Tybee Island Pirate Fest

Get ready for the biggest swashbuckling event of the fall and watch Tybee Island transform for Pirate Fest! October 9th-12th will be filled with adventure, entertainment, and fun for all ages. First launched in 2005, Pirate Fest was made by the locals wanting to embrace Tybee’s seaside charm. Over the years, it had grown into one of the most sought-after events in the Southeast.

The festivities kick off with the Buccaneer Ball, hosted at The Crab Shack. It’s an evening of revelry, complete with festive food and drink. This is where the Pirate King and Queen are crowned to reign over the weekend. The days following are filled with live music, pirate-themed entertainment, and one of the festival’s most popular events, the Pirate Pub Crawl. The crawl takes costumed pirates from bar to bar, gathering stamps, sipping drinks, and earning keepsakes along the way.

For the little buccaneers to be, there’s plenty of family-friendly fun too. Little Matey’s Cove offers carnival rides, bounce houses, magic shows, face painting, and even a petting zoo, making it the perfect spot for young adventurers. Saturday’s Pirate Victory Parade is a must-see spectacle, featuring elaborately decorated floats, cannon blasts, and candy-tossing crews marching through Tybee’s main street. It’s one of the highlights of the weekend and a great excuse to cheer, dance, and snag some treasure.

Part of what makes Pirate Fest so special is its ability to blend a party atmosphere with a laid-back island adventure. It’s festive without being overwhelming, so anyone can participate at their level. You’ll see families alongside dedicated pirates who have sailed in for years to attend the weekend festival. 

If you’re thinking about attending, plan ahead, as many events are ticketed. Accommodations book up fast, so be sure to take advantage of our special offer of your first night free at select homes. Hop over to our specials tab for full details!