OBX Pirate Festival & Scallywag School 2026

Ahoy, Mateys! OBX Pirate Festival Returns to Nags Head

August 12–13, 2026 | 10 AM–4 PM
Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, Nags Head
Family Friendly

Arrr you ready for some pirate fun? The OBX Pirate Festival sails back into Nags Head for two days of swashbuckling adventures, living history, cannon fire, games, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with visiting pirates!

With the Outer Banks’ legendary ties to Blackbeard and pirate history, this family-friendly festival brings the stories of the Carolina coast to life. Throughout the day, visitors can meet costumed pirates, enjoy Blackbeard-inspired storytelling and living-history demonstrations, catch acoustic performances, browse the shops, grab a treat and snap some memorable pirate photos.

Join Blackbeard’s Crew at Scallywag School

Young buccaneers can sign up for Scallywag School, a 30-minute interactive experience where aspiring pirates learn what it takes to join the crew. Lessons may include talking like a pirate, sword drills, musket drills, shipboard line handling and the history of Blackbeard.

Scallywag School is limited to 20 participants per session, and advance registration is required. Online registration is currently listed at $22 per participant.

🏴‍☠️ Daily Festival Schedule

10:00 AM – Opening Round of Cannon Fire
11:00–11:30 AM – Scallywag School
12:15–12:30 PM – Cannon Fire Demonstration
1:00–1:30 PM – Scallywag School
1:45–2:15 PM – Cannon Fire Demonstration
3:00–3:30 PM – Scallywag School
4:00 PM – Closing of the Encampment & Final Cannon Round

Throughout the day, enjoy living-history demonstrations, pirate meet-and-greets, themed displays and photo opportunities, games and activities, acoustic entertainment, shopping, treats and plenty of summer fun at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing.

So grab your little scallywags and head to Nags Head for a day of pirate adventure — Blackbeard’s crew is recruiting!