Privateer Day Festival in Fells Point

Pirates invade Baltimore! Aye matey, that's right droves of would-be pirates overrun Fells Point for a family friendly festival.

Many visitors dress the part, arriving in 17th-century costumes of maritime folk such as privateers, pirates, sailors, barkeeps, merchants, bar wenches or homemakers. Look for:

• Free tours of tall ships docked in Fells Point's harbor
• Costume contests
• Craft and food vendors
• Storytelling and art projects for kids
• Special paid cruises of the harbor

Plus, since this is Fells Point, there is grown-up fun as well. Just as the family festival is winding down, The "Pyrate Invasion" pub crawl starts up at many of Fells Point's bars. Participating bars and restaurants offer discounts to those who purchase a Pyrate Invasion button. Details.

2008 Details

Date: Saturday, April 19th, 2008
Time: 11a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Fells Point waterfront (Thames Street between Ann and Bond Sts. )
Cost: Free
The event is rain or shine.

New additions to the festival for 2008 include:

• Living History Camp - Bond Street Wharf. See demonstrations of period foods, weapons and tactics, navigation and seamanship and a military drill demonstration. The live weapons are black powder demonstrations involving small arms, long arms, cannon and sword play.
• Seven ships with free on-board tours - The Pride of Baltimore II, The Lioness, Schooner Farewell, Schooner Woodwind, Urban Pirates, Skipjack Martha Lewis, Edlen Rose, and The Black Eyed Susan.
• Inauguration of Urban Pirates' new ship - A pirate ship takes up permanent residence in Baltimore's harbor with the inauguration of an as-to-be-named pirate ship this spring. Privateer Day will be the grand opening for the new ship, which will offer pirate-themed cruises for kids. A ship-naming contest is going on now and the winner will be announced at the festival.

Paid cruises:

• Pride of Baltimore II (1 ½ hour sailing cruise, $55, 10 a.m.)
• Black Eyed Susan (2-hour "A Wedding of Pyrates" buffet lunch cruise, $45/$30 under 12, 11:45 a.m., 2:30 p.m.)
• Schooner Woodwind (1 ½ hour sailing cruise, $30, noon 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.)
  Visting Fells Point
  • Photo Tour
  • Hotels
  • Parking
  • Bars
  • Fells Point Festival (in the fall)
  • Water Taxi
  
  Privateer Day Website

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