Join the Outer Banks’ ultimate pirate festival with parades, sea battles, and hands-on activities for all ages – a swashbuckling adventure the whole family will love!
Ahoy Mateys! Get Ready for Family Fun at Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree!
Looking for a family-friendly adventure this fall? Then set sail for Ocracoke Island on November 1-2 for Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree! This swashbuckling festival promises plenty of pirate-themed fun for the entire family, and it’s the perfect excuse to gather your crew and head to the Outer Banks for an unforgettable weekend.
Here’s what you can look forward to at this year’s Jamboree:
Friday, November 1: Family Fun Kicks Off!
The festivities begin on Friday afternoon with the Brigands Bazaar, a vendor fair that opens at 2 p.m. Here, you and your little pirates can explore artisan goods, unique crafts, and pirate-themed treasures. It’s a great place to pick up a keepsake from the adventure or find fun items to keep the kids entertained.
While the grown-ups might want to check out The Dating Game with Blackbeard on Friday night (7:30 p.m.), which is more of an adults-only affair, the kids can enjoy the sights and sounds of The Motley Tones, a lively band sure to have everyone clapping and singing along as they perform at 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 2: Pirate Fun for All Ages
The real pirate action begins bright and early on Saturday with a cannon blast that will awaken the entire island at 9 a.m. – get ready to feel like you’ve been transported back in time!
Families can then head over to the Colonial Village at the Berkley Manor, where there will be tons of hands-on activities for kids and parents alike. The little ones can try their hand at pirate games, learn about old-fashioned navigation and colonial medicine, and even watch demonstrations on how pirates and colonists used to cook their meals!
And don’t miss the Pirate Parade at 10 a.m., where pirates of all ages will take to the streets in their finest pirate garb. Get the kids dressed up, grab your camera, and join in the fun as the parade makes its way through town!
Epic Sea Battles & Pirate Adventures
One of the highlights of the day is the pirate sea battle at 11 a.m. in Silver Lake Harbor, where historic ships will battle it out with cannons blazing! Imagine the thrill of watching real pirate ships duke it out on the water—an experience that will have your kids (and you!) talking about it long after the festival is over.
At 2 p.m., history comes to life with the reenactment of Blackbeard’s Last Stand. Watch as the infamous pirate meets his fate in an epic sword fight, with plenty of action to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
More Activities to Explore
Between the big events, you can enjoy even more family fun with sword demonstrations, live performances from pirate entertainers like The Shadow Players and The Motley Tones, and much more. And be sure to stick around for the 16th Annual Blackbeard Pirate and Royal Navy Memorial Service at 5 p.m., a meaningful way to close out the festival as we honor those brave souls who sailed the high seas.
Whether you’re a history buff, a pirate enthusiast, or just looking for a unique and exciting weekend to enjoy with the family, Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree is an Outer Banks tradition you won’t want to miss. With everything from lively parades to exciting battles, this festival is the perfect family getaway.
So dust off your pirate hats, gather your crew, and come join us for a weekend of fun, history, and adventure on Ocracoke Island! Arrr you ready for some pirate fun?
For more information on lodging and restaurants, visit Ocracoke’s official website, and make sure to stop by Trisha Midgett and Team’s blog for more family-friendly activities around the Outer Banks. We can’t wait to see you there!
