Join Blackbeard’s Crew in preserving the rich 18th-century nautical traditions of Hampton, Virginia. Together, we can keep our maritime history alive!

Hampton’s Blackbeard Festival

The Ballad of Blackbeard’s Festival

In Hampton’s port where tall ships sway,
The ghosts of pirates rise in May.
From May’s last breath to June’s bright hue,
We sail again ‘neath skies of blue.

With boots and blades and laughter bold,
The legends of the sea retold—
A town transformed by cannon’s roar,
Where pirates dance and spirits soar.

May 31st, the tide rolls in,
The festival’s about to begin.
June the 1st, we raise the call,
To Hampton’s Grandest Pirates’ Ball!

Beneath the stars and lantern light,
The Air and Space ignites the night.
With rum and song and tales well spun,
We toast the moon ’til rise of sun.

Then June the 2nd, brace the shore,
The sea fights come with cannon’s roar!
Blackbeard’s crew and ships align,
To wage bold battles on the brine!

Steel will clash and powder flare,
With cheers and music in the air.
For young and old, both brave and shy,
Adventure waits where sails fly high.

So come ye all, both fair and free,
To Hampton’s port beside the sea.
Let Blackbeard’s name be loud and proud—
A festival fierce, fast, and unbowed!