Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival

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 68th year. The festival features the Pre-Invasion on Thursday night, a Pirate Skirmish between the Krewe of Bowlegs and the mayor of Fort Walton Beach on Friday night, the Pirate Landing when Captain Billy Bowlegs and his Krewe attempt to capture the city and mayor on Saturday afternoon, and the celebratory Torchlight Parade on Monday night. Other festivities include the highly popular treasure hunt, a fireworks show, live music, an arts and crafts festival, and delicious food and beverages.

Join us for a swashbuckling good time!

Schedule of Events

Pirate Invasion

Saturday, May 18, 2024 | Between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm

Fort Walton Beach Landing

131 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

10:00 am - Arts & Crafts Festival Opens

Noon–6:00 pm - Live Music

3:30 pm–4:00 pm - Pirate Landing

3:30 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. 

TREASURE HUNT

Captain Billy will hide Bowlegs coins around the city of Fort Walton Beach and citizens will have a chance to go on a treasure hunt to find them. Visit Captain Billy Bowlegs Treasure Hunt to get all the information!