Join us on April 24th, 25th, & 26th!
Click here to view the full schedule!
The waterfront history of Salem comes alive as Captain Black Sam
Bellamy’s crew of pirates go toe-to-toe against Captain John Turner’s pirate hunters.
As participants learn, shop, and play up and down Derby Street, they will be able to tip the battle toward their chosen side before the dramatic conclusion at the end of the day.
⚓ All hands welcome. All ages encouraged. 🏴☠️
Known as the “Robin Hood of the Sea,” the pirate Captain Samuel Bellamy is clever, fearless, and beloved by his loyal crew. After serving alongside Blackbeard in the Caribbean, Bellamy has now sailed back for New England. He believes the seas belong to those brave enough to take them and won’t back down from a fight!
As commander of a fleet of merchant ships traveling the world, Captain John Turner is Salem Harbor’s fierce protector. Having already played a part in bringing pirate John Quelch to the gallows, Turner now sets his sights on a new threat—Sam Bellamy.
As commander of a fleet of merchant ships traveling the world, Captain John Turner is Salem Harbor’s fierce protector. Having already played a part in bringing pirate John Quelch to the gallows, Turner now sets his sights on a new threat—Sam Bellamy.
Choose your side!
Pick your favorite captain and visit their recruiting station to collect your treasure map.
In-person registration will be held day of at Charlotte Forten Park (289 Derby Street) on Saturday, April 25th. Questions or concerns? Click here to contact us!
Want to skip the lines? Pre-register below:
2026 Schedule – Click to view
Friday April 24th – Evening Kickoff
Saturday, April 25th – All Day Festivities
Sunday, April 26th – Whydah Day Commemoration
ABOUT THE HOSTS
THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES
In 1668, merchant and ship-owner John Turner built a house on Salem Harbor destined to become one of America’s most beloved historic homes. Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007, The House of the Seven Gables is best known today as the inspiration for world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. In 1910, Salem activist and philanthropist Caroline Emmerton restored the mansion and opened it as a museum and Settlement House to support the local immigrant community. Over a century later, The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association carries on Emmerton’s mission and vision by offering free English as a Second Language and Citizenship classes and providing a platform for immigrant voices on the North Shore.
REAL PIRATES SALEM
The family-friendly pirate experience features the true tale of “Black Sam” Bellamy – the richest and one of the youngest pirates of all time – and Maria Hallett, the love of his life and so-called “Witch of Wellfleet.” During the early 1700s, Bellamy captured the infamous slave ship Whydah, as well as more than 50 other ships, earning him the nickname the “Prince of Pirates.” Meet the crew and follow their journey as they seek fortune on the high seas, amass the greatest pirate treasure of all times, and ultimately meet their untimely fate when the Whydah sinks in a violent Nor’easter off the coast of Cape Cod. See the world’s only fully authenticated pirate treasure ever discovered – including coins, jewelry, and weapons – retrieved from the wreck, and last touched by the hands of pirates more than 300 years ago.
A special thanks to our partners & sponsors
