Get ready to hoist the mainsail! The Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest is back and bigger than ever, setting course for a thrilling three-day event from May 16th to 18th, 2025. Welcoming pirates, mermaids, steampunk enthusiasts, and the public of all ages, this family-friendly festival promises a weekend filled with treasure hunting, lively entertainment, and a bustling Pirate Market showcasing the best of the Buckeye Lake region.

The Pirate Market, anchored in Buckeye Lake, Licking County, serves as the central hub. However, the weekend’s thrilling festivities and expansive Treasure Hunt will chart a course through the surrounding areas. Participants can expect to explore the scenic shores of Buckeye Lake State Park, venture into Thornport and Fairfield Beach in Perry County, and discover hidden gems in Millersport, Fairfield County.

Admission to the Pirate Market is free and open to everyone, inviting all to “Come for the Treasures – Stay for the Fun!”

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.

NEW FOR 2025:

• Extended Festivities: The Pirate Fest Market and Treasure Hunt will now span three days, including Sunday, May 18th!

• Expanded Pirate Market: Discover a treasure trove of goods with over 100 shopping booths spread across two convenient locations.

• Enhanced Treasure Hunt: Embark on a quest to find 40 hidden treasure chests! New for 2025, the Treasure Hunt Map will also guide adventurers to special weekend pirate parties and events throughout the Buckeye Lake area.

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 (as featured in ‘Ripley’s Believe it or Not’. Pirate Treasure Hunt maps will be available at Port Royal while supplies last.

PIRATE MARKET – Two Locations for Double the Booty!

The Pirate Market will operate throughout the weekend (May 16-18, 2025) across two exciting locations:

• Port Royal Market: Located at the Harbor Community Center in Buckeye Lake.

• North Shore Market: Situated directly across the street from the Port Royal Market.

A variety of food and drink vendors will be on-site to satisfy every buccaneer’s appetite and thirst.

PIRATE TREASURE HUNT – Land & Sea Adventure Awaits!

The Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest Treasure Hunt offers a thrilling adventure across land and sea. Special Treasure Hunt Maps will be available at Port Royal and 40 participating local businesses (while supplies last), with no purchase necessary to participate. Following the conclusion of the Pirate Fest, 40 lucky participants will discover the hidden treasures within each of the participating business’s chests.

PIRATE PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS – Shiver Me Timbers, There’s More!

Numerous Buckeye Lake area businesses are joining in the pirate spirit by hosting special events and activities throughout the festival weekend (May 16-18, 2025). Expect to find local “crews” offering weekend bands, unique activities, and lively entertainment.

Confirmed Saturday, May 17th entertainment thus far includes The Lost Boys at the Waterfront (12-3 pm), Distorted Silence at the Mill Dam Corner Grill (3 – 7 pm), and Rock House at the Dirty Oar (7 – 10 pm). Attendees can look forward to the same fun and exciting atmosphere that defines the Buckeye Lake Winterfest, but with the added benefits of warmer weather, outdoor shopping, treasure hunting, and swashbuckling fun!

Stay tuned for more details and follow this event on the Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest Facebook page, or check out the Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest website.