This post was last updated on September 11, 2023.

Ahoy, me mateys! It’s Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19th), a very real holiday that the Internet totally made up. And if there’s one thing pirates know how to do — besides how to plunder and bury treasure, that is — it’s to party. The way we changed how we view these sea rascals — from terrifying marauders to charming, swashbuckling rapscallions — has led to the rise of the “pirate festival,” which is essentially, organized pirate-themed revelry.

So if all the old timey maritime slang has got you wanting to party like a pirate, here are a half-dozen upcoming festivals where you can get your “Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum” on.

Gasparilla Pirate Festival — Florida

Arguably the original pirate festival, Gasparilla has become a Tampa, Florida institution that’s been going on for more than 100 years. The celebration is built around the mythical pirate José Gaspar (aka “Gasparilla”), who “invades” the city of Tampa every year by sailing in with “Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla” aboard a replica pirate ship, along with a flotilla of other boats. After landing, the pirates ceremonially demand the key to the city from Tampa’s mayor and begin the Gasparilla parade through the city, resembling a Mardi Gras-like party atmosphere. For families wanting to get in on the pirate fun, there’s an alcohol-free children’s version too.

Contraband Days — Louisiana

Taking place across the first two weekends of May, Contraband Days is a 12-day festival that’s more than 60 years old. The Lake Charles celebration brags to have over 100 events and attractions on both land and sea, including a staged capture of the city’s mayor by costumed pirates — walk by the plank included! — live music, plenty of local food, carnival games, and rides.

Pirates Fest — Cayman Islands

If there’s one place that’s perfect for a pirate festival, it’s the Cayman Islands! A trio of isles located between Cuba and Panama and one of the few locations hosting a pirate festival in the heart of pirate territory…the Caribbean. The 11-day Pirates Fest includes a kick-off steel pan competition and party, a mock pirate invasion, street dancing, lots of food, a festival queen, a parade, a kids’ day, and fireworks along with a ton of other stuff.

You may also like: 10 Cool Secluded Islands in the Caribbean That You Can Visit

Blackbeard Pirate Festival — Virginia

While most pirate festivals are centered around celebrating the roguish life of a pirate, Hampton’s Blackbeard Pirate Festival is built around celebrating the death of probably the most notorious pirate. Born Edward Teach (or Thatch), Blackbeard made a name for himself raiding and pillaging from America’s Eastern colonies to the West Indies. In 1718, a crew of sailors dispatched by the governor of Virginia killed the infamous buccaneer in battle and his severed head was then displayed at the head of the Hampton River as warning to other freebooters. The city celebrates the events with three days of historical re-enactments, a pirate ball, Mardi Gras-like partying, and activities for kids, so keep all of that in mind if you intend to fly to Virginia anytime soon!

Did we leave out your favorite pirate party? Tell us about it in the comments below!