Pirates set sail for Weymouth in an October festival takeover
Weymouth Pirate Fest brings live music, parades and activities across the town
Last updated 2nd Oct 2026
Weymouth will transform into a pirate haven this weekend as the annual Pirate Fest returns to the town.
From Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October, visitors can enjoy three days filled with live music and pirate-themed activities.
Organisers describe the festival as "Dorset's big October get together of pirates of every kind, size, age and nuttiness," welcoming everyone to partake in the fun.
The event's highlight is the Dolmen Pirate Parade on Saturday 3rd October. Pirates will assemble on St Mary Street at 11.15am, with the parade beginning at 11.30am.
Participants are encouraged to come dressed in "ribbons and finery" to join the revelry as they follow the drums through town.
Families can continue their adventure at Nothe Fort, hosting a Pirate Weekend on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October.
Young buccaneers can partake in a treasure hunt, storm the Parade Ground pirate ship, try the Sink the Ship water cannons, and enjoy pirate dress-up, with chocolate gold coin prizes available.
These activities are included with normal admission, and annual pass holders get free entry.
Pirate Fest features performances by hosts The Dolmen, pirate rockabilly band The Wildcats, Hooligan's Rule, Blinduz!, Mark Loxley, and more.
Hardy's Hophouse will serve as the festival's headquarters.
Meanwhile, The Black Dog pub offers four days of live music from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th October, highlighted by a Purple Pirate Day and charity stock.
The Tin Cat pub also hosts live music from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October.
Entry to the festival is free, with donations keeping the tradition alive.
Dawn Rondeau-Irvine from We Are Weymouth said: "Pirate Fest is one of those weekends when the whole town joins in... It's brilliant for our town centre businesses at a time of year when a busy weekend makes a real difference."