Pirate festivals and events in Florida are very popular due to our rich pirate history. Florida was a prime location for pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy. The history and legends have led to many pirate festivals, museums, and attractions that embody the buccaneer spirit. If the pirate life intrigues you, consider attending some of them to relax, unwind, and have fun. Even better, when attending festivals, bring your children with you since most festivals are ideal for families. Here are a few annual pirate festivals in Florida you might consider attending with your family.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
Gasparilla Pirate Fest is an exciting event held on January 25th, 2025. The city of Tampa, Florida, has been hosting the Gasparilla Pirate Festival since 1904. It includes a large pirate parade and an array of related community events.
The Gasparilla festival's theme is a mythical invasion. The famous pirate ship, the Jose Gasparilla II, carrying hundreds of pirates, accompanied by a flotilla of other boats, sails into downtown Tampa to demand the key to the city from the mayor.
Dress as a pirate and sit back to watch the parade and the historical battle. You also have the option to join the pirates as they celebrate their victory on land after winning the 'epic' battle. Join the revelry as the pirates parade through the streets as the city surrenders to the invaders. There will be plenty to enjoy at the event, including delicious food, drinks, and music!
De Soto Grand Parade
The De Soto Grand Parade held annually in Bradenton, Florida is one of the largest and oldest parades in the Southeastern United States. This year it will be held on April 26, 2025.
Over 100,000 people line the streets of Bradenton to see the Hernando de Soto, Captain of the Crewe, and their newly crowned Queen and Princess. Enjoy illuminated floats and collect beads, coins, and other fun items throughout the pirate-themed parade.
Homosassa Pirate Invasion
The 3rd Annual Homosassa Pirate Invasion will be held at Crump’s Landing in Homosassa, Florida, on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 5 PM. This charity event sponsors local projects in Citrus County, Florida. In 2024, the proceeds were used to purchase and install a playground at Homosassa Heritage Park. Enjoy food, local crafts, and fun activities as well as live music! Pirate Costumes are encouraged!
Treasure Coast Pirate & Seafood Fest
Treasure Coast Pirate Festival is another exciting event that should be on your things-to-do list. The festival features pirate-themed attractions such as pirate ships and boats, a living-history pirate encampment, and pirate weapons demonstrations.
You and your family can also enjoy some of the best seafood on Florida’s east coast while partaking in costume contests, treasure hunts, sword fighting, live music, and live performances by popular pirate entertainers. The annual pirate festival takes place on February 15th and 16th, at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Ft. Pierce, Florida. It's free to attend the event. However, you are encouraged to make a $2 contribution.
Pirates of the High Seas Fest
The annual pirate event in Florida happens October 10th-12th, 2025 at Panama City Beach. The festival appreciates the legacy of pirates who once wandered the Gulf of Mexico and raided the Emerald Coast. It is characterized by storytelling and exciting staged pirate battles. You can enjoy in-person treasure hunts, online costume contests, fireworks, pirate activities, and more.
Billy Bowlegs Festival
Billy Bowlegs Festival is a whole weekend pirate event that happens in May at Fort Walton Beach, Florida. You will have a chance to try craft beers from local brewers and enjoy delectable dishes. In addition, you can enjoy pirate activities as simulated by the pirates. Don't worry about the kids; they will have a children's pirate play zone.
Related Blog: A Guide to Hidden Gems and Local Florida Favorites
Don’t forget you can explore the pirate life any time of the year at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf in Southwest, Florida! These award-winning mini golf courses feature a pirate ship with skeleton crews, mysterious caves, treacherous waterfalls, and LIVE ALLIGATORS that you can feed with a cane fishing pole! All five of our pirate-themed adventure-golf attractions are sure to thrill pirate lovers of all ages!
