Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival
- Dates
- Expected May 2027
- Status
- Expected
- Venue
- The Landing (Landing Park), 139 Brooks St SE, Downtown Fort Walton Beach
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Sep 1, 2026
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival's 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. The last festival was 14 to 18 May 2026 in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Froligo tracks the confirmed lineup, free-entry details, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival is a free, 70-year civic tradition on Florida's Emerald Coast, staged each May at the Fort Walton Beach Landing by the Krewe of Bowlegs. Founded in 1954 to build tourism and named for legendary figure William Augustus 'Billy Bowlegs' Bowles, the festival week features Captain Billy and his Krewe 'invading' and mock-capturing the city with a skirmish and landing, concerts and live music, fireworks, a carnival, a challenge-coin treasure hunt, and a closing Torchlight Parade on Eglin Parkway where the pirates hand out their loot
What people love
Attendees describe an easygoing, family-friendly Emerald Coast weekend of music, food and pirate spectacle, with the mock pirate attack and the Torchlight Parade as highlights and the surrounding waterfront (including the Crab Island sandbar) part of the fun
Last time around (2026)
The 70th annual festival ran May 14-18, 2026 at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, opening Friday May 15 with a 5 p.m. kickoff and Captain Billy's skirmish, live music (Grace Grit, The Midnight Shepherds, Parker Ivoree, The Aces), fireworks, and closing with the Torchlight Parade on Eglin Parkway on May 18
Lineup
Costumes & what to wear
Do I need a costume?
Many attendees dress in pirate and wench costumes to immerse themselves in the festival, but costumes are optional, one visitor guide sums it up as 'Costume optional. Water is not.'
Joining in
The week builds to Captain Billy Bowlegs and his Krewe landing and staging a mock skirmish to 'capture' the city, concerts and live music at the Landing, fireworks, a carnival with rides and games, the Krewe of Bowlegs challenge-coin treasure hunt, and the closing Torchlight Parade on Eglin Parkway where the Krewe distributes 'loot.'
Getting there
How do I get to Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival?
By car
Most people drive to Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🚙 Car hire
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If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
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Where
Map shows the centre of Fort Walton Beach. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
The Landing (Landing Park), 139 Brooks St SE, Downtown Fort Walton Beach
Camping & Accommodation
No camping or lodging details for Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival yet.
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Accessibility & comfort
What the organiser or venue publishes about getting around, and what they do not.
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Pricing
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