Pirates invade Fort Walton Beach for five days of treasure hunts, fireworks & coastal revelry
Thursday, May 14 - Monday, May 18, 2026
Fort Walton Beach Landing
139 Brooks St SE
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Ahoy, mateys! The 70th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival returns to Fort Walton Beach with five thrilling days of legendary swashbuckling fun. Watch as Captain Billy Bowlegs and his fearless Krewe storm the shores in a dramatic weekend invasion, complete with a Friday night pirate skirmish, the beloved Saturday afternoon Pirate Landing, and a spectacular Monday Torchlight Parade that lights up the waterfront.
From Thursday night pre-invasion festivities through Monday evening celebrations, every day brings something spectacular. Dazzling fireworks explode over the harbor, live music sets the coastal mood, and a full arts and crafts festival lines the waterfront. A treasure hunt delights kids of all ages while food trucks keep the whole crew well-fed throughout.
Just 20 minutes from Destin, this beloved free event is one of the Emerald Coast's most cherished traditions. Don your pirate gear, grab the family, and join tens of thousands of fellow buccaneers for an adventure you will be talking about long after you sail home.
Families with kids, history buffs, festival-goers
Pirate invasion skirmish, treasure hunt, torchlight parade, fireworks, live music, arts and crafts, food trucks
Free to attend. Food and vendor purchases extra.
If this event is one reason for your trip, it makes sense to stay somewhere comfortable and keep the rest of the weekend easy. Our rentals work well for guests who want beach time, dining, and local events all in the same trip.
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