Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 10am to 4pm
Historic Downtown Swansboro – Free Admission
☠️ Ahoy, Mateys! ☠️
Onslow County and Swansboro Parks and Recreation Departments proudly present Pirate Fest — an epic day of high-seas adventure in Historic Downtown Swansboro!
Join the crew on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM for an exciting swashbuckling celebration. From live sword fights and sea shanties to treasure hunts and live mermaids, this event brings the golden age of piracy to life along the Carolina coast.
Don your finest pirate garb and set sail for a day of plundering fun! Enjoy pirate shows, encampments, live music, and photo ops with sirens of the sea.
For more information, contact:
📞 Onslow County Parks & Recreation: 910-347-5332
📞 Swansboro Parks & Recreation: 910-326-2600
Photo: Captain Jane, Lady Swan Boat Tours
✨Festival Highlights✨
🧜♀️ Mermaids at PirateFest
Stop by and see these enchanting mermaids making waves in downtown Swansboro during Pirate Fest. It’s a magical experience for all ages you won’t want to miss!
🐢 Turtle’s Lair
A fan-favorite returns! Visit Turtle’s Lair for custom balloon creations and a fun, pirate-worthy photo opportunity the whole crew will enjoy.
🎶 Live Entertainment: Misfits of Fortune
Hoist the sails and head to the Pugliese Pavilion for live performances throughout the day by Misfits of Fortune—bringing high-energy music, pirate spirit, and plenty of fun to the waterfront.
🏴☠️ Pirate Encampments
Explore several pirate encampments throughout downtown Swansboro and experience life on the high seas up close. It’s a fun, interactive way to step into the world of pirates during this FREE event!
✨Parking & Free Shuttle✨
🏴☠️ Here’s everything you need to know before you arrive!
A FREE shuttle will be running from Ward Farm (located behind the Hampton Inn), bringing you right into downtown—easy and stress-free.
Handicap parking will be available at Town Hall, with golf cart shuttles ready to assist and help you get where you need to go.
Plan ahead, hop on the shuttle, and enjoy the day—we can’t wait to see you in Swansboro!
Friday Night's Swashbucklin’ Sunset Cruise with Lady Swan Boat Tours
Join us on Friday, May 8th at 6:30 PM aboard the Lady Swan for a 90-minute Pirate Cruise through the scenic Swansboro waters! 
Photo: Captain Jane, Lady Swan Boat Tours
This one-of-a-kind voyage is $45 per person and includes an exclusive pirate show just for cruise-goers—featuring the very same pirates who will be invading downtown Swansboro for PirateFest on May 9th! 
Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 6:30 PM
Duration: 90 minutes
Departure: Lady Swan dock
Cost: $45/person - Register Here
Space is limited for this special adventure—so grab your crew and register today!
Register online at swansboro.recdesk.com
For more info, call the Swansboro Recreation Center at 910-326-2600
Celebrate Mother's Day in Swansboro!
Enjoy a relaxing Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 10th at one of our local eateries, then spend the afternoon on a guided paddling trip or an eco-tour with one of our tour operators, or an afternoon scenic history cruise through the coastal marshes aboard the Lady Swan.
Discover the Treasure Map to Swansboro's Shops & Eateries!
