Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival

Residents and tourists beware!

The dastardly Billy Bowlegs has been seen off t’shores of T’Emerald Coast and rumor is that he be plannin’ to dock his ship once t’again at The Fort Walton Beach Landing!

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber o’ Merchants welcomes landlubbers and swabbys of all ages t’dis jolly family event.

Friday, June 3rd – Festival and Fireworks
Saturday, June 4th – Festival
Monday, June 6th – Torchlight Parade

Bring the family and enjoy the fun at the 61st Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival at Fort Walton Beach Landing Park June 3 and 4, with parade on June 6.
 

Started in 1953 as a water-skiing festival whose pirate theme was inspired by the notorious William Augustus Bowles, the Billy Bowlegs Festival has grown into one of the premier events of its kind in the country. Sponsored by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and area businesses, Billy Bowlegs offers people a great opportunity to mingle, party, and have a good time. This year’s pirate shenanigans, including “battles” on land and sea between the Bowlegs bunch and the city’s mayor, will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4. They’ll be accompanied by fireworks, live music, and plenty of grog and grub.

The festival ends on Monday night, June 6, with the family-friendly Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade, sponsored by WindCreek Atmore. The parade, featuring floats, boats, beads, bands, and, of course, pirate-costumed Billy and his Krewe, will start in downtown Fort Walton at 7 p.m. and travel northward on Eglin Parkway to Hughes Street.

There’s no charge to come out and enjoy the fun, but there is a fee to march in the parade. For more information on the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and a complete schedule of events, visit billybowlegsfestival.com.