There are some fantastic experiences to be had with the growing interest in Pirate Festivals around the country (and indeed the world). Getting dressed up as a pirate and wearing an eyepatch, brandishing a sword and speaking in the “ayy, matey, ye yard arms to to flame ye be” is a fantastic way to spend an entertaining weekend. Many pirate festivals have sword play exhibitions, wench and pirate costume contests, period reenactors and games for pirates of all ages.
One of the first pirate festivals is the Gasparilla Pirate festival in Tampa Florida, which started festivities in 1904. They hold a mock invasion by the legendary pirate Jose Gaspar in a rowdy clebration of pirate swashbuckling activites. The party goes on for a week with games and parades, contests, faire food (grub and grog), stages of entertainment, musical shows and so much more to make for a really great event to experience. I highly recommend checking out pirate festivals near you for a fun family time.