The wait is almost over for the highly anticipated Boynton Beach Haunted Pirate Fest & Mermaid Splash (BBHPFMS)! On October 26th and October 27th, the streets of Downtown Boynton Beach will once again be transformed into a magical paradise that brings together scallywag pirates and enchanting mermaids. Now in its eighth year the festival has become a favorite of residents and one of the most popular events in South Florida.
The two-day event, which is produced by the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (BBCRA), is sure to heighten your senses and illicit a worth-while experience that will leave you craving more. Be sure to mark your calendar now, lest you will be experiencing some serious FOMO in a few short days!
So, what exactly is the festival and why should you come? Here’s your one stop guide with everything you need to know to fully experience the mesmerizing world of pirates and mermaids at this year’s event!
What is the Boynton Beach Haunted Pirate Fest & Mermaid Splash?
At its core, the festival is a business promotional event that is produced by the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to activate the city’s downtown core and promote the local businesses that operate out of the CRA District. But on the surface, it is a super charged community festival that has become a fan favorite of both locals and tourists.
How much are tickets?
Zero – zilch- not a penny! You won’t spend a dime to enter this FREE event! Not only will you enter the festival for free, but you’ll be able to enjoy the majority of the entertainment and attractions without exchanging any green.
When exactly is Pirate Fest?
This year the festival will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday, October 27, 2019, from 11 am to 6 pm.
Where is the event located?
The event is held in Downtown Boynton Beach along portions of East Ocean Avenue and NE 4th Street. The exact point of reference for the event is Dewey Park. Just plug 100 NE 4th Street, Boynton Beach, FL 33435, into your GPS and you should have no problem finding the event.
What roads will be closed for the event?
If you live in or frequently travel through eastern Boynton Beach you already know that the city’s downtown district is currently being redeveloped. Portions of East Ocean Avenue are already closed as a result of the ongoing construction projects. The road closure for the festival is as follows:
ROAD CLOSING
October 23, 2019
Close NE 4th Avenue between E. Ocean Avenue and Boynton Beach Blvd. at 8:00 a.m.
October 25, 2019
Close East Ocean Avenue from NE 3rd Street to Federal Hwy. at 8:00 a.m.
ROAD OPENING
October 27, 2019
Open East Ocean Avenue by 11:59 p.m.
October 28, 2019
Open NE 4th Street by 12:00 p.m.
Where can I park for the event?
While there are several sites surrounding the location of the festival, parking for the event is limited. Many of the parking locations are located only a few short blocks away from the site. Security guards and parking attendants will be onsite at most of the off-site parking locations. To view a map of parking locations, please click here.
What are alternative routes of transportation to the festival?
We understand that driving your own vehicle is the most ideal option, however due to limited parking we encourage you to take advantage alternative means of transportation. Park your vehicle at the Ezell Hester Center and take a short ride to and from the event. The free shuttle that will be transporting event goers to and from the event site for the duration of the event. The center is located at 1901 N. Seacrest Blvd. in Boynton Beach.
Alternatively, we suggest using a ride sharing company like UBER, LYFT, or a local cab company. There are also a few Palm Tran routes that pass directly by or very close to the event site. Visit www.discover.pbc.gov to view information on bus routes 1, 70, and 73.
Who are the event sponsors and community partners?
The Boynton Beach CRA is proud to have the support of sponsors and community partners for this year’s event. To see a full list of sponsors, click here.
Will there be vendors at the festival?
Yes, there will be a variety of unique vendors featured throughout the festival. If you are looking for authentic pirate garb, mermaid accessories, or custom artwork you’ll be sure to find authentic items being sold by vendors at the event. Visit the vendor page on the BB Pirate Fest website for a full listing of all participating vendors.
What type of food and beverage will be available at the festival?
Whether you’re looking for a tasty meal, a sweet and salty treat, or an on the go snack that can be enjoyed while perusing the festival you’re sure to find something to your liking inside of Grub & Grog Row, the festival food court, or from one of the street concession vendors located throughout the festival.
Don’t forget to try Pirate’s Rebellion, the official beer of the Boynton Beach Haunted Pirate Festival & Mermaid Splash, created by Due South Brewing for the event.
Are you still accepting volunteers for the festival?
Yes! We are still accepting volunteers to help with this year’s event. Whether you’re looking to accrue community service hours or you just want to jump in and have fun serving as a volunteer during the event we have a position for you. All volunteers receive a branded Pirate Fest t-shirt, food during their scheduled shift, and an invite to the BBCRA’s annual volunteer appreciation party. For more information about the various volunteer positions or to sign up, visit the volunteer webpage.
Can I bring my pet to the festival?
Due to the high energy nature of the event, which includes multiple stages of boisterous and lively music, as well as active cannons that are fired throughout the day we highly recommend leaving your beloved pets at home.
Should I dress in costume for the festival?
Absolutely! With Halloween right around the corner all event goers are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes to the event. On Saturday at the Buccaneer Bay Stage, at 4:15 pm there will be a costume contest for children and adults. Be sure to spruce up your mermaid attire for the annual Mermaid Pageant, which will take place at the Forbidden Island Stage on Sunday at 2:30 pm.
What type of entertainment can I see at the festival?
The festival features 12 areas of live and interactive entertainment for patrons of all ages. Listen to live and festive music and dance performances at the Forbidden Island, Walker D. Plank, Buccaneer Bay, and Black Pearl Stages. Be mesmerized by acrobats and stunt shows at the Field of Danger. Be enchanted by the lure of the mermaids as they perform live shows, pose for photos, and conduct story time Siren’s Grotto and the Mermaid Lagoon. Laugh out loud to comical story tellers and be awed by magicians.
What type of activities will there be for children?
Kids will be delighted by a variety of fun activities including, but not limited to: face painting, balloon artists, giant inflatables, craft making. Little pirates can be the star of their own voyage on the Avenger pirate ship. Be sure to stop by the Storybook Island tent to enjoy some Tales of the Sea with fun-loving pirates!
Does the festival have a treasure hunt?
But, of course! Legend has it that Captain Peg Leg, a notorious pirate who sailed the seas in 1898, has come ashore in Boynton Beach to hide his treasures throughout the city. Are you up for the challenge to hunt for his precious pirate booty? If so, be sure to stop by the treasure hunt booth to pick-up your treasure storybook that will lead you on an adventure throughout the festival. All participants will receive a medallion with the Tales of the Sea logo and be entered into a drawing to win a treasure trove of loot that will include official Pirate Fest merch and gift certificates to businesses located in Boynton Beach!
How can I get official Pirate Fest merchandise?
There are a few different ways to get your hands on some of the awesome Pirate Fest merch that was created for this year’s event. All costume contest and Mermaid Pageant winners will receive swag bags filled with official merch. Additionally, you can receive branded items like flashlight key chains, drawstring backpacks, beaded medallions, magnets, and much more by completing a short feedback survey at one of the Information Booths.
Still have questions about this year’s festival?
Visit bbpiratefest.com or call (561) 600-9093. Be sure to like and follow @BBPirateFest on Facebook and Instagram to receive the latest updates about the festival and use #BBPirateFest when posting to your favorite socials.
Boynton Beach Insider 
Leave a comment