Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days: An Insider’s Guide (2025)

Mark your calendars and join us July 18-20, 2025, for the 12th 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 you follow 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!

Pirate’s Ball: Live music by Funky Bone at Mango’s Bar & Grill. Live pirates, costume contest, specialty drinks and more. Tickets are $20 at the door. Wristbands (if intact) will be good for events on Saturday and Sunday at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater. 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 19, 2025

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) may be purchased online here. 8-10:30 a.m.

Main Pirate Festivities: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater (formerly Crazy Horse Marina). Enjoy food and craft vendors, live pirates and mermaids, black powder cannon and small arms demos, The Motley Tones, The Shadow Players and more.

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.

NEW! Pirate Days After Party: Live music by The Pizzaz Band at Mango’s Bar & Grill. Live pirates, specialty drinks and more. Costumes encouraged. 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Pirate Days at Crosswhite: Enjoy free guest passes when you visit with a current member, plus half-priced initiation fees all weekend at Crosswhite Athletic Club. Don’t miss the treasure chest giveaway with prizes like club gear and daily or weekly passes. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Main Pirate Festivities: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater. Enjoy food and craft vendors, live pirates and mermaids, black powder cannon and small arms demos, The Motley Tones, The Shadow Players and more.

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.

Pirate Days at Crosswhite: Enjoy free guest passes when you visit with a current member, plus half-priced initiation fees all weekend at Crosswhite Athletic Club. Don’t miss the treasure chest giveaway with prizes like club gear and daily or weekly passes. 12-4 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. 

2024 Events that may return this year. Stay tuned!

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

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