Our Pirate Events Are Legendary!

Family-Friendly Tours

Step into the thrilling world of Real Pirates Salem and explore genuine treasures, dramatic shipwreck tales, and the real lives of pirates who once sailed the New England coast. Perfect for families, history lovers, and travelers seeking something extraordinary. Your next adventure begins here!

Corporate Events

Host your next corporate gathering or team building activity in an unforgettable setting. Real Pirates Salem offers guided programs that blend history, leadership, and teamwork. Engage, inspire, and make your next event legendary with Real Pirates Salem.

Schools & Educational Groups

Our field trip programs bring the past to life for your students with hands-on exploration and authentic artifacts recovered from the Whydah shipwreck. If you can’t come to us, ask about our Traveling Museum option, where we bring the experience straight to your school!

Pirate-Themed Weddings

Where history and romance collide! Our unique museum is nestled in the heart of Salem’s historic waterfront, offering a captivating setting for unforgettable pirate-themed weddings. Step back in time and exchange vows amidst the artifacts and legends of the pirates of the Whydah. 

Summer Camps

We welcome summer camp groups to explore our captivating maritime exhibits, uncover the secrets of pirates, and embark on a thrilling voyage through history. If you can’t come to us, ask about our Traveling Museum option, where we bring the experience straight to your camp!

Birthday Parties

From birthdays to themed events, Real Pirates Salem provides a truly unique venue. Explore the exhibits, enjoy immersive stories about real pirates, and create memories with a splash of adventure and fun. We offer flexible packages and fun customization options to help you create the perfect event.

Pirate Festival: Pirates! The Battle For Derby Street

April 24th, 25th, & 26th!

This spring, Salem’s Derby Street waterfront transforms into a lively pirate and privateers venue as Pirates! The Battle for Derby Street takes place.  This is a swashbuckling festival packed with adventure, history, music, and mischief for pirates of all ages!

At the heart of the festival is an epic and playful rivalry between two legendary figures: Salem’s Captain John Turner and the Whydah Gally’s Captain “Black Sam Bellamy – rival captains whose clash will unfold throughout the weekend in a series of theatrical encounters, games, and crowd-driven moments. Guests will be invited to cheer, jeer, and even influence the outcome of the battle as the story unfolds.

Whether you arrive dressed as a pirate or just ready for fun, Pirates! The Battle for Derby Street promises laughter, spectacle, and unforgettable memories.

2026 Schedule

Friday April 24th – Evening Kickoff

Saturday, April 25th – All Day Festivities

Participate in this bustling pirate thoroughfare along Salem’s historic Derby Street with:

• Live pirate skirmishes and storytelling
• Treasure maps with prizes
• Music, shanties, and roaming performers
• Interactive activities for kids and families
• Artisan merchants, food, and grog worthy treats
• Costumes, photo ops, and plenty of surprises!

Sunday, April 26th – Whydah Day Commemoration
A moment of silence for local seafarers lost at sea, and their families.

• On Sunday, April 26, the 309th anniversary of the sinking of the Whydah Gally, Real Pirates Salem will host a commemorative ceremony honoring sailors lost at sea. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 AM outside the museum in Charlotte Forten Park.
• The museum will be open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM, and will offer discounted admission for the day.

Mark your calendars!