Every October, a band of ruthless pirates takes over the city of Boynton Beach. Boynton Beach Pirate Fest & Mermaid Splash is a beloved two-day free event held during the weekend before Halloween. East Ocean Avenue transforms into a fantasy Hobb’s Cove, with a medieval encampment and a pirate ship full of buccaneers, live mermaids in a tank, as well as a vintage marketplace full of artisans and craftsmen.
Festival Entertainment
The fun festival for all ages features plenty of adventures: live music, pirate reenactments, magic shows, interactive mermaid tanks, and much more. The culmination usually occurs on Saturday, when bold pirates attempt their epic invasion, followed by Royal Haunt, a satirical wedding between representatives of rival dynasties. Vendors have food and beverages on offer while soothing melodies ring out from mysterious Merlandia.
Entertainment also features magic, tarot card and palm reading, fairies, jugglers, acrobats, and the Miss Mermaid Pageant. Creative individuals can challenge their skills in a costume competition, where they have a chance to showcase their best Halloween pirate or mermaid-themed attire.
Music Lineup
Pirate Fest has always been known for its diverse music lineup, which features the best Boynton Beach and Palm Beach area has to offer. During its past years, the festival featured local and national bands like Blues Dragon, Magic City Hippies, The Craic, Making Faces, Professor Pennygoode’s Mighty Flea Circus, Gravel Kings, Slip & The Spinouts, The Bawdy Boys Celtic Mayhem, and others. The 2023 edition showcased the talent of Low Ground band, thepeopleupstairs, and Joey Calderaio.
Location & Schedule
The pirate festivities take place in Boynton Beach, a coastal city with plenty of waterfront entertainment and nightlife. The city is located approximately 59 miles (95 km) from Miami and 33 miles (53 km) from Fort Lauderdale, another destination for boating and beach getaways. The Pirate Fest unfolds all along East Ocean Avenue in Downtown Boynton Beach from 12 pm until 10 pm on both days of the event.
