The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival is held along the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida in Fort Walton Beach. Named after legendary pirate William Augustus Bowles (aka Billy Bowlegs), this family-friendly, pirate themed celebration is in its 69th year.

Schedule Of events

May 15, 2025

Pre-Invasion at Downtown Fort Walton Beach

Captain Billy Bowlegs and his Krewe arrive aboard their pirate ship parade float, the Blackhawk. They'll be on hand approximately two hours greeting children, taking photos and handing out treasure.

May 16, 2025

Skirmish at Fort Walton Beach Landing

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival at the Landing

5:00 pm - Vendor Booths and Food Trucks Open

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm - City of Fort Walton Beach Concerts at the Landing

Captain Billy Bowlegs and Scouting Party Land / Skirmish

Fireworks Show

Captain Billy and some of his Krewe arrive by water at Fort Walton Beach Landing to scout the city prior to their invasion on Saturday. The mayor of Fort Walton Beach and his forces are prepared and they've threatened to arrest Captain Billy if he lands, resulting in a skirmish. There will also be food and beverage vendors, an arts and crafts festival, and live music. The evening will end with a fireworks show over Santa Rosa Sound.

May 17,2025

Pirate Invasion at Fort Walton Beach Landing

10:00 am - 6:00 pm - Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival at the Landing

10:00 am - Vendor Booths and Food Trucks Open

1:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Live Music on the Main Stage:

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - The Friskeys

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Duchess

3:00 pm - 69th Krewe of Bowlegs Pirate Landing

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Pirate Celebration

Captain Billy Bowlegs returns and comes ashore at Fort Walton Beach Landing with the entire Krewe of Bowlegs, as well as allies from visiting Krewes across the country. The mayor will try everything to stop him, but Captain Billy will prevail and take over the city of Fort Walton Beach again! The pirates and wenches will be full of merriment and mischief as they greet the citizens of Captain Billy's newly captured city and hand out treasures. Festivities at the Landing throughout the day include live music and an arts and crafts festival, along with food, beverages and other vendor booths.

May 19, 2025

Torchlight Parade at Downtown Fort Walton Beach

The Torchlight Parade concludes the festival. Captain Billy and the entire Krewe of Bowlegs will be aboard their five floats and anchor the parade to celebrate Captain Billy Bowleg's 69th annual capture of Fort Walton Beach! As they make their way up Eglin Parkway from First Street to Hughes Street in downtown Fort Walton Beach, they'll be sharing their loot with those cheering them on.

Date: May 15-19, 2025

Locations: Downtown Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach Landing, 131 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

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