Grab your eye patch and parrot and sail down to the Emerald Coast for the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival on June 3-4. Since 1953, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., has hosted an annual party for scallywags of all ages. This year, there are some special things planned in the "Pirates Lair" for the adults, as well as plenty of fun for children.
The festival grounds at Fort Walton Beach Landing (139 Brooks St. SE, Fort Walton Beach) are free to enter. On June 3, the grounds open at 3 p.m. There will be plenty of art, food, clothing and jewelry peddlers in the Pirate's Village. A pirate demonstration is scheduled for the evening, followed by live music and fireworks.
Access to the children's area will cost $15 daily or $20 for a multi-day wristband. There are several fun activities planned exclusively for kids; a rock climbing and slide obstacle course, space walk and bungee experience to name a few.
For the adults, the "Pirate's Lair" will be an exclusive tent for drinking draft beer and the Timber Creek Distillery special edition "Pirate Punch" on June 3 from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. A wristband for entrance into the private tent and all the drafts you can drink will cost $20.
On June 4, the Billy Bowlegs Beer Tour will take place from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. in the "Pirate's Lair." Samples of craft and specialty beers, as well as a few spirits from the Timber Creek Distillery will be overflowing for $25 at the entrance. You can also purchase tickets in advance for $20 at the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce (34 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach).
A few condominiums are offering special deals for festival attendees.
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