02/27/2026
I want to clear something up regarding the date some of you had heard about for this weekend.
The date itself was one we had hoped to move forward with, and we had begun early conversations with vendors and historical groups. However, we never officially announced or posted the event publicly (at least on Facebook and to our email list. I had a quick little change on the website to get something changed) because I was not able to fully commit to executing it at the level it deserves.
Since the start of this year, there have been several significant personal and logistical challenges that have made coordination difficult. Some larger groups we were in discussion with had to reschedule as well, which shifted momentum — but ultimately, the responsibility to move the event forward was mine, and I wasn’t in a position to do that properly.
Heartlands has always been built out of pocket and out of passion. With the financial strain and life circumstances I’ve been navigating, it simply wasn’t realistic to push ahead halfway. And this festival deserves better than halfway.
It’s been a hard year so far all around. I know I’m not the only one feeling that.
That said. This has also clarified something important. The place where Heartlands has felt the strongest, the most alive, and the most right has been the tournament field.
Moving forward, we’re going full tilt into the competitive side of the festival.
Our next event will be the Second Annual Oktoberfest Tournament — dates to be announced soon.
To everyone who continues to support a small, growing festival like this — thank you. Truly. This dream is still alive, and we’re going to build it the right way. I'm doing my darndest 😅. Love you all!
— Lord Regent Nicholas
