Break out your pirate gear and "pillage" John's Pass Village this weekend during this annual festival celebrating the discovery of John's Pass. The festival also aims to help residents prepare for hurricane season with a Hurricane Expo sponsored by Lowes (an 1848 hurricane cut the barrier island in half, organizers say).
The weekend's fun includes a Pirate's Ball, a sea battle and boat parade, a family treasure hunt, costume contests for adults and children, a pub crawl, pirate performers, pirate-themed merchandise, arts and crafts, and plenty of food and drinks.
NOTE: Admission to the festival is free, but a gate donation of "a buck-n-ear" is appreciated. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Fisherman Lost at Sea Memorial Fund, organizers say.