Chart your course to beautiful Ocracoke Island for the Second Annual Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree and a weekend of swashbuckling fun Oct 31 to Nov. 2. Proud of its rich pirate heritage, the Island will celebrate the last days of Blackbeard.
The centerpiece of the Jamboree is a historically accurate pirate encampment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, by Blackbeard’s Pirate Crew, an 18-member living history organization from Hampton, VA., on the grounds of the historic Wahab House, 161 Irvin Garrish Highway. Dressed in historical costumes from the 17th and early 18th centuries, pirates will engage the audience with storytelling, sea chanteys and swordplay. Visitors will see demonstrations of vintage black powder weapons and partake in hearty seafarers’ grub and grog.
The main event will be the re-enactment of “The Battle at Ocracoke,” taking place at 3 p.m. on the island’s beautiful harbor, Silver Lake. Three ships will re-create the last hours of Blackbeard and his crew as Lieutenant Maynard brings them to battle with cannons blazing.
Among the professional pirate crews attending will be Sinbad in his Meka II, historic skipjack the Ada Mae, the Shadow Players, the Beaufort Oars in their sloop The Ranger, the Motley Tones minstrels, and Chris Suttle as Blackbeard.
The Friday evening event will be a “Myths and Facts,” game show-type event with Blackbeard historian Kevin Duffus in the Ocracoke Community Center.
There will be activities throughout Ocracoke Village, including historical presentations, roving bands of pirates, sing-alongs, as well as a “Scallywag School” for the kids. A “Brigand’s Bazaar” will feature arts, crafts, pirate gear and period clothing. Food and drink will also be available at many locations. Parking is available at the NPS Visitors lot at the south end of the island, 4352 Irvin Garrish Highway.
Sunday, Nov. 2, will conclude with the pirate march to Springer’s Point for a ceremony commemorating the fall of Blackbeard Nov. 22, 1718.
All visitors are encouraged to get in touch with their inner pirate and wear their best pirate gear.
This is an annual event, on the last weekend in October, leading to the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard’s demise in 2018.
For more information, contact 252-928-3421, or email info@blackbeardslodge.com. Updates will be posted on the website www.piratejamboree.com and the Facebook page: Ocracoke/Hatteras Pirate Jamboree.