Tired of the same old cycle of bar- and club-hopping, swaths of millennials and Gen Z-ers have been skipping the sweaty dance floors and overpriced shots, opting instead to spend their weekends watching sword fights and eating chicken with their hands at their local castle.

Yes, folks, I'm talking about Medieval Times, a place once reserved (at least in my mind) for children's birthday parties and elementary school field trips. But if the multiple viral videos that have come across my TikTok feed this summer are any indication, it's currently the hottest destination in town.

Now, if there's one thing to know about me, it's that I love a themed event. Whether it's a '90s party or a cowboy-themed concert, I'll take any excuse to dress up in costumey garb—and force my friends to do the same. So, inspired by this cheeky revival of the dinner theater experience on TikTok—and my longtime love of the film A Knight's Tale—I decided to host my 34th birthday at my local Medieval Times location. And, my dear lords and ladies, it was the most fun I've had all year. I pranced, I posed, I raised a glass and cheered my head off, and my inner child left feeling very nourished by the whole experience—which, obviously, I now have to share with you.

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