Ahoy there, mateys! Embrace the legend of Captain Kidd and the joy of pirate play. Don your pirate attire and gather with us at Parade Plaza by the Pirate Ship for a delightful photo session. Mingle with the swashbuckling crew, enjoy a shanty or two, and engage in conversations about seeking hidden treasures as we unveil hints on the exciting New London Pirate Adventure Map.
Ahoy, me hearties! The boisterous Bawdy Buccaneers are charting a course for the New London Pirate Festival on August 17th, right at Parade Plaza!
Embark on a musical voyage with Captain Lance D. Boyle of the Picaroon Princess and his trusty First Mate & “Cruise Director,” Truly Scrumptious. They’ll dock their vessel, The Picaroon Princess, at New London Parade Plaza, ready to welcome fellow pirates. Join in the merry exchange of tales and treasures, raise a chorus of beloved pirate melodies, or even learn a fresh tune or two.
BACKGROUND: Kalmar Nyckel is a full-scale, seagoing replica of the ship that founded New Sweden in 1638 in present-day Delaware, the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. She is returning to New London for the first time since 2022. The ship’s 2024 schedule has included visits to Norfolk Harborfest and Yorktown, VA; Wilmington and Historic New Castle, DE; Provincetown, MA; and this fall: Sultana Downrigging Festival in Chestertown, MD.
Kalmar Nyckel has professional officers and a crew of 200 trained volunteers who help maintain, sail, and teach its programs. No prior experience is required, and volunteers come from across the country and the globe. Launched in 1997, Kalmar Nyckel offers people of all ages a variety of sea- and land-based recreational and educational experiences.
Sailing Schedule
- Friday, August 16, 3:00-5:30pm
- Sunday, August 18, 10:00am-12:30pm
Can’t wait to meet our fellow Pirate Brethren and Buccaneers!
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Food Trucks
Popcentric- Various popsicles free to kids and adults
Twin Beaks Fried Chicken/ The GOOD Farm- Fried Chicken and homemade fries.
Uncle D’s BBQ
Local Business Specials:
Niantic Children’s Museum and NL Youth Affairs – Free books and Free children’s crafts activity.
The Annex– Free pirate stickers! “Whims & Wonders” a group Art exhibit
Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery- offers custom framing with a wide range of styles. The gallery showcases local artists’ two- and three-dimensional works. The current exhibit features New London-themed collages by Maurene Kennedy and black-and-white and color photography by Michael Congdon. The shop also offers unique gifts, including seaglass jewelry, decorated bottles, wooden birdhouses, and locally-made greeting cards.
Telegraph–
City Dock Restaurant- Stop by City Dock at the Custom House pier for DJ PIX from 6-10 with a drink special of a “Bucket of Rum”
Thames river Gallery
The Golden Owl: Stop by The Golden Owl for an evening of Pirate prose, puns, and sea shanties! At 6:30pm Wendy and Peter will read an excerpt from the classic Peter Pan followed by an Open Mic celebrating poetry, comedy, and music from 7-10. Enter to win a Peter Pan LEGO set.
Pirate night open mic
Avast ye hearties !! Pirate Poetry, puns & sea shanties
Flavours of Life, The Fair Trade Store
pick up a New London Pirate Adventure map at City Pier and have fun visiting the clue locations. 
Congratulations to the 2022 Winners of the Pirate Map Scavenger Hunt –Adam Campos & Jamie Marcial!
