Avast me hearties! Plymouth Pirates Weekend returns this weekend

7th May 2026

Plymouth Pirates Weekend returns this coming weekend (Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May) and this year there’s even more bounty to enjoy!

Made possible with thanks to the businesses of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, Plymouth Pirates Weekend transforms the waterfront, from Sutton Harbour, to the Barbican, from West Hoe to the Royal William Yard and Stonehouse peninsula into a swashbuckling fun filled weekend for all the family.

Sarah Gibson, CEO, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership: “Marking its 15^th year in 2026, Pirates Weekend is a brilliant event for all the family and really celebrates the maritime connections Plymouth has as Britain’s Ocean’s City and home of the UK’s first National Marine Park. Businesses across the waterfront are providing entertainment and fun in our historic quaysides attracting visitors from across the South West, helping to build our city’s reputation as a cool destination to enjoy, live and work. Come join us and make this weekend an adventure in Plymouth.”

Plymouth Pirates Weekend is a treasure trove of activity and this year there’s some new additions to the programme including:

• The Nao Santa Maria will be berthed alongside on the Barbican Landing Stage (from Wednesday 6 until Sunday 10 May) – tickets can be bought in advance or on the day
• Best Dressed Pirate Competition - wear your best dress pirate costume to be in with a chance of winning LovePlymouth gift voucher prizes
• Buccaneer Bingo – find all the clues for a full house to claim your prize from the Tourist Information crew
• Pirates Raft Race in aid of the RNLI – 10 teams will compete in their home-made rafts to win the race from Commercial Wharf, on Sunday afternoon.

A wide range of local traders, entertainers, shanty bands and activities will also be part of the weekend to really add to the fun atmosphere across the waterfront.

Visitors can access the whole waterfront quickly and easily this Pirates Weekend via a wide range of transport options.

Travel between the Barbican and the Royal William Yard and the Stonehouse peninsula for free this weekend courtesy of Plymouth CityBus. Take the FREE Aargh and Ride (Service 25P) from the Barbican to Brewery Tap stop in Stonehouse, then take the FREE connection 34A service which runs every half an hour to take you to the Royal William Yard. 

The free Shuttle Bus service courtesy of Plymouth CityBus will operate from 11:03 until 17:35 on Saturday (9 May) and from 12:33 until 18:20 on Sunday (10 May, running every 45 minutes.

Plymouth Boat Trips will be operating a free hourly ferry service between the Barbican Landing Stage and the Royal William Yard for Pirates Weekend. The service, which has been supported by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, will run throughout both days with the last ferry departing the Barbican Landing Stage at 6.15pm.

Ben Squire, Owner of Plymouth Boat Trips, said:“We’re proud to be supporting the community, and we’re committed to keeping residents, businesses and visitors connected. Thanks to Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, we’ve adapted our Waterlink Ferry service to include a free hourly shuttle for Pirates Weekend. Making it easier than ever to stay connected and enjoy the waterfront.”

Visit the Plymouth Pirates Weekend page for the list of all entertainment, family friendly activities, local traders, shanty band schedules, travel options and more,