The 11th Annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest is set to sail into town October 8-11, 2015. Every Columbus Day Weekend Tybee Island, a charming seaside village located 20 minutes east of historic downtown Savannah, transforms into a swashbuckling, lively pirate haven for the event, celebrating the colorful, seafaring history of the Georgia coast.

The Tybee Island Pirate Fest is a four-day festival with live music, a parade and family-friendly activities. The hub of pirate action is at the South Beach parking lot, located on Tybrisa Street. The merriment begins Thursday, October 8 at The Crab Shack with the coronation of Pirate Fest’s King and Queen, Lanny and Stacye Jarrell, at the Buccaneer’s Ball. Friday, Saturday and Sunday highlights include The Pirate Victory Parade with the monster truck “Big Foot”, Scallywags Costume Contest, Little Matey’s Cove, Thieves Market, the Bud Light Whatever Bar with live music, a fireworks show and several kids’ activities such as a petting zoo, carousel, the Sea Ray swinging pirate ship ride and a 90 foot tall Ferris wheel.

This year’s headliners are Big Engine and Junior Marvin’s Wailers. Big Engine, a popular rock group that has performed with Charlie Daniels, Buckcherry, Motorhead and several other famous acts, is headlining the show Friday, October 9. Junior Marvin and the Wailers, a blues/rock band whose lead singer, Junior Marvin, has performed with Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, OAR and other popular groups will take the stage Saturday, October 10. Additional acts include Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love and MiniKiss.

Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love, a native Savannah band, will be the closing act taking the stage at 9:15 p.m. Friday, October 9. This 13-piece band includes the five-member “Bonaventure Horns” and covers the likes of Frank Sinatra, Prince, Otis Redding and The Rolling Stones. MiniKiss, a cover band that performs songs from Kiss and other 80’s bands will take the stage Saturday, October 10. This unique act, composed entirely of little people, appeared in Mall Cop 2, the Dr. Pepper/Kiss Super Bowl commercial, “The George Lopez Show” and “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.”

The Tybee Island Pirate Fest originated in 2005, attracting pirate enthusiasts from across the country. Organized by the Tybee South End Association of Bars and Restaurants, the Pirate Fest showcases the best of Tybee Island, from award-winning restaurants to miles of sandy beaches.

Ticket Prices:

Buccaneer Ball: $40 advance | $50 at door

Friday Pass: $12

Saturday Pass: $15

Weekend Pass: $23 for advance tickets (through September 30, 2015)

Sunday: Free

Kids 12 and under admitted free.