Newport Pirate Fest

by Vera Thornton

When: Saturday, May 24, 2008 from 10:00 a.m.
Where: Downtown Newport

Calling all rogues and seadogs! The 2nd Annual Pirate Fest for pirates of all ages takes place in downtown Newport and includes a Treasure Hunt, Pirate School, a Walking Tour, and the Buccaneers Ball. A swashbuckling good time, and be warned that no weapons are allowed except plastic swords and cutlasses.

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Lots of cool events are happening all day at the Thomas Tew Thieves Market at Brick Market Place. Here you can purchase authentic period clothing and pirate paraphernalia, and pick up a map and the first clue for the Treasure Hunt. Also featuring a Kiddie Pirate Costume Contest, and a Swordfighting Demonstration. You can learn to act and talk like a pirate….arrr matey! in Family Pirate School, and see buccaneer styles in the Pirate Fashion Show. The Swashbuckler Sing-Off welcomes groups and individuals to compete and win a prize for performing classic or original pirate chanteys; winners to be determined by the audience. Better loosen up those pipes with a bit of grog.

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Pirate Treasure Hunt through downtown Newport. Maps are sold for $1 at the Thieves Market, and you have two hours to find the buried treasure.

11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cap’n Nick’s Newport Pirate Walk – a 90 minute narrated walking tour led by costumed buccaneers, full of pirate history and rogues’ tales.
Tickets: $15/adults, $10/children, 6 – 17
(401) 294-4922
Tickets also available at the Visitors Information Center, 23 America’s Cup Avenue.

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Rum Tasting and Grog at the Tropical Pirate Bar, 345 Thames Street
Now this is sure to be a crowd pleaser for all the thirsty pirates!

5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Smugglers’ Cocktail Cruise aboard the Rum Runner II, departing from Bannister’s Wharf
$25/person; reservations recommended.
(401) 847-0298




8:00 p.m.
Buccaneer’s Ball
Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf, off America’s Cup Avenue
Shiver me timbers - the official final event to end the day! A pirate/tropical theme, of course, with costume contests and costumed entertainment. Drop anchor and prepare to board!
Tickets: $25/guests over 21 only




Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Cap'n Nick's Newport Pirate Walk
Photo #2 & #3: Flappin Flag