Billy Bowlegs Is Back! Here's What You Need to Know...
Beware ye landlubbers! Billy Bowlegs is back and taking over Downtown Fort Walton Beach.
The Krewe of Bowlegs and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce announced earlier this year that the 65th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and Torchlight Parade will return. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. It is not only back, but also transitioning from the traditional first weekend in June to Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st, followed by the celebratory Torchlight Parade on Monday, May 3, 2021.
According to a press release, the decision to move the traditional date to a new date was to “benefit both our tourists, by offering more budget friendly pricing, and our hotel partners, by filling the region during an off-peak time." Plus an earlier date will likely result in more comfortable temperatures for festival participants.
Another notable shift is the decision to have activities take place throughout downtown versus having out-of-town vendors serving the festival crowd at the Landing. This decision will benefit our local restaurants and businesses, which was the original intent of the festival.
If you're a visitor coming for a weekend getaway or a local new to the festival, here's what you need to know.
The following information is contingent on the status of COVID-19 in Okaloosa County at the time of the event.
Friday, April 30
From 5PM-9PM, the festivities kick off with a Pub Crawl in Downtown Fort Walton Beach. Many attendees dress in pirate and wench costumes to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of the festival. Contact Laura Avery at lauraavery@msn.com for more information about the pub crawl.
Saturday, May 1
For boaters, enjoy the festival in the Santa Rosa Sound on the sand bar or at Crab Island.
Need to fuel up your boat or stock up on beer, wine, water, sunscreen, floaties, hats, sunglasses, and fishing gear? Be sure to stop by our Bait and Tackle Shop. We are right there amongst the action in the Santa Rosa Sound, at the foot of Brooks Bridge. Let us help you get what you need for the festival!
If you need a boat rental, book yours here.
At 2pm, witness the arrival of Captain Billy Bowlegs and his krewe of scallywags at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. From 2PM-6PM, pirate-themed activities for kids will take place. Everyone is invited to a block party with live entertainment on Ferry Road SE between Burrito del Sol and the Salty Duck--DJ Zoran from 2-5 p.m. and the Will Thompson Band from 5-8 p.m. The night will end with a fireworks display Downtown at 8:30 p.m.
If you need boat storage or wet slips that weekend, book your spot here before it fills up.
Sunday, May 2
The festivities continue downtown and in the Santa Rosa Sound at the sand bar or at Crab Island for boaters wanting to enjoy the festivities in the water.
Need to fuel up your boat or stock up on beer, wine, water, sunscreen, floaties, hats, sunglasses, and fishing gear? Be sure to stop by our Bait and Tackle Shop.
If you need a boat rental, book yours here.
If you need boat storage or wet slips that weekend, book your spot here before it fills up.
Monday, May 3
The festivities continue downtown and in the Santa Rosa Sound at the sand bar or at Crab Island for boaters wanting to enjoy the festivities in the water.
From 7PM-9PM, enjoy the Torchlight Parade on Eglin Parkway from First Street to K-Mart. Come and get your share of Captain Billy's loot.
A more detailed list of events will be released by the Krewe closer to the festival. If you need boat storage or wet slips that weekend, book your spot here before it fills up.
Looking to experience Billy Bowlegs in your own ride? View our boats for sale.