PIRATE ENCAMPMENTS

The Cannon Crew-Main Street  

•  1700’s fishing/pirate camp.

• Learn early fishing techniques using traps, netting, gigs, poles, and harpoons. 

• See demonstrations on candle making, carpentry, sewing, and making string and twine.   

 

 Sword Conservatory- Across from Olde Town Square  

• Pirate/Maritime Historical Combat group demonstrates sword fighting with cutlass and sabre. 

• Learn how naval edged weapons were used when one crew boards another ship to take it as a prize and how another crew fought in defense. 

• Take an introductory lesson in cutlass fighting and fight a pirate or sailor!

  

Crew of the Topsail Star & Wilmington Harbor- Across from Olde Town Square 

Motley Tones- Olde Town Square

Be on the lookout for a band of buccaneer merrymakers known as The Motley Tones! This musical act will be performing an eclectic mix of period and not-so-period maritime tunes, sea shanties, madrigals, love songs, and children’s songs. Come sing shanty’s with pirates at Olde Town Square. Onslow County Parks and Recreation and Swansboro Parks and Recreation invite you to come on out and belt a tune!

Shadow Players- Olde Town Square

Step back into the Golden Age of Piracy with The Shadow Players Stage Combat Group at PirateFest! This high-energy performance combines comedy, thrilling sword fights, whip work, and traditional pirate songs, all wrapped up in an educational and entertaining 20–30 minute show. With plenty of audience interaction and laughs, their performance is perfect for all ages—not just the little pirates!

Misfits of Fortune-Old Town Square

The Misfits of Fortune is an actor combatant troupe of bards who love to sing, brawl, and play-act to the cheers and jeers of a crowd! Engage with troupe during their show, just scream, “Ahoy!” or ask them about their booty whenever you get the chance! So, get ready for swashbuckling sword fights, songs, and silliness! Join Captains Grey, Ursula, Kreed, Feral, and Smithe of the Pirate Council, and help them try to “elect” a new leader as they match wits, sling steel, and sing shanties in this funny, action packed, musical show.

The Circus Siren Pod-Church St. Gazebo

Dive into a mesmerizing world of enchantment and grace with our spectacular mermaid performance event! Stop by the tank to meet the mermaids in the Circus Siren Pod, snap a photo, and even get a real pearl from one of the oysters in the tank that mermaid will find just for you! It wouldn’t be a pirate festival without mermaids!

 

• There be mischief afoot! Search for Pirate Fest’s most wanted faces and places.

• Get your most wanted poster from the information booth on Front Street.

• Turn in your most wanted poster for pirate booty!

 

Other Attractions 

• Turtle’s Lair Photo Opportunity Experience

• Activities for the little buccaneers including face painting

• Pirate vendors on Front Street

• Food vendors on Front Street

 

 

Welcome to the Swansboro Christmas Flotilla, a cherished holiday tradition that lights up the heart of historic downtown Swansboro! Join us on Friday, November 29th, from 5 to 8 PM, for an unforgettable evening of festive fun presented by Team Chevrolet of Swansboro.

🎄 What to Expect

• Dazzling Decorated Boats: Watch beautifully lit boats glide along the waterfront in a magical display of holiday spirit.
• Visit with Santa: Bring the little ones to meet Santa Claus and make cherished holiday memories.
• Food & Warm Drinks: Enjoy tasty treats, hot cider, and cocoa as you soak in the festive atmosphere.

🎅 Getting There
Park with ease at the Municipal Park fields off Recreation Way and hop on a hayride to the downtown waterfront.

🎉 A Community Tradition
The Swansboro Christmas Flotilla is a time-honored event filled with joy, excitement, and community spirit, perfect for kicking off the holiday season.

✨ Thank You to Our Sponsors
A big thank you to our sponsors for helping make this magical evening possible.

📅 Mark Your Calendar
Visit swansborofestivals.com for event details and updates. Don’t miss this enchanting night of lights, laughter, and holiday cheer!

 

 

 

 Join the Fun

Calling All Boaters: Join the Swansboro Christmas Flotilla!

Do you have a boat and a love for the holiday season? Be part of a magical Swansboro tradition by decorating your vessel and joining the Swansboro Christmas Flotilla on Friday, November 29th, from 5 to 8 PM, presented by Team Chevrolet of Swansboro.

This is your chance to light up the waterfront with creativity and holiday spirit! Showcase your decorated boat to an enthusiastic crowd as you help make this beloved event a night to remember.

Why Join?

• Be part of one of Swansboro’s most cherished holiday traditions.
• Spread holiday cheer to the community.
• Compete for bragging rights as one of the most festive boats on the water!

How to Participate
Register now to secure your spot in the flotilla! Join the parade by clicking here or contact the event organizer Anna Stanley, astanley@ci.swansboro.nc.us

Help us make this year’s Swansboro Christmas Flotilla the brightest and best one yet. We can’t wait to see you—and your boat—on the water!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina, the oldest festival in the Crystal Coast, began in 1954. The weekend centers around the small, bony fish that appears as having a purplish-blue tint when found in Eastern North Carolina waters. Swansboro natives remember days long ago when mullets were hauled to shore in nets hooked to tractors along the beach. In 1954, mullet fed the workers building the White Oak River Bridge that later became a vital link between Onslow and Carteret counties. Upon its completion, the conception of the Mullet Festival began. It was a way to celebrate the arrival of the modern era in bridge form. The event started as a potluck-type event with the town coming together and contributing to the celebration.

 

 

 

For more information and/or vendor opportunities, please visit swansborofestivals.com