Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days: An Insider’s Guide (2026)

The weekend kicks off with the Pirate’s Ball at Mango’s Bar & Grill from 7 p.m. until close. Guests are encouraged to dress in pirate attire for a costume contest while enjoying live music by SupaFly5, pirate-themed drink specials, giveaways and appearances by members of the Order of Leviathan and the Mystic Pirates of Kazim.

Also on Friday, the Friends of SML State Park will host a pirate-themed Music in the Park concert. The SML Boomer Band will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. at the beach pavilion, with guests invited to come dressed as pirates for an evening of music overlooking the lake. Find out more.

Saturday morning begins with Pancakes with Pirates at Cancun Bar and Grill at Bridgewater Plaza. Hosted by the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce, the family-friendly breakfast includes pirate meet-and-greets, face painting, a coloring contest and a special mermaid appearance. Breakfast is served from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and limited tickets must be purchased in advance.

Meet a Mermaid

Families can also stop by the MKB Realtors Lake Office (next to Moosie’s) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday to meet the MKB Mermaid. This free, family-friendly stop features photos with mermaid Nichole Powell, pirate and mermaid temporary tattoos, fun stickers and cotton candy. Come dressed in your favorite pirate gear or mermaid tail and join the fun!

This year’s Pirate Days takes on a new look as the main festival moves ashore to Wind Vineyards at Smith Mountain Lake. The shift allows organizers to expand family-friendly entertainment while encouraging safe boating during current low-water conditions. Enjoy live music, food trucks, craft vendors, pirate merchandise and activities for all ages. The cost is $20 per car.

Scheduled performers include Nashville recording artist and SML native Jessi Pugh, Pirates of the Piedmont and and first-time Pirate Days performer Juan O’Donnelly (aka Geoff Nicosia), bringing his signature mix of bagpipes, rock and Celtic flair to the festival.

Returning attractions include The Loose Cannon Company, featuring an interactive pirate village, living history demonstrations, live cannon and black powder firing demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to meet pirates roaming the festival grounds.

The Shadow Players will showcase choreographed sword-fighting demonstrations throughout the day, while live mermaids add another touch of pirate magic for younger visitors.

Several new attractions debut this year, making Pirate Days more interactive than ever.

Throughout the weekend, families can test their skills in the Pirate Combat Zone, where participants use foam dart blasters and safe foam swords in supervised team battles.

Nearby, the Water Blaster Zone lets kids cool off while taking on the pirates in organized water battles inside a fenced play area, with water blasters provided. A separate Pollywog Pool will offer a splash zone for buccaneers ages 3 and under. Parents are required to remain with their children.

Despite low water levels, the always-popular pirate water battles are still planned. While these informal gatherings have long been a Pirate Days tradition, they are not organized, controlled or regulated by the Pirate Days organizers.

Everyone participating by boat is encouraged to use extra caution, follow marked channels, and navigate safely and responsibly.

One featured battle takes place Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the cove in front of Portside Grill & Bar and Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina at channel marker R21. Bring your water cannons and prepare for a spirited pirate showdown, then stick around to enjoy food and drink specials at Portside.

For a front-row view of the pirate action, the Virginia Dare Cruise Boat will offer a special Pirate Cruise from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets are limited, so reserve yours early.

Another swashbuckling battle begins at noon on both Saturday and Sunday in the cove near Coasters at Goodhue Boat Company on the Blackwater near marker B10A. The crew of The Overboard and fellow pirates will square off in a lively water fight that’s become a favorite Pirate Days tradition.

In true pirate fashion, don’t be surprised if a few “rogue” water battles spring up elsewhere around the lake throughout the weekend. Wherever you join the fun, remember to watch for shallow areas, operate responsibly and keep safety a top priority while enjoying this year’s festivities.