Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival
The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival is a family-friendly pirate celebration held in downtown Fort Walton Beach and at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, in Okaloosa County, Florida. The 2026 edition, the 70th, ran May 14 to 18, 2026, according to the festival website, and 2027 dates had not been published when that page was last checked. Check the festival website before you go, because the schedule changes from year to year.
| Question visitors ask | When is the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival? |
|---|---|
| County | Okaloosa County |
| Official site | billybowlegsfestival.com |
Where is the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival held?
The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival takes place in several spots in Fort Walton Beach. The Pre-Invasion is at downtown Fort Walton Beach, at the south end of Ferry Road SE near Highway 98. The Skirmish and the Pirate Invasion are at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, 131 Brooks St SE. The Torchlight Parade runs on Eglin Parkway from First Street to Hughes Street in downtown Fort Walton Beach.
The festival website does not list parking options or directions, so check the website or the City of Fort Walton Beach before you go.
What are the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival hours and admission?
The 2026 schedule listed on the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival website began with the Pre-Invasion on Thursday, May 14, 2026, and ended with the Torchlight Parade at 7:00 pm on Monday, May 18, 2026. At the Fort Walton Beach Landing on Friday, May 15, 2026, the festival ran from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with the Skirmish at 7:00 pm and fireworks at 8:45 pm. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Pirate Invasion festivities at the Landing ran from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the Krewe of Bowlegs Pirate Landing was set for 3:30 pm.
The festival website does not list an admission price for these events. The 2027 festival dates and hours were not published on the website, so check before you go.
What are the rules for the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival treasure hunt?
The treasure hunt is run by Captain Billy Bowlegs and is part of the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival. According to the festival website, no treasure is hidden on private land, and treasure hunters may not dig, dismantle anything, or cause harm. Each family can find a maximum of two coins because of limited availability.
In 2026, the treasure hunt ran Monday through Friday from April 10 to May 14, 2026. A new clue was posted on social media at 5:30 pm each day, except on the last day, when it was posted at 4:00 pm. Check the festival's Facebook page before you go for current treasure hunt details.
When should you go to the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival?
The 2026 Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival has already passed. The festival website lists its dates as May 14 to 18, 2026, and it has not posted dates for 2027. Based on the dates in the 2026 schedule, the festival has taken place in mid-May, but that pattern is not confirmed for next year.
Check the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival website before you plan a trip for the next festival.
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival: questions visitors ask
When is the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival?
The 70th Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival ran from May 14 to 18, 2026, according to the festival website. The website had not posted 2027 dates, so check before you go.
Where is the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival held?
The festival is held in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, at downtown locations and at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, 131 Brooks St SE. The festival website lists the Pre-Invasion at the south end of Ferry Road SE near Highway 98.
Is there an admission fee for the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival?
The festival website does not state an admission price for the 2026 events. Check the website or the City of Fort Walton Beach before you go.
What is the Pre-Invasion at the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival?
The Pre-Invasion took place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in downtown Fort Walton Beach. Captain Billy Bowlegs and his Krewe arrived aboard their pirate ship parade float, the Blackhawk, and spent about two hours greeting children, taking photos, and handing out treasure.
Are there fireworks at the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival?
The 2026 schedule listed a fireworks show at 8:45 pm on Friday, May 15, 2026, over Santa Rosa Sound at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. Check before you go to confirm whether a fireworks show is planned for a future festival.
Who organizes the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival?
The William Augustus Bowles Museum & Historical Foundation organizes the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival. It is produced in partnership with the City of Fort Walton Beach, the Krewe of Bowlegs, and the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.
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