Beware ye landlubbers! Some serious swashbucklers are coming to John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk in Madeira Beach th
is weekend, May 10-12 in celebration of the discovery of John’s Pass. The John LeVique Pirate Days are filled with free family fun for all ages.
There are plenty of great rogue events happening during the Pirate Days Festival. Here are some of the highlights.
For a comprehensive list of activities, dates and times, check out the Pirate Days full schedule of events.
Pirates Ball at The Green Turtle Tavern
On Friday, May 10 from 7-11p.m., the 12th Annual Pirates Ball is an adults-only adventure (age 21 or older) and fundraiser featuring entertainment, Sea Shanties, nautical songs and a bit of bawdiness. Dress in your best piratical attire for a judging at 10p.m. and be in the running for thousands of dollars in prizes donated by area merchants. A $10 donation is requested for the Pirates Ball, which includes entry in the costume contest.
John LeVique Pirate Days Flotilla
The flotilla sets sail on Saturday, May 11 at noon with the Loyalists planning an ambush of seaworthy proportions that 
includes water pistols, super soakers and black powder cannons. It is a sea battle and boat parade full of high seas adventure. The flotilla starts at 1:30p.m. and winds through John’s Pass Village and ends at the Center Square tents for the awarding of prizes in each of the boating categories.
Family Treasure Hunt
May 11 and May 12 offer a Family Treasure Hunt from 10a.m. to 6p.m. on Saturday and 10a.m. to 4p.m. on Sunday beginning at The Alligator Attraction on Village Boulevard at John’s Pass. Known as one of the most popular activities at the event, the Village-wide treasure hunt gives families a
map and a list of clues in order to find all of the spots on the treasure hunt. This event calls for all hands on deck and families are encouraged to dress in their best pirate garb.
Participating merchants donate a gift item for the grand prize and provide trinkets along the way to families as proof of completion that they have found their spot on the treasure map.The grand prize drawing is held at 4:15p.m. on Sunday and offers a booty valued at hundreds of dollars. Families that have participated in the hunt are automatically entered in the grand prize drawing. Treasure maps are limited to the first 500 families, so don’t be hornswaggled out of this opportunity, mateys.
Children’s Activities for the Lads & Lassies
Yo ho ho! In addition to the Family Treasure Hunt, the young lads and lassies can enter the Children’s Costume Contest on Saturday, May 11 at 4p.m. at Windworks in John’s Pass Village. Pre-registration is required. They can also enjoy face painting, craft projects and family-friendly entertainment during the Pirate Days.
And More…
There are plenty of other Pirate Days events during the festival including a pub crawl, themed merchandise for sale, arts and crafts, food vendors, musical entertainment and pirate performers. Visit the Hurricane Expo for a boat-load of giveaways courtesy of Lowe’s. The John LeVique Pirate Days Festival runs on Friday from 3-11p.m., Saturday 10a.m. to 8p.m. and Sunday 10a.m. to 6p.m. The festival is free but a buck-n-ear donation helps to support the Fishermen Lost at Sea Memorial Fund and helps to keep this event afloat. For the latest event information and updates, click here.
Where to Stay
Any time you want to be close and convenient to Florida’s Gulf Coast events while enjoying the area’s soft sandy beaches and sparkling waters, make plans to stay locally in a beach vacation rental perfectly suited for you and your family. Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores offer the ideal combination of quiet secluded beaches that are still close to all of your favorite Gulf Coast adventures. Make your beach vacation plans now, aye!
