On April 25th, Salem’s historic Derby Street waterfront transforms into a lively pirates and privateers venue. “Pirates! The Battle for Derby Street” is a swashbuckling festival packed with adventure, history, music and mischief for the pirates in all of us. At the heart of the festival is an epic and playful rivalry between two legendary figures: Captain John Turner of The House of the Seven Gables fame and Captain Black Sam Bellamy, captain of the ill-fated Whydah Gally, a pirate ship which wrecked off of the Massachusetts coast, featured in Salem’s own Real Pirates museum. Expect a bustling pirate thoroughfare full of treasure maps and prizes, live pirate skirmishes, maritime lectures and demonstrations; music, roaming performers, artisan merchants and themed food and drink specials from local restaurants. Costumes welcome for photo ops and plenty of other surprises await!

Participants will want to check in starting at 10 am to pick up a treasure map and guide to the Derby Street participating merchant crew, where treasure hunt clues will be furnished. A concluding event will take place at the end of the day featuring prizes for the winners of the treasure hunt and more entertainment. The event will conclude during daylight hours but participants are encouraged to stay longer in the area to enjoy after-festival dining, treats and shopping in the area.

Costumes welcome! Wear comfortable walking shoes. And bring your rain gear in case of inclement weather.