Ocracoke Island, like everyone else this year, is climbing out of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the island is also recovering from the flooding devastation wreaked by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
So, Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree will go on Oct. 29 and 30 but will not be at the 2018 level, which was the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard’s demise.
This year, too, the festival will focus on history and colonial life and on family fun and patronizing Ocracoke’s bars and restaurants.
All events are free and will kick off Friday evening with a showing of the 1968 Disney film “Blackbeard’s Ghost,” a film for the whole family, followed by a discussion with historian Kevin Duffus about “Pirates and Fake News in 1718.”
Saturday (Oct. 30) will again feature a colonial village on the grounds of the Berkley Manor along with artisan vendors.
Saturday (Oct. 30) will again feature a colonial village on the grounds of the Berkley Manor along with more than a dozen artisan vendors in Brigands Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All are welcome to join in the Pirate Parade at 10 a.m. from Ride the Wind to Community Square.
Other events will include a pirate ship invading Silver Lake, a three-ship battle, sword-fight demonstrations, sea chanteys and tavern songs, historical displays, a vendor fair and several historical talks.
The event will conclude at 5 p.m. with a memorial service honoring the fallen sailors for both Blackbeard and Lt. Robert Maynard during their fateful battle on Nov. 22, 1718.
See event details here.
The following are scenes from the 2018 event commemorating the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard’s demise.
