STOCK PHOTO
Arrr you ready, Southwest Florida?
Salty Sam’s Marina is bringing back Pirate Fest, a popular pirate-themed celebration returning to Fort Myers Beach on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — fittingly, on International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Already home to the Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise, Salty Sam’s Marina is a natural fit for the revival of Pirate Fest. And with the event taking place on a day celebrated around the world by pirate fans, September 19 offers the perfect excuse for Southwest Florida to break out the eye patches, pirate hats and best pirate vocabulary for a day of waterfront fun.
The marina will transform into a pirate playground for the day, with activities planned throughout the property for families, boaters, locals and visitors.
Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite pirate and join in a full day of swashbuckling fun, including pirate games, treasure hunts, live music, craft vendors, special pirate-themed food and drinks, and plenty of opportunities to interact with the Salty Sam’s pirate crew.
One of the highlights of the festival will be the Salty Sam’s pirate ship itself. The ship will be brought in close to the heart of the festivities and opened for guests to come aboard, explore, play pirate games and enjoy some grog and Pirate’s Punch.
Both waterfront restaurants at Salty Sam’s Marina will also get into the spirit. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill and Marina Cantina Tin Tiki will feature special Pirate Fest menus and drinks throughout the day, giving festival-goers plenty of ways to continue the celebration along the waterfront.
Pirates by land — and by sea
Pirate Fest isn’t just for landlubbers.
STOCK PHOTO
Local boaters are invited to arrive by water and take part in a Pirate Dock Party at Salty Sam’s Marina. Boaters are encouraged to decorate their vessels, dress up their crews and join the festivities from the docks.
Prizes will be awarded to the best-decorated pirate boats, making the marina itself part of the show.
Even better, docking for Pirate Fest is free, making it easy for local boaters to pull in, join the party and spend the day enjoying the festivities.
Mel & Scott join the fun
Mel & Scott from Gator Country will also be part of the Pirate Fest celebration and will be giving away tickets to the Mel & Scott Sunset Cruise taking place later that evening.
Pirate Fest is designed to bring together many of the things that make Fort Myers Beach special — boating, waterfront dining, live entertainment and a little bit of Old Florida fun.
Whether arriving by boat or by car, attendees can spend the afternoon exploring the marina, boarding the pirate ship, enjoying food and drinks, listening to live music and celebrating Talk Like a Pirate Day with the Salty Sam’s pirate crew.
Pirate Fest is free to attend, with free parking and free docking available for guests.
EVENT DETAILS
Salty Sam’s Pirate Fest
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 — International Talk Like a Pirate Day
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Salty Sam’s Marina
2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach
Free Admission • Free Parking • Free Docking
Guests are encouraged to dress like pirates, bring the whole crew and join Salty Sam’s Marina for the return of Pirate Fest to Fort Myers Beach.
ABOUT SALTY SAM’S MARINA
Located on Fort Myers Beach, Salty Sam’s Marina is a waterfront entertainment destination offering boating, dining and family attractions all in one location. The marina is home to Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Marina Cantina Tin Tiki, the Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise, Sight Sea-R Cruises, boat rentals, wet and dry boat storage, shopping and more.
For additional information, media inquiries or interview opportunities, contact Salty Sam’s Marina.