Pirate Festivals with the Kids
Yo Ho, Yo Ho A Pirate’s Life for Me!
Does your child fall into the category of pirate obsessed? Does your yard become a pirate ship at the mention of buried treasure? Pirates are one of those things that can spark a child’s imagination and encouraging that spark is what we do at Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake every day. In the interest of serving our pirate loving customers we have compiled a list of pirate festivals around the country that are appropriate for the family and will keep you pirate crazed little one dreaming of mermaids and gold doubloons.
Pirate Festivals in our Area – Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia
Come aboard for a Pirate Adventure and participate in a treasure hunt on the water, get your tattoos and mustaches painted on and then hit one of these pirate festivals close to our location in Annapolis, Maryland.
Rock Hall Pirate and Wenches Fantasy Weekend
When: August 8th – August 10th, 2025
Where: The waterfront Town of Rock Hall. Rock Hall is located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Kid’s Attractions: Participate in a town wide treasure hunt, check out the living history pirate encampment and reenactment and the decorated dinghy contest.
More Information: rockhallpirates.com
Maryland Renaissance Festival
When: Weekends August 29th through October 25th, 2015
Where: Set in a fictional town called Revel Grove just outside of Annapolis, MD
Special Events: Children’s Weekend – August 23rd & 24th 2025
Pirate Weekend – September 13th and 14th. Find out more about the Maryland Renaissance Festival Special Events
Kids’s Attractions: Kid’s attractions include free pony rides, hair braiding and facepainting, and a pirate ship playground. Roam the grounds and discover pirate actors, sword fighting, and treat your kids to a turkey leg!
More Information: rennfest.com
Pirate Festivals Worth the Trip
Plan a family vacation with a stop at one of these pirate festivals sure to live up to your little mate’s expectations. Don’t forget to come see us at Pirate Adventures before you go!
Blackbeard Pirate Festival
When: May 30th – June 1st 2025
Where: Hampton, VA
Kid’s Attractions: Check out three tall ships docked in the Harbor and watch a reenactment of the sea battle that claimed Blackbeard’s life. Head to Blackbeard’s pirate camp and learn how to use a cutlass, load a cannon, and sing a sea shanty. The Little Swashbuckler’s area includes a stage with children’s pirate performers and puppet shows, an opportunity for photos with pirates and mermaids, and even pirate games and crafts.
More Information: https://visithampton.com/event/blackbeard-pirate-festival-4/2025-06-01/
Blackbeard Pirate Jamboree
When: October 31st – November 1st 2025
Where: Ocracoke Island
Kid’s Attractions: Step back in time on this sand spit of an island in the Outer Banks. Easily imagine Blackbeard and his crew camping under the oaks and standing on the beach looking for enemy ships. Visit Scallywag School for kids and learn about 18th century games and naval weapons. Head to the docks and see the tall ships and stop by the front porch of the Ocracoke Preservation Society to make some pirate crafts.
More Information: piratejamboree.com
Children’s Gasparilla
When: January 24th, 2026
Where: Tampa, Florida
Kid’s Attractions: This family-friendly pirate celebration features a lively parade with costumed pirates, colorful floats, and marching bands – kids can march in the parade and take part in a bike rodeo on children’s day at Gasparilla.
More Information: https://gasparillapiratefest.com/childrens/
Tybee Island Pirate Fest
When: October 9th – October 12th, 2025
Where: Tybee Island, GA
Kid’s Attractions: Performances include magicians, puppeteers, storytellers, and weaponry demonstrations. Bounce houses and a carnival complete with a ferris wheel can be found in Little Matey’s Cove.
More Information: tybeepiratefest.com
We hope you have found a pirate festival that works for your family. Leave a comment if you know of others that you have found to be kid-friendly and we’ll grow our list. Hope to see you at Pirate Adventures this season!