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.
• Recreations Outlet Pirate Ship Playland (Port Royal): Families and buccaneers of all ages can look forward to climbing, sliding, and exploring a custom-designed play area that captures the spirit of the high seas.

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!

Special appearance during the Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest, a new haunted attraction with Pirates!

 

 

Listen for screams to find the Curse of Pirate Cove at Port North Shore Marketplace in Buckeye Lake! This is a walkthrough ghostly attraction haunted by Captain Magnus Mudhouse and his scurvy crew of Pirate misfits. This is entertainment for all ages, come out for a Scream and stay for the Fun!

Open during Port North Shore Marketplace hours (Friday May 16 from 4-8, Saturday May 17 from 11-5 and Sunday May 18 from 11-4) for tours with a nominal admission fee or pieces of eight ~ enjoy me scary mates!

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.

Beyond the booming cannons and buried treasure of the Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest lies a captivating story of passion and community spirit, steered by the visionary duo, Kelly and Neena Collins. This year, their unwavering dedication promises another unforgettable voyage for thousands setting sail to Buckeye Lake.

More than just an event, the Pirate Fest is the realization of a shared dream. Deeply connected to the Buckeye Lake community, Kelly and Neena envisioned a unique festival that would ignite adventure and foster a strong sense of belonging. Through their tireless collaboration, the Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest has become a new beloved tradition, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic pirate charm.

“Our love for Buckeye Lake is the compass guiding our efforts,” says Kelly Collins. “Neena’s incredible ability to navigate the details perfectly complements my… well, let’s just say I bring the pirate spirit!”

Neena Collins adds, “Watching our initial spark of an idea grow into this incredible festival has been an amazing adventure. Kelly’s boundless energy and creative vision, alongside our fantastic on-site team, truly make the Pirate Fest a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Known affectionately as Captain Kelly and Skipper Charlie, this hands-on duo immerses themselves in every facet of the event. From the grandest spectacles to the smallest details, their commitment to crafting a memorable and welcoming atmosphere is the bedrock of the festival’s success.

Demonstrating another facet of their community engagement, Kelly and Neena established Buckeye Lake Boater Training four years ago in response to a need for practical hands-on boater education. As the sole ODNR Certified Boat Trainer at Buckeye Lake, they deliver vital safety courses and host a free boating safety seminar each spring, reinforcing their dedication to ensuring a safe and enjoyable lake experience for all.

The Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest is a fundraising event dedicated to benefiting and supporting the Harbor Community Center in Buckeye Lake, a vital non-profit organization serving the local community. This year’s festival will also include a food drive to directly support the Buckeye Lake LEADS & Food Pantry.

Mark your calendars and prepare to chart a course for another spectacular Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest!