Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree is invading Ocracoke Island on November 1-2

One of the Outer Banks’ most beloved annual traditions – Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree – will once again be invading Ocracoke Island on November 1 and 2, with reenactments, a colonial encampment, and many more enticements for pirates of all ages.

The Jamboree will officially kick off at the Berkley Manor on Friday evening, (7:30 p.m.), with a comedy, adult-oriented game show, “The Dating Game with Blackbeard,” in which comely ladies will vie for the chance to date Blackbeard the Pirate himself.

On Saturday, Ocracoke visitors can explore a colonial encampment on the grounds of the Berkley Manor, highlighting daily life, navigation, cooking and medicine, games for kids, and dozens of artisan vendors in Brigands Bazaar.

Among the living history re-enactors are The Cannon Crew out of Beaufort, (led by Capt. Carl Cannon), which will demonstrate historic navigation, weaving, and cooking. Meanwhile, Cannon’s period sloop, “The Adventure,” and Horatio Sinbad’s brigantine, “Meka II,” will circle the Silver Lake Harbor with cannons ablaze.

Also pitching their camps will be members of Leviathan Nautical Living History, a group dedicated to the accurate portrayal of a ship’s company in the age of sail, spanning the years of 1680 to 1865.

The Sword Circle, which hails from Raleigh, will demonstrate sword-fighting and will have a booth with candle making in which festival-goers can try their skill. They also will have axe throwing and will set up an area for kids to learn sword fighting.

The Shadow Players comedy stage combat troop will also return this year, and the Motley Tones roving minstrels will sing sea chanteys and tavern songs throughout the day.

The living history crews will also reenact the infamous sword fight in which Blackbeard met his demise at the hand of Royal Navy Lt. Robert Maynard along the Silver Lake docks.

Historian Kevin Duffus and Sinbad will talk about “Blackbeard: Myths & Legends” on Saturday afternoon, while Saturday morning (10 a.m.) will feature the Pirate Parade, which is back by popular demand.

The two-day event will conclude at 4 p.m. on Saturday with a memorial service honoring the fallen sailors of both Blackbeard and Lt. Robert Maynard.

A detailed schedule is on the horizon, and swashbucklers can stay tuned via the Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree Facebook Page for updates, or the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association’s website at http://www.ocracokeisland.net