Tybee Island has a rich and colorful history, including an era when pirates frequented the region, seeking fresh water and a haven.
The Golden Age of Piracy spanned the mid-1600s to the early 1700s. In the early years, colonists and the British crown tolerated pirates as they served a role as emissaries between the factions and providers of confiscated goods.
But as pirates took their robbery and violence to an unprecedented level, they were declared enemies of the state and vilified.
But the legends and tales of their exploits continue to fascinate us, making folk heroes of a sort of pirates like Blackbeard (Edward Thatch), Sted Bonnet, and Charles Vane, all of whom made stop-overs along the Georgia coast.
And so, the locals celebrate this notorious past with its Tybee Island Pirate Fest, scheduled Oct. 5-7 this year. Why attend this annual street party? Glad you asked.
The Pirate Fest provides a first-hand look at the unique personality of Tybee Island. While Tybee is an excellent destination anytime, the Pirate Fest showcases its character.
You’ll be among friends. Up to 20,000 of them turn out for the festival, many in authentic-looking costumes.
It’s more than just one day. It’s a four-day celebration so plenty of time for swashbuckling fun and merriment.
Fun, food, and drinks. The fun kicks off on Thursday with the Buccaneer Ball, for those 18 and older. From 5-11 p.m. on Friday, the fest zone opens with live entertainment, then continues from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday with kid’s activities and a 3 p.m. parade down Butler Avenue. There’s even a petting zoo and carnival rides for little buccaneers.
There’s no admission charge for kids. Those 12 and younger can enter the festival zone and enjoy the parade for free!
Another freebie: Shuttles make it easy to get around during the weekend. Keep your car parked at your vacation property and catch a ride at one of the designated pickup sites, including the Tybee Island Light Station, City Hall, IGA, and other spots.
The weather makes it a picture-perfect time to visit the island.
So book your Tybee stay and plan to party like a pirate.