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 

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. 

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!