Should attendees wish to let their pirate flag fly, there are a variety of themed events around the state, including the following:
- Gasparilla Pirate Fest, late January/early February, Tampa. One of the state’s biggest buccaneer bashes—including a massive flotilla and parade—Gasparilla has been going strong since 1904 and pivots around the friendly “invasion” of mythical pirate, Jose Gaspar.
- Salty Sam’s Pirate Festival, October, Fort Myers Beach. Performances on two entertainment stages, ships going to battle.
- Pirates of the Saint Juans Festival, September, Sanford. Activities galore include live music, games, a costume contest and a parade.
- Treasure Coast Pirate Fest, February, Fort Pierce. It’s pirate theming all the way, including a living history pirate encampment, Blackbeard’s pirate ship and real cannons.
- The St. Augustine Pirate Gathering, November. With live music, sword battles, pirate magicians, black powder weapons demonstrations, stunt shows and even mermaids.