Port Clinton will be overrun with pirates (and fun) when the Port Clinton Pirate Fest comes to town on July 24-26. (Submitted photo)
PORT CLINTON – Pirates, scallywags, buccaneers, live musical entertainment, food vendors, artisans, crafters, mermaid and parrot shows, and family adventure await at the first ever Port Clinton Pirate Fest on July 24–26 at Waterworks Park, located at 205 E. Perry Street in Port Clinton.
The three-day festival invites everyone to experience a waterfront celebration filled with pirate-themed entertainment, costumed characters, canons, unique vendors, delicious food, lighthouse tours, and activities for all ages. Admission is free, making it a perfect summer destination for families, locals, and visitors exploring Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline.
Festival hours are Friday, July 24 from 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to grab their crew, dress in their favorite pirate or mermaid attire, enter the best dressed pirate contest, enjoy the games, and join the adventure. Throughout the weekend, attendees can explore and hunt for treasure, meet colorful characters, shop from merchants and artisans, enjoy live performances, and create memories along the Port Clinton waterfront.
“The Port Clinton Pirate Fest is about bringing people together and celebrating the unique spirit of our community,” said Kelly Rigoni, head organizer of the event and president of the Port Clinton Pirate Fest 501(c)(3). “It’s a place where families can make memories, visitors can experience the charm of Port Clinton, and everyone can enjoy a little adventure along the Lake Erie shoreline.”
The festival celebrates the community’s rich connection to the water and the colorful stories that have shaped the Lake Erie shoreline. From its maritime heritage to the days of Prohibition-era rumrunning and bootlegging, when the waterways became a route for those seeking to move goods across the lake, Port Clinton has long been connected to tales of adventure, mystery, and life on the water. Visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of their trip by enjoying the festival while exploring Port Clinton’s restaurants, shops, lighthouse, attractions, and outdoor recreation.
For event schedules, updates, vendor information, and additional details, visit the official Port Clinton Pirate Fest website at portclintonpiratefest.com.