The 70th annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival returns to Fort Walton Beach May 14–18, bringing pirate invasions, fireworks, live music, parades, treasure hunts, and thousands of visitors to the Emerald Coast.
“Billy Bowlegs,” the modern Billy Bowlegs Festival is named after a legendary pirate figure tied to the Emerald Coast. Historians believe the character Billy Bowlegs is a blend of an adventurer named William Augustus Bowles and a Seminole Chief named Holata Micco. Over time, Florida’s history and pirate mythology merged to create the legend celebrated in Fort Walton Beach today.
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the pre-invasion begins in downtown Fort Walton Beach. Captain Billy and his Krewe will arrive aboard the Blackhawk float for photos, treasure giveaways, and kicking off the weekend festivities.
On Friday, May 15, 2026, a pirate skirmish will begin at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. Vendors and food trucks open at 5 p.m. The Grace and Grit concert starts at 6. The pirate skirmish begins at 7, and fireworks start at 8:45.
Saturday is the main festival day with arts and crafts, vendors, food trucks, and live music. The Pirate Landing will begin at 3:30, that’s when Captain Billy will capture the city. Hopefully, visiting Krewes from around the country will arrive to assist Captain Billy in his efforts to take control of the mayor and the city of Fort Walton.
The festival finale begins at 7 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2026. The parade route will be along Eglin Parkway, where pirate Krewes aboard pirate floats will be throwing beads and treasure.
Now considered a signature Emerald Coast tradition, Captain Billy Bowlegs will symbolically capture Fort Walton Beach for the 70th consecutive year.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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