7th Annual Port Royal Pirate Festival Sets Sail October 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

7th Annual Port Royal Pirate Festival Sets Sail October 3

Free, family-friendly festival celebrates America’s 250th and Port Royal’s 282nd birthday with pirates, cannons, music, history, vendors and more

PORT ROYAL, VA — September 29, 2026 — Pirates will once again take over historic Port Royal when the 7th Annual Port Royal Pirate Festival returns on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 419 King Street, Port Royal, Virginia 22535. Admission is FREE.

This year’s festival is especially significant as Port Royal joins the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary while commemorating the Town’s 282nd birthday. The historically inspired festival brings professional pirate crews, reenactors, musicians, cannon crews, vendors, food trucks and family activities together in one of Virginia’s historic river towns.

The festival opens at 10:00 a.m., with opening remarks at 10:30 a.m. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy live entertainment by Death By Bellows, Bedlum Bones and the Jolly Roving Tars, along with appearances by Captain Jaxx Parrow and multiple professional pirate crews and reenactors.

Three crews will bring the thunder of historic artillery demonstrations to Port Royal. The Loose Cannon Company will present its “Boarding Party” skit followed by cannon firing and a weapons display at approximately 11:30 a.m. Blackbeard’s Crew fires at approximately 2:30 p.m., and First Mates Munitions fires at approximately 4:00 p.m. All three cannon crews are scheduled to participate in the festival’s closing activities at 6:00 p.m.

Port Royal’s own pirate history will also take center stage. At approximately 12:30 p.m., the Jolly Roving Tars will present theirinterpretation of the story of Monsieur Peuman, the French pirate associated with Port Royal history and Peumansend Creek.

At 1:00 p.m., the Great Pirate Parade will travel from the Pier at the end of King Street to Town Green. The parade is followed by the Children’s Best Dressed Pirate Contest at 1:30 p.m. and the Adult Best Dressed Pirate Contest at 2:00 p.m., with professional pirates judging the contests and cash prizes for the adult competition.

Families will find plenty for younger crew members, including a dedicated Children’s Area, Story Time with Elk Moon, face painting by Enchanted Celebration’s, mermaids and other activities. Festivalgoers can also explore more than 75 vendors, enjoy a variety of food trucks and visit the festival Information Station.

A 50/50 Raffle will give one lucky participant the chance to take home some “pirate booty.” Tickets are $5 each or five for $20, and the winner does not need to be present to win.

Free shuttle service will operate during the festival to help transport visitors to and from Town Green.

The Port Royal Pirate Festival is made possible through the generosity of community sponsors, businesses, volunteers, performers and residents who help the Town continue to offer the event free to the public.

“The Pirate Festival gives us an opportunity to share Port Royal’s history while bringing families and visitors together for a day that is educational, entertaining and just plain fun,” said Monica Chenault, Vice Mayor and Festival Coordinator. “This year is particularly special as we celebrate America’s 250th and Port Royal’s 282nd birthday after an 8 year absence. We invite everyone to come spend the day with us—and don’t forget your pirate attire!”

EVENT AT A GLANCE

7th Annual Port Royal Pirate Festival

Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

419 King Street | Port Royal, VA 22535

Admission: FREE

Celebrating America’s 250th and Port Royal’s 282nd Birthday

Media Contact:

Monica Chenault

Vice Mayor & Festival Coordinator

Town of Port Royal

Cell: 540-907-9050

Email: portroyalfestivals@gmail.com