Blackbeard Pirate Festival in Hampton, VA

My wife loves it when we cover anything pirate-related – from festivals to haunted houses. And if I can ever do a pirate post that somehow works in Harry Potter, she just might blow a gasket. (But not today…)

As scurvy dog entertainment goes, the Blackbeard Pirate Festival in scenic Hampton, Virginia is surely one of the best.  The historic riverfront area is overrun with swashbuckling scallywags and sharp-toothed wenches for three days of reenactments, ship tours and family fun. Let’s check it out together.

The Blackbeard Pirate Festival enters its 11^th year with another outrageous celebration of the Eastern seaboard’s rough and tumble history at the hands of those dastardly do-wrongs, the pirates. The most fearsome of all, Blackbeard, actually made Hampton, Virginia a favorite port of call back in the late 17^th, early 18^th centuries. Unfortunately for him, the locals appreciated his presence none too much and kindly asked him to leave … permanently … … … at the end of a rope over Hampton Harbor.

Throughout the three days of the festival (July 9-11, 2010), historic downtown Hampton opens its shores to the pirates once again. Entertainment is non-stop. You’ll see accurately costumed mock-battles on one corner and a choir of shanty singing sea dogs on another.

Along with songs, dances and the recreations, you’ll find authentic food at the Pirate Cove and The Bunch of Grapes Tavern, as well as vendors selling period-style clothing and goods. You can even attend “Pirate Camp”, where you’ll learn how to load a cannon and use a cutlass sword (I’m a falchion fan myself). Additional fun includes tall ship tours, activities for little swashbucklers, a fireworks show and live music stages. Believe it or not, psych-folk pirate punk is a genre.

For something even more unusual, attend the Grand Pirate Ball on July 8, 2010, hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Hotel. Truly one-of-a-kind, you’re asked to show up to this upscale affair in full pirate garb (or, failing that, “creative” black-tie).

The Blackbeard Pirate Festival will run from July 9-11, 2010 in historic downtown Hampton, waterfront area. The event itself is free, with ample free parking throughout downtown, though food and some attractions have admission costs. Learn more.

Have a wonderful time, me hearties, at the Blackbeard Pirate Festival.

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