A trip to Fort Walton Beach comes with plenty of time for travelers to savor the sand and sun in abundance. Depending on what time of year you arrive in town, a visit here can also include some fun pirate culture and celebrations! If you happen to be heading to Fort Walton Beach, Florida in May, you’ll be just in time to make the most of the fun that comes along with participating in the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival in Fort Walton Beach. This annual and highly anticipated event is on once again in 2023 and will be hosted from May 19 through May 22. You’ll want to dress in your pirate best for this whimsical gathering which is as fun as it is entertaining for the entire family!
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival In Fort Walton Beach
The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival was designed to reflect a story of pirate intrigue in Fort Walton Beach from long ago. It’s said that a pirate named Billy Bowlegs III attempted to kidnap Fort Walton Beach’s mayor and plunder the city’s wealth back in the 18th century. Billy Bowlegs had a reputation built around looting and pillaging in the area that is now known and loved as Fort Walton Beach. Unbeknownst to Billy Bowlegs, the mayor of Fort Walton Beach has a team of council members behind him that were ready to fight off the pirate the moment he arrived. Today, the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival commemorates the city’s coming together and protecting the area they love so much! The celebration is pirate-themed from start to finish and offers participants access to everything from music and games to food and fantastic beverages too.
What to Expect When You Drop By
Sponsored and organized by The City of Fort Walton Beach, the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festivals draws in huge crowds each and every year in the name of fun over the course of 4-days. It’s typical for the festival agenda to kick off with a downtown pub crawl across Fort Walton Beach pairing flavor and good company alike. The landing of Billy Bowlegs is another highlight of the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and includes a visit from the infamous pirate himself! Additionally, this part of the festival offers guests access to a kid-friendly area with inflatable games, musical entertainment, as well as great food and drinks. The last day of the festival often includes the iconic torchlight parade where over 100 floats, vessels, boats, and marching units make their way through the waterways and town alongside a pirate ship cheered on by a massive crowd. In addition to these fan-favorite festival moments, this event often includes fun pirate reenactments, costume contests, games, crafts, performances, and beyond.
Plan Your Fort Walton Beach Festival Visit
The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival is hosted at Fort Walton Beach Landing each year which is a family-friendly destination and just as scenic as it is welcoming. Fort Walton Beach festival activities are accessible throughout the four days of fun, but guests will find that the lineup really comes to life in pirate style between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm each evening. There are fireworks to enjoy at dusk as well as musical performances for those looking to add even more magic into the pirate mix. There’s no fee to enjoy the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival making this an affordable and fun way to spend time with family and friends in Fort Walton Beach this May. In years past, the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival has also included a Billy Bowlegs 5K run and walk for those who are looking to get out and include some exercise into the festival fun. Be sure to keep your eyes on the event calendar to see if this portion of the festival agenda is on for 2023. The race has been a staple in the area for the past 40 years and participants are invited to dress up like a pirate for the run or walk and include glow-in-the-dark accessories to their attire as well. Registration is often available online before the race as well as the day of the fun. After you cross the finish line, food, drinks, and awards are waiting to be handed out at Liza Jackson Park.
Book Your Stay in Fort Walton Beach Today
Whether you’re in Fort Walton Beach to enjoy the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival or you’re visiting this scenic destination any other time of year in the name of fun, having amazing accommodations to top off your trip in style helps you make even more of the journey. Reach out to The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach today to learn more about our luxurious property options available and how we can help you turn those travel plans into a reality soon! Our rentals keep you close to the places you can’t wait to explore while ensuring luxury, comfort, and style are a part of the experience every step of the way as well. We look forward to seeing you in sunny Fort Walton Beach soon.
