Put-in-Bay Pyrate Fest XVIII Sets Sail This Weekend

Cannons will boom, pirates will take over downtown, and families will have no shortage of things to do as Put-in-Bay celebrates Pyrate Fest XVIII this weekend.

Running Friday through Sunday, June 26-28, Pyrate Fest transforms DeRivera Park into a pirate village complete with live entertainment, sword fighting, cannon demonstrations, treasure hunts, children’s activities, costumed pirates, and one of the island’s most popular themed weekends of the summer.

The festivities officially begin Friday afternoon with a Flag Raising Ceremony and Opening Cannons at 4 p.m. in DeRivera Park before pirates begin roaming downtown with surprise skirmishes and swashbuckling antics.

Friday Highlights

Adults looking to join the fun can register for the 5th Annual Malibu Pyrate Pub Crawl from 4:30 to 5 p.m. in front of the Park Hotel before visiting participating bars around downtown. Registration includes six Malibu-inspired drinks, a commemorative T-shirt, event swag, and chances to win prizes. The evening concludes with a comedy-filled performance by the TEAM Theater Group on the Pyrate Stage.

Family Fun All Weekend

Saturday and Sunday are packed with activities for visitors of all ages.

The Pyrate Encampment & Marketplace returns to the east end of DeRivera Park, where guests can explore pirate camps, browse vendors, and meet colorful characters throughout the weekend.

Families will also find plenty to enjoy, including:

• Treasure hunts with the Krew of the Black Pearl
• Kids activities and craft sessions
• Meet-and-greets with Mermaid Tami
• Live black powder cannon demonstrations
• Historic magic performances by Rodney the Conjurer
• Comedy sword-fighting shows
• Interactive stage combat demonstrations
• Historical fencing demonstrations from Two Ravens Fencing School

Whether you’re visiting with young children or simply looking to experience one of Put-in-Bay’s signature summer events, there’s something happening throughout the day both Saturday and Sunday.

Don’t Miss Saturday Night

Saturday evening wraps up with the Adult Buccaneers Ball at Reel Bar beginning at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best pirate attire, with costume contest registration opening at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Finale

Before Pyrate Fest comes to a close, visitors can enjoy one final day of pirate entertainment, children’s activities, magic shows, cannon demonstrations, and treasure hunts before the always-popular Antique Car Parade rolls through downtown at 3:30 p.m.

Plan Your Weekend

Pyrate Fest is free to attend, with activities centered around downtown Put-in-Bay and DeRivera Park throughout the weekend. Some activities, including the Friday Pub Crawl, require registration or admission.

The full event schedule is available here. Visitors should note that event times are subject to change, so be sure to check the official Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce calendar for the latest updates before attending.