Blackbeard Pirate Festival

Ahoy, mateys! The Blackbeard Pirate Festival is fast approaching, and once again the Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina is the official host hotel. We're the only waterfront hotel in Hampton, Virginia, located just steps from all the festival fun.

The Blackbeard Pirate Festival
When: June 3-5, 2011
Where: Downtown Hampton on the waterfront
Tickets: Not required
Parking: Free throughout downtown or $1/hour, maximum of $10/day at the hotel
Web site: http://www.vasc.org/blackbeardpiratefestival.com/

Celebrate the rough and rugged history of Hampton at the boisterous Blackbeard Pirate Festival, a yearly favorite on the Virginia events calendar. This charming city was once a favorite port-of-call to lecherous 18th-century pirates, including the notorious Blackbeard. At the Pirate Festival, Hampton is a whole lot safer, but no less wild.

Events and entertainment at the Blackbeard Pirate Festival are all about discovering your inner-pirate. Dress up like a scallywag, sing your best sea shanty, and prepare for three full days of fun:

• Pirate Cove – the main hub of the festival, features 17th and 18th-century vendors selling period-accurate clothing and memorabilia.
• Blackbeard's Pirate Camp – learn to use a cutlass, load a cannon or sing a sea shanty.
• Bunch of Grapes Tavern – a stunning recreation of Hampton's original 1700s Bunch of Grapes Tavern. Offers dining.
• Tall Ships – tour historic schooners, shallops and an impressive Dutch pinnace
• Recreations – costumed actors bring the entire festival to life with riveting performances.
• Little Swashbucklers – there are plenty of fun activities just for the kids.

Whatever you do, don't miss the Grand Pirates' Ball, hosted June 3, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina. It's sure to be the only formal occasion you ever attend in full pirate attire (or "creative" black-tie). Check the Web site for ticket information, or contact the hotel for details about our "Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Pirate Ball Package", including accommodations and tickets.

One of the favorite Hampton festival and one of the top Hampton hotels – it's a pair that you can't pass up!