Tournament of Kings is located at Excalibur Hotel & Casino at 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109. The show takes place in King Arthur’s Arena, one level below the casino.
How long is Tournament of Kings?
Tournament of Kings runs about 75 minutes with no intermission.
Does Tournament of Kings include dinner?
Yes. Standard admission includes dinner. The current tournament meal includes roasted seasoned chicken, lemon pepper roasted red bliss potatoes, corn on the cob, apple square, and a dinner roll.
Do you eat with your hands at Tournament of Kings?
Yes. Eating with your hands is part of the medieval theme. The standard meal is designed to be eaten without utensils.
Is Tournament of Kings good for kids?
Yes. Tournament of Kings is one of the better family-friendly shows in Las Vegas. It has horses, jousting, sword fights, music, dinner, and cheering. Parents should know that the show includes loud effects, smoke, fog, pyrotechnics, dirt, and close proximity to horses.
Are babies allowed at Tournament of Kings?
Yes. Children 3 years old and younger may attend free if they sit on an adult’s lap and share the adult’s meal. Children 4 and older need their own full-price ticket.
What days does Tournament of Kings perform?
Tournament of Kings usually performs Wednesday through Monday, commonly at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. The schedule can change, and some dates have only one show, so check the official Excalibur calendar before booking.
Can you buy dinnerless tickets for Tournament of Kings?
Dinnerless admission may be available for some 8:30 PM shows only. Excalibur currently says these tickets are not available for online purchase and must be purchased through the box office.
Is there a bag policy at Tournament of Kings?
Yes. All bags are subject to search. Backpacks, luggage, and similar large items are not allowed in the show room.
How much is parking at Excalibur for Tournament of Kings?
Current MGM parking rates list Excalibur self-parking at $20 Monday to Thursday and $25 Friday to Sunday for non-hotel guests. Registered hotel guests pay $20 per day. Valet parking is $40 per day. Nevada residents may receive up to 3 hours of complimentary self-parking with a valid Nevada driver license, except during special events.
Final Thoughts
Tournament of Kings is still one of the most recognizable dinner shows in Las Vegas. It combines a simple but fun medieval story, real horses, jousting, sword fights, pyrotechnics, audience cheering, and a full meal served during the show.
The most important updates are that the current schedule is usually Wednesday through Monday, the official meal is now listed as roasted seasoned chicken rather than Cornish game hen, children age 4 and older need full-price tickets, and Excalibur parking is paid for most visitors unless they qualify for MGM Rewards or Nevada resident benefits.
If you are traveling with kids, staying on the south Strip, or looking for a Las Vegas show that includes dinner, Tournament of Kings remains a fun and easy recommendation.