Pirate Fest returns 2025!

Pirates Set Sail for Buckeye Lake ~ as the Pirate Fest returns May 16th to 18th, 2025!
Featuring Tri-County Weekend Treasure Hunt, Expanded Pirate Market, and Family-Friendly Festivities!
April 28, 2025

The Pirate Fest will officially kick off with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 5 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025 with special guests at Port Royal.

Prepare to weigh anchor and set sail for adventure as the Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest returns to the tri-county region in and around Buckeye Lake, Ohio, promising a weekend swashbuckling fun for the whole family.

Get ready for a thrilling pirate treasure hunt, live music that’ll shiver your timbers, unique artisan vendors hawking their wares, and enough grub and grog to satisfy even the hungriest buccaneer.

Mark your calendars pirates, mermaids, steampunks, Vikings, landlubbers and lake enthusiasts – because you won’t want to miss this treasure trove of pirate-themed excitement on the shores of Buckeye Lake!

Key Updates for the 2025 Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest:

  • Extended Festivities: For the first time, the Pirate Fest will span three days, including Sunday, May 18th. So you’ll have even more time to soak in the pirate atmosphere!
  • Expanded Pirate Market: Get ready to discover a treasure trove of goods with over 100 vendor booths across two locations. Enjoy shopping at a wide variety of curated vendors offering pirate, mermaid and steampunk fashions, accessories and makeovers, art & décor and much more.
    • Port Royal Market, Located at the Harbor Community Center in Buckeye Lake at 5312 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake, Ohio.
    • North Shore Market, Situated directly across the street from the Port Royal Market.
  • Enhanced Treasure Hunt: Embark on a quest to find 40 treasure chests over the weekend in the Tri-County Pirate Fest Treasure Hunt!  6500 treasure maps will be available at Port Royal (where there are 4 Treasure Chests to find at Pirate Markets) and at Treasure Hunt locations while supplies last. 
  • Pirate Parties and Special Events: Numerous businesses in the Buckeye Lake area will be joining in the pirate spirit by hosting special food & beverage specials, events and activities throughout the festival weekend. A sampling of confirmed entertainment for Saturday, May 17th includes performances by Big Bad Stache, Dirty 403, Shucking Bubba and Katie and the Red Hots. 
  • Themed Tours: Special Treasure Hunts with unique map destinations, for individuals and groups, are offered through the weekend.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: The festival is designed for all ages, with a dedicated outdoor kids’ area called the Pirate Ship Playland, sponsored by Recreations Outlet, located at the Port Royal Marketplace.   Also featured at this location is the KOA-Buckeye Lake Pirates Cove for Kids: an indoor area with special family-friendly engaging activities.
  • A ‘Walk the Plank’ Pirate Parade is scheduled at 1 pm on Sunday, May 18, 2025 leaving from Port Royal to walk along the Buckeye Lake dam; sponsored by the Chef Shack and the Buckeye Lake Boat Rental.
  • FREE Parking at the North Shore Market will be available on Rt 79 across from Creno’s Pizza and Louie’s Corner House. Courtesy of our sponsors: R&R Bait and Mill Dam Corner Grille.
  • Food and Drinks: A variety of food and drink vendors will be on-site at the Pirate Market locations to satisfy every buccaneer’s appetite and thirst.
  • Enjoy a Pirate Wedding: Have you always dreamed of a themed wedding? This year you can tie the knot with a unique pirate/mermaid/steampunk, or traditional-themed wedding, renewal or engagement, on the Mermaid Music Stage with an Alternative Weddings Officiant. Contact them to make the advance arrangements.
  • Haunted Attraction: Listen to the screams to find the Curse of Pirate Cove! This is a walkthrough ghostly attraction haunted providing entertainment for all ages for an admission fee. Located at the North Shore Market and open during market hours; presented by Mudhouse Manor. 
  • Swash & Buckle: A fun crew of Pirate DJ’s, will provide entertainment with music and trivia over the weekend at Port Royal on the Mermaid Music Stage presented by Edward Jones / Lynn Tramontano.
  • Benefiting the Community: The Port Royal Pirate Marketplace is a fundraiser for the Harbor Community Center, a non-profit organization supporting the local senior community and families.
The tri-county Buckeye Lake area is expected to draw large crowds to participate in this year’s festivities.

“Port Royal” The Pirate Headquarters: The Harbor Community Center will transform into “Port Royal” the official Pirate Fest headquarters, from May 16th to 18th, 2025. This family-friendly hub will feature engaging activities and host the impressive Northern Exposure Landship – the World’s Tallest ArrVee! 

Pirate Treasure Hunt maps will be available while supplies last at Port Royal, and other Treasure Hunt locations while supplies last. Port Royal is sponsored by the US Coast Guard, Lepi & Associates Real Estate Services, Muth Roofing, and Buckeye Lake Boater Training.

This year’s Pirate Fest is a true community affair, with significant involvement from Buckeye Lake area businesses, local artists, and a wide array of vendors. Born from the spirit of a fun and engaging social pirate community, the festival has grown into a highly anticipated event, fostering strong local connections and providing crucial early spring business revenue for the region. Media sponsors include Papa Boo’s, Creno’s Pizza, and Roadhouse Cycles. 

So batten down the hatches and prepare for a weekend of swashbuckling fun at the Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest!  For more information, please visit the official website: www.BuckeyeLakePirateFest.com