CANCELLED
The Krewe of Bowlegs and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, would like to remind the public that due to the COVID-19 restrictions, The 65th Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and Torchlight Parade has been rescheduled from the traditional first weekend in June to Friday, July 31st and Saturday, August 1 with the celebratory Torchlight Parade on Monday, August 3.
In addition to the date a few changes have been made to make the event even more exciting while keeping with tradition.
Friday, July 31 :‘The Skirmish’ will feature Capt. Billy along with his Krewe coming ashore in an attempt to capture the City. The Honorable Mayor Ryerson will be there to defend the city from these marauders with the outcome unknown, but either way fireworks to follow. (Firework sponsorship available)
Saturday, August 1: Capt. Billy and the Krewe will officially “land” as per tradition to take over the city. After storming the Landing, the Krewe will invade downtown Fort Walton Beach. A party will follow at The Boardroom Pub & Grub from noon to 3 p.m. offering the public an opportunity to meet Capt. Billy Bowlegs LXV (65), his beautiful Queen, the Honor Guard, and his entire Krewe.
The downtown invasion continues at the Cumulus Broadcasting Pirate Block Party on Ferry Road, where downtown restaurants will be offering a variety of fare and Capt. Billy will be handing out beads and treasures.
Monday, August 3: The event will conclude Monday with The Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade, sponsored by Step One Automotive Group, at 7:00 pm. Parade floats will wind their way from First Street up Eglin Parkway. Parade-goers are encouraged to cheer for beads, cups, coins, and candy from the many festive floats. The perfect, and only way to end this Fort Walton Beach Tradition.
For additional information on the event and a detailed schedule please visit: http://www.billybowlegspiratefestival.com/
The 65th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival is sponsored by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber’s annual sponsors: Bank of England Mortgage, Bit-Wizards, City of Fort Walton Beach, Community Broadcasters, Cox, Cumulus Broadcasting, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson, Destin Fort Walton Beach Tourism Development Department, FastSigns, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Image Printing and Digital Services, MAG Aerospace, Northwest Florida Daily News, Okaloosa Gas, ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Step One Automotive Group,Eglin Federal Credit U by Hotel RL, and White-Wilson Medical Center.
As we are uncertain as to the what will be allowed in regards to social distancing, number of people permitted to gather in groups, etc., the organizers of the Billy Bowlegs Festival have decided that this year they will not offer vendor booths. They are encouraging all our downtown merchants and local businesses to take advantage of the weekend festivities and possible crowds by encouraging their associates to dress in pirate attire, decorate their store fronts, and offer food and beverage specials as they are able to.
While there is an abundance of uncertainty at this time, we look forward to the opportunity to gather, to celebrate, and welcome out of town vendors and guests back to our signature events and festivals in the near future.
The dastardly Billy Bowlegs has been seen off t’shores of T’Emerald Coast and rumor is that he be plannin’ to dock his ship once t’again at The Fort Walton Beach Landing!
The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber o’ Merchants and the City of Fort Walton Beach welcomes landlubbers and swabbys of all ages t’dis jolly family event.
Friday, July 31st – Pirate Skirmish at the Landing
Join om at The Landing at 6 pm on Friday, July 31st for a live concert in the park. Capt. Billy and his Krewe will dock at the Landing around 7 pm for a reconnaissance mission and skirmish. The Skirmish’ will feature Capt. Billy along with his Krewe coming ashore in an attempt to capture the City. The Honorable Mayor Rynearson will attempt to defend the city from these marauders with the outcome unknown, but either way fireworks to follow.
Saturday, August 1st – Pirate Invasion – Downtown FWB
Capt. Billy and the Krewe will officially “land” as per tradition to take over the city. After storming the Landing, the Krewe will invade downtown Fort Walton Beach. A party will follow at The Boardroom Pub & Grub from noon to 3 p.m. offering the public an opportunity to meet Capt. Billy Bowlegs LXV (65), his beautiful Queen, the Honor Guard, and his entire Krewe. The downtown invasion continues at the Cumulus Broadcasting Pirate Block Party on Ferry Road, where downtown restaurants will be offering a variety of fare and Capt. Billy will be handing out beads and treasures.
Monday, August 3rd – Torchlight Parade
And what better way to finish the Bowlegs festivities than the biggest parade on the Emerald Coast! The Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade, sponsored by Step One Automotive Group, on Monday, August 3, at 7 pm. The parade floats will wend their way from First Street up Eglin Parkway, with crowds screaming for beads and throws from the festive floats, sponsored by local businesses and organizations, all themed with a nautical spirit. The pirates and their visiting Mardi Gras krewe cohorts always inspire the loudest cheers and applause.