Ahoy! The Boynton Beach Haunted Pirate Fest & Mermaid Splash (BBHPFMS) is almost here! On October 30th and October 31th, the streets of Downtown Boynton Beach will once again be transformed into a magical paradise that brings together scallywag pirates and enchanting mermaids. Celebrating it’s 10th year, this free 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 sea-faring adventure that is sure to 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 (BBCRA) to activate the city’s downtown and promote the local businesses that operate out of the BBCRA Area. 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 30, 2021, and Sunday, October 31, 2021, from 11 am to 8 pm each day.
Where is the event located?
The event is held in Downtown Boynton Beach along East Ocean Avenue, from Seacrest Boulevard to Federal Highway. A good point of reference is Boynton Beach City Hall at 100 E. Ocean Avenue. Feel free to use this address in your GPS device!
What roads will be closed for the event?
ROAD CLOSING
October 28, 2021
Close E. Ocean Avenue from Seacrest to NE 4th Street at 8:00 a.m.
October 29, 2021
Close E. Ocean Avenue from NE 4th Street to Federal Hwy at 8:00 a.m.
ROAD OPENING
November 1, 2021
Open E. Ocean Avenue from NE 4th Street to Federal Hwy at midnight
Open E. Ocean Avenue from Seacrest to NE 4th Street by 5:00 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 of alternative means of transportation. 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.
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! To celebrate Halloween weekend, all event goers are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes to the event. On Saturday at 2:15 p.m. there will be a costume contest for children and adults at the Buccaneer Bay Stage 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 2:00 pm.
What type of entertainment can I see at the festival?
The festival features a variety of 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 in 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, giant inflatables, and craft making. Little pirates can be the star of their own voyage on the Avenger pirate ship!
Does the festival have a treasure hunt?
But, of course! Legend has it that phantom pirates have 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 information booth to pick-up your treasure map that will lead you on an adventure throughout the festival. All participants will 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!
Will there be trick-or-treating?
Yes! The festival will offer trick-or-treating on Halloween, October 31st from 11a.m. – 8p.m. Stop by the information booth to find out which vendors will be passing out candy.
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 by completing a short feedback survey at one of the Information Booths.
Still have questions about this year’s festival?
Visit bbpiratefest.com, and 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 
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