Pirates to Invade Ocracoke! Arrgh You Ready?

The Ocracoke Foundation will present the First Annual Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree, a weekend pirate fest for all ages Friday, Oct. 25 to Sunday, Oct. 27, on beautiful Ocracoke Island. Proud of its rich pirate heritage, the island will celebrate the last days of Blackbeard.

The centerpiece of the Jamboree is a historically accurate Pirate Encampment on Saturday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by Blackbeard’s Pirate Crew, an 18-member living history organization from Hampton, VA., on the grounds of the historic Wahab House, 161 Irvin Garrish Highway in Ocracoke, NC.  Dressed in historical costumes from the 17th and early 18th centuries, pirates will engage the audience with storytelling, sea chanteys and swordplay. Visitors will see demonstrations of vintage black powder weapons and partake in hearty seafarers’ grub and grog.

The Main Event is the re-enactment of “The Battle at Ocracoke,” taking place on the Island’s beautiful harbor, Silver Lake. Three ships: the pirate brigantine Meka II, the skipjack Ada Mae, and the pirate longboat Florie, will re-create the last hours of Blackbeard and his crew as Lieutenant Maynard brings them to battle with cannons blazing.

There will be activities throughout Ocracoke Village, including a treasure hunt, historical presentations, roving bands of pirates, impromptu pirate skits and sing-alongs, as well as a “Scallywag School” for the kids.  A “Pirate Market” will feature arts, crafts, pirate gear, and period clothing. Food and drink will also be available at many locations.  Parking is available at the NPS Visitors lot at the south end of the island.

All visitors are encouraged to get in touch with their inner pirate and wear their best “pirate gear.”

This will be an annual event, on the last weekend in October, leading to the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard’s demise in 2018. For more information, contact 252-928-3421, or email info@blackbeardslodge.com.  Updates will be posted on the website www.piratejamboree.com and the Facebook page: Ocracoke/Hatteras Pirate Jamboree.

Click here for the weekend's full schedule and chart your course to Ocracoke!