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The mysterious new Captain Billy 70 will be revealed when the 70th Annual Billy Bowlegs Coronation Pageant sails into Niceville on June 14 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center.
Expect full pirate pageantry. Admission is free.
The Krewe of Bowlegs will unveil its newest leader in a theatrical swirl of mystery, music, and swashbuckling flair on Saturday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville.
The coronation marks a pivotal moment in the larger Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, a Fort Walton Beach tradition dating back to 1954. The event is free and open to the public.
The pageant will feature an original production created and performed by Krewe volunteers. In Act I, the audience will bid farewell to Captain Billy 69 and his themed crew, “Bottoms Up.” Act II will usher in the new Captain, his Queen, First Mate and Mistress, and an Honor Guard of ten couples — identities kept under wraps until showtime.
This year’s teaser image, a long-running tradition, shows the masked Captain Billy 70 with sunglasses and pirate garb — but no clue as to his true identity. The full reveal takes place live on stage during the pageant, which lasts approximately two hours and features elaborate costumes, live storytelling, and a few surprises to stir the crowd.
The pageant will feature an original production created and performed by Krewe volunteers. In Act I, the audience will bid farewell to Captain Billy 69 and his themed crew, “Bottoms Up.” Act II will usher in the new Captain, his Queen, First Mate and Mistress, and an Honor Guard of ten couples — identities kept under wraps until showtime.
This year’s teaser image, a long-running tradition, shows the masked Captain Billy 70 with sunglasses and pirate garb — but no clue as to his true identity. The full reveal takes place live on stage during the pageant, which lasts approximately two hours and features elaborate costumes, live storytelling, and a few surprises to stir the crowd.
Attendees can expect pirate pride, a spirited sendoff, and a fresh theme that sets the tone for the upcoming year of Krewe activities — which blend revelry with community service across Okaloosa County.
The pageant is part performance, part civic celebration and certainly all pirate.
Pro Communi Bono
