Mermaids, Music & Mayhem: Bisbee Pirate Weekend Returns

Bisbee is always up for a good time, and this weekend is no exception. The little village is notorious for its city-wide cosplay events, and Bisbee Pirate Weekend will not disappoint.

Every year, the event takes place on the second weekend in August, and this year, Bisbee Pirate Weekend promises a tidal wave of fun for pirates of all ages

Bisbee, AZ Has Fallen to the Pirates

How Bisbee Pirate Weekend Began

The event started in the most organic, low-key Bisbee way possible. A woman was having a drink with some friends and mentioned her birthday was coming up. To celebrate, she announced that she wanted all her friends to dress up as pirates and share in an informal pub crawl.

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The idea sailed into everyone's imagination, grew sea legs (yeah, I said it!), and became the exciting annual event it is today.

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Walk the Plank! The Pirates of the Sky Islands

Decades later, the event has grown, flourished, and taken on a life of its own. Now it's helmed by a local crew known as The Pirates of the Sky Islands.

What began as a playful community gathering has grown into a full-blown cosplay celebration. The weekend features everything from pirate parades and mermaid meetups to circus acts, live music, and costume contests.

The History of Copper in Bisbee

Mermaids, Music & More: What to Expect

Here are five major events you won’t want to miss:

‍☠️ Pirate Ball happens Friday night at the Pythian Castle. Dress to impress and dance like a true swashbuckler. Be sure to get tickets on the website ahead of time because they sell out FAST!

⚓️ Meet a Mermaid & Maritime Marketplace swims into Bisbee on Saturday at City Park. Fun for all ages with vendors, performances, and magical encounters.

️ ️ Scavenger Hunt. Pick up your map and clues at the information booth.

 Pub Crawl for all ye scallywags over 21 on Saturday afternoon, with stops at Bisbee’s most iconic watering holes.

‍♀️ Return of the Mermaids Parade happens Saturday evening, starting at the IronMan Statue and ending at the Gulch.

If you're able to spend the weekend in Bisbee enjoying the swashbuckling fun, or just a few hours, put this event on your calendar. For the full schedule, tickets, and details, sail over to www.bisbeepirateweekend.com.

Sources: Bisbee Pirate Weekend | The Pirates of the Sky Islands

Photo permission granted as indicated by Pete Mecozzi and/or the Pirates of the Sky Islands.