Yo Ho Ho! Tybee Island Pirate Fest returns Oct. 9–12

Avast me hearties! The annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest splashes ashore Oct. 9–12, promising a unique chance to escape the ordinary, if only for a weekend. Now in its 21st year, this seafarers’ fest features a full slate of activities, including the highly-anticipated Buccaneer Ball, a parade, a pub crawl, a Thieve’s Market with a bounty of booty, and Little Matey’s Cove for the lads and lasses, as well as some new offerings that’ll rouse up the rowdiness in every participating pirate.

New for this year is the Carnival at Hotel Tybee, which presents four days of family friendly fun! Complete with amusement rides, riveting attractions and fun games, the carnival will transform Hotel Tybee’s lawn into a treasure trove of adventure where excitement awaits at every turn.

Another noteworthy highlight of this year’s pirate fest is the headlining act: Thomas Claxton and the Seventh Realm All-Star Band. Comprised of actual band members from several of music’s biggest acts — like Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Duran Duran, The Brecker Brothers, Run DMC, Kenny Loggins, and Chic, to name a few — this nationally-renowned all-star ensemble will take the stage on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 9 p.m. Fronted by Savannah’s own Thomas Claxton, he and the Seventh Realm will get the crowd rocking for an unforgettable evening of marauder-approved music.

“We are so excited for the return of the biggest pirate party in the South,” said Charissa Murray,  president of the Tybee Festival Association. “This year, with the inclusion of an all-new carnival and an all-star headlining band, the Tybee Island Pirate Fest brings the best of buccaneer culture to our barrier isle for a weekend unlike any other.”

 For more detailed information of events taking place each day, visit www.tybeepiratefest.com.