Aargh you Ready? 2017 Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree serves up piratical mischief and good times October 27-29  

Come to Ocracoke Island for Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree, a free three-day pirate festival October 27 to 29, 2017. Step back in time with the sights and sounds of 17th- and 18th-century pirate life as Ocracoke Island comes alive with pirate reenactment crews as they invade by land and sea.

There will be activities for everyone, young and old, to enjoy throughout town, such as musical entertainment, magic shows, history, period encampments, vendors and a live battle with cannons on Silver Lake.

New acts this year are Captain Jim–the magic pirate and illusionist, the European Medieval Arts of Arms crew, the Cannon Crew, and Colonial Seaport Foundation. Returning performers include bands of roving pirates, the Motley Tones, The King’s Rangers militia, NC Historian of the Year (2015) Kevin Duffus, and the swordfighting Shadow Players.

Come see what pirate life was really like in this true-to-life 17th and 18th century pirate encampment at the historic Berkley Manor grounds. You and your young scallywags can wear your own pirate costumes and enjoy historical demonstrations, sword fights, pirate storytelling, sea chanteys, navigation, medicine, blacksmithing, demonstrations of pike drills and vintage black-powder weapons. There’s trick or treating just for kids at 4 p.m. in the encampment.

With cannons blazing and swords flashing, three pirate ships will re-create Blackbeard’s last stand on Silver Lake. Enjoy other island events including the Ocracoke School Halloween Carnival, Freakin’ Firkin Keg Tapping at Zillie’s Island Pantry, Bawdy Ballads (for mature audiences) with the Motley Tones at the Ocracoke Bar & Grille, Shadow Players and Capt. Jim’s Pirate Magic at Ocracoke Oyster Company.

Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree is an annual event, held the last weekend in October, leading to the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard’s demise in 2018. It is sponsored by Ocracoke Civic and Business Association Inc.

Public parking is available at the NPS Visitors lot at the south end of the island, 4352 Irvin Garrish Highway. For more information, contact 252-928-6711 or email info@visitocracokenc.com A complete schedule of events is available at www.visitocracokenc.com. Like us on Facebook for more updates: https://www.facebook.com/BlackbeardsPirateJamboree