The Beaufort Pirate Invasion 2026

The Beaufort Pirate Invasion brings pirate reenactments, cannon demonstrations, and maritime history to Beaufort, North Carolina, on November 14–15, 2026. The main festival takes place at Gallants Channel Annex, with a free opening event at Eury Park on Friday, November 13.

Pirate Battles and Living History

The weekend features historical encampments, sea battles, live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, and hands-on activities. Costumed reenactors introduce visitors to the world of pirates and colonial seafarers through demonstrations and performances.

Schedule of Events

Friday, November 13

• 4:30–5:15 PM — Spanish Pirates Invade Beaufort: a free opening event at Eury Park. Visitors are invited to wear pirate costumes and join the festivities.

Saturday, November 14

• 10:00 AM — The Beaufort Pirate Invasion opens: daytime entertainment, living history, vendors, and activities at Gallants Channel Annex.
• 7:00–10:00 PM — Pirate Parlay: a separately ticketed evening of pirate bands and live entertainment at Gallants Channel Annex. Bring a lawn chair for the evening.

Sunday, November 15

• 10:00 AM–4:00 PM — The Beaufort Pirate Invasion: historical encampments, pirate battles, live music, entertainment, and vendors at Gallants Channel Annex.

Tickets and Admission

• Weekend admission: $10 per person, covering the daytime festival on Saturday and Sunday.
• Children ages 12 and younger: free admission.
• Pirate Parlay: $10 per person; children ages 12 and younger enter free. This is a separate ticket and does not include daytime weekend admission.
• Online service fee: $0.25 per paid ticket for either ticket type.
• Friday’s opening event at Eury Park: free.

Purchase official festival and Pirate Parlay tickets through the event website.

The History Behind the Invasion

The festival commemorates the 1747 attack on Beaufort by Spanish privateers, when the town was occupied before local defenders drove the attackers away. The modern celebration uses living history to explore this episode and the region’s maritime past.

Beaufort’s pirate connections also include Blackbeard: his flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, ran aground nearby in 1718. These are separate historical episodes that contribute to the town’s seafaring heritage.

Venue and Parking

The main festival and Saturday evening Pirate Parlay take place at Gallants Channel Annex, 293 W Beaufort Road Extension, Beaufort, NC 28516. Friday’s opening event takes place separately at Eury Park.

Parking is included with admission at Gallants Channel Annex, although spaces may be limited.

Approximate Road Distances

Approximate driving distances to Beaufort vary by route and starting point:

• Morehead City, North Carolina: 7 mi.
• New Bern, North Carolina: 41 mi.
• Jacksonville, North Carolina: 46 mi.
• Greenville, North Carolina: 84 mi.
• Wilmington, North Carolina: 106 mi.
• Raleigh, North Carolina: 150 mi.

Explore more historical festivals in North Carolina, browse November 2026 events, or discover other pirate festivals.