Why buy a
$10 Weekend Pass?

This year’s Pirate Fest includes an admission fee for the first time. Since 2005, the events first year, Pirate Fest has been a free event. Pirate Fest is produced by not-for-profit organization called Tybee Fest, with just a handful of volunteers. Tybee Fest relies on donations and sponsorships to raise the large amount of money necessary to stage a quality event such as this. The event committee’s decision to begin charging an admission fee was extremely difficult to make. Unfortunately, due to the economy and the growth of the festival, sponsorships and donations alone could no longer fully cover the cost of producing a first class event. The decision came down to either cutting back on the quality of the event or charging a fee for admittance. So the decision was made to charge $10 for a weekend pass to the event; and to produce the best Pirate Fest to date! In order to help people understand the value they are receiving for their money here is a quick rundown of what you will receive for your $10. Also, in order to ensure that Pirate Fest continues to be a family friendly event, admission remains free to all children 12 and under!

What do I get for my $10 weekend pass?

• The fee covers your admission to the festival area on the South End of the island for both Friday and Saturday. This includes unlimited in/out privileges so you can come and go as you please. (The Buccaneer Ball is a private event held on Thursday at The Crab Shack, the day before the start of the festival; and it is a separate charge.)
• This year’s event will include a “big top”, a beautiful 10,000 square foot clear top tent, that will be erected to cover the stage and dancing areas. While this tent adds a major production expense it will ensure that the festival truly is rain or shine. The major entertainment portion of last years event was rained out and the tent will make sure that all bands will go on this year, including returning act The Marshall Tucker Band, who could not take the stage last year. The only way to get under the tent is with a weekend pass (or to be under 12 – because they are free).
• 10 different bands will play this year including: The Marshall Tucker Band, Big Engine, The Train Wrecks, Eric Culberson, Bottles & Cans, Wormsloew, High Velocity, Randy “Hatman” Smith, Roy and the Circuit Breakers, and The Bryan Clees Band
• Your admission into the costume contests and scavenger hunt, should you want to participate, is included in your weekend pass fee.
• Weekend pass fees also help to cover the costs of contest prizes and all of the wonderful kids activities offered this year. This year’s event will include a Petting Zoo, Pirate Bouncy Rooms, Treasure filled Sandbox, professional face painting for kids by The Puppet People, Performances by Angela Beasley’s Puppet People, games, and more! All of this FREE for the kids!!

Do I have to pay for the $10 weekend pass?

• If you are over the age of 12 then you have to pay.
• What if I am just coming for one day, not both days of the festival? The $10 weekend pass must be purchased even if you are just coming for one day. Think of it like you pay for one day and get the 2nd day for free!
• What if I am just coming to see 1 band? The $10 weekend pass must still be purchased. It is still a heck of a lot cheaper than most other concerts.
• What if I just want to bring my kids to the children’s events? The $10 weekend pass must still be purchased. But all children 12 and under are free!

You only need a weekend pass to gain admittance to the festival area which will be staged in the South Beach Parking Lot from Tybrisa Street to 18th Street. Watching the parade is free; make sure to get a good spot because parade participants give out treasure all along the parade route to spectators. Of course, as always, you must pay to park on Tybee Island from 8:00am to 8:00pm.

We hope everyone has a fantastic time
at the 5th Annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest!

Purchase your weekend passes for the Pirate Fest today and avoid the long lines! We’ll have a special entrance gate just for advance purchasers so you can avoid the last minute rush.

Buy Your Tickets Today

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