Looking for something unique and loads this May? Look no further than Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest!
Break out your pirate hat, polish your boots, and grab your crew—because the Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest is cruising back into town May 16 through 18, 2025. If you missed it last year, don’t make the same mistake twice. This three-day celebration is fun for every age, and yes, the admission is free.
Double the Markets, Triple the Fun
This festival is what epic memories are made of. Explore the bounty of over 100 vendor booths between two lively marketplaces, food trucks galore, live music, and costumed characters. Plus, there is a treasure hunt that stretches across three counties. That’s right—this year’s Pirate Fest is bigger, bolder, and lasts even longer, with Sunday officially added to the party lineup.
The heart of the action is Port Royal, located at the Harbor Community Center in Buckeye Lake. This official Pirate HQ is where you’ll find the legendary Northern Exposure Landship—the world’s tallest ArrVee- once featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Right across the street is the North Shore Market, creating a double dose of shopping, food, and family activities.
Embark on the Tri-County Treasure Hunt at Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest
But the real adventure begins when you grab a Pirate Treasure Map and set off on the Tri-County Treasure Hunt. Forty participating businesses are scattered across Buckeye Lake State Park, Thornport, Fairfield Beach, and Millersport. In addition, no purchases are necessary to join in, and when the weekend wraps up, 40 lucky treasure seekers will walk away with a prize chest.
Local businesses are also getting in on the fun, hosting pirate parties, unique activities, and live music all weekend. Saturday’s confirmed lineup includes The Lost Boys at the Waterfront from noon to 3, Distorted Silence at the Mill Dam Corner Grill from 3 to 7, and Rock House at the Dirty Oar from 7 to 10.
Born from a fun-loving local pirate social group, the Pirate Fest has become a much-anticipated event. It supports small businesses and brings early spring energy to the Buckeye Lake area.
So whether you’re a pirate, a mermaid, or just someone who loves a good time, mark your calendar. This May, adventure is calling—will you answer?
For all the details and updates, sail over to www.BuckeyeLakePirateFest.com. And for more treasures across the area, check out Visit Fairfield County.
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