Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days: An Insider’s Guide (2024)

Mark your calendars and join us July 19-21, 2024, for the 11th annual Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days! This fun-filled weekend is a celebration for scallywags of all ages with a wide range of pirate-themed events that support local businesses, as well as area nonprofits.

Below is a rundown of the weekend’s top events, but Commodore PJ Nagel says suggests following SML Pirate Days on Facebook for all the latest news.

If you’re an SML business owner planning something pirate-y, email me at [email protected] and I’ll add it here and to our July calendar of events!

Flick & Float: Showing of the movie “Jaws” at SML Community Park beach. Hot dogs, popcorn, shaved ice, door prizes and more for ages 14 and up. Limited to 200 people. 6 p.m.

Pirate’s Ball: Live music by That 80s Show, drink specials, a free pirate-themed photo booth and more at Mango’s Bar & Grill. Costumes are highly encouraged. Tickets are $20 at the door. Wristbands (if intact) will be good for events on Saturday and Sunday at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater. 7-11 p.m.

Pancakes With Pirates: Family-oriented breakfast at Cancun Mexican Restaurant at Bridgewater Plaza. Come in costume for photos and live interactions with the Pirates of SML. Face painting, balloon animals and a treasure chest filled with goodies for the kids. Advance tickets required. 8-10 a.m.

Main Pirate Festivities: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater (formerly Crazy Horse Marina). Admission is $5 for adults, free for kids 5 and under. Wristbands from Friday’s Pirate Ball will be honored if still intact. Lawn chairs are welcome. No coolers.

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Food and craft vendors

• 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Live pirates

• Noon to 4 p.m.: Live mermaids

• Noon: Black powder cannon and small arms demos

• Noon-3 p.m.: On-water pirate water battles

• 1 p.m.: Performance by Capt. Jim is Magic

• 2 p.m: Performance by The Shadow Players

• 2 p.m.: Live Sea Shanty Musical performance by The Motley Tones

• 3 p.m.: Black powder cannon and small arms demos

• 3 p.m.: Performance by Capt. Jim is Magic

• 4 p.m: Performance by The Shadow Players

• 5:30 p.m.: Live music by Jessi Pugh

• 7 p.m.: Live music by Jesse Rice

Pretty Pirate Party: Pirate treats, photos, specials and more at JBohnBishop Mercantile. 10 am.-6 p.m.

Pirates at Drifter’s: Live music by Tate Tuck, drink specials and pirate appearances at Drifter’s from 2-5 p.m. 

Children’s Pirate Party: Costume contest, snacks, scavenger hunt and an author reading of “Pirate on a Motorcycle” by Andrea Kay Plunkett at Sassy Boutique. 3:30 p.m.

Pirate Days at Crosswhite: Free guest passes for yoga classes, pickleball and half-priced initiation fee at Crosswhite Athletic Club. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Main Pirate Festivities: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater (formerly Crazy Horse Marina). Admission is $5 for adults, free for kids 5 and under. Wristbands from Friday’s Pirate Ball will be honored if still intact. Lawn chairs are welcome. No coolers.

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Food and craft vendors
• Noon-3 p.m.: On-water pirate water battle
• 12 p.m.: Performance by Capt. Jim is Magic
• 1 p.m: Performance by The Shadow Players
• 2 p.m.: Performance by Capt. Jim is Magic
• 3 p.m: Performance by The Shadow Players

Pirate Days at Crosswhite: Free guest passes for yoga classes, pickleball and half-priced initiation fee at Crosswhite Athletic Club. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pirates at Drifter’s: Live music by Marie Anderson, drink specials and pirate appearances at Drifter’s from 2-5 p.m. 

SML Pirate Days merchandise is available at Gifts Ahoy, Bridgewater Sportswear and Rock Outdoors at the lake and Capt. Party in Roanoke. It will also be on sale at Mango’s on Friday and Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater on Saturday and Sunday.