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

Pre-Invasion

Thursday, May 16, 2024 | Around 4:30 pm

Downtown Fort Walton Beach

South end of Ferry Rd SE, near Hwy 98, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Captain Billy Bowlegs and his Krewe arrive between 4:30 and 5 p.m. aboard their pirate ship parade float, the Blackhawk. They'll be on hand approximately two hours greeting children, taking photos and handing out treasure.

Skirmish

Friday, May 17, 2024 | Around 7:00 pm

Fort Walton Beach Landing

131 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

3:00 pm - Arts & Crafts Festival Opens

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm - City of Fort Walton Beach Concerts in the Park

Around 7:00 pm - Captain Billy Bowlegs and Scouting Party Land / Skirmish

Around 8:00 pm - Fireworks Show

Captain Billy and some of his Krewe arrive by water at Fort Walton Beach Landing around 7 p.m. 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.

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.

Torchlight Parade

Monday, May 20, 2024 | 7:00 pm

Downtown Fort Walton Beach

Eglin Pkwy from First St to Hughes St, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

The Torchlight Parade concludes the festival. This fun parade has more than 100 floats and participants. Captain Billy and the entire Krewe of Bowlegs will be aboard their five floats and anchor the parade to celebrate Captain Billy Bowleg's 68th 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.

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!

Date: May 16-20, 2024 

Locations: Downtown Fort Walton Beach and, Eglin Pkwy from First St to Hughes St, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

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

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