The 2012 Pirates of Port Washington Festival

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The 2012 Pirates of Port Washington Festival promised plenty of swashbuckling fun. The harbor in the downtown historic area is the backdrop for pirate invasions, a Thieves Marketplace, a Gruel Galley and a Buccaneer Bash. Count on children's activities, educational exhibits, musicians, comedians, a parade and evening fireworks. For a number of years this was the festival's website dispending with lots of information.
Content is from the site's 2005 - 2012 archived pages.

If you attended the festival in 2012, this will be a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

6 to 11 p.m. Friday | June 3; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 4; | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 5.
Free admission.
No Dogs Allowed

 

 

Comment by Brody Walker: If you didn't go shame on you, you missed the event of a lifetime. I was there with the motley crew and Janice. We all had a blast. Met a few people I didn't know, including this geek who can deliver search results removals and actually change the order of Google's search results. So if the search for your car dealership starts showing that bankruptcy notice from your last business, he can push that result down in Google. He uses something called optimization to remove unwanted results from Google's search rankings. I think I learned more in half an hour talking to him than I have ever before in my life. That's the Pirate Festival for ya.

 

 

The first full weekend in June, the scenic harbor of downtown historic Port Washington, Wisconsin, provides the perfect, picturesque setting for all the mayhem & merriment of the Pirate Festival.

It has become the “must attend” event for boaters, bikers, re-enactors & families alike from all over the Midwest & beyond.

The event includes: Invasions, a Thieves Marketplace, a Gruel Galley, a Buccaneer Bash, fireworks, children's activities, demonstrations, educational exhibits, musicians, comedians, a parade, a pirate ship & much more. Walk the Plank!

Where is the Festival located?
For navigation purposes use 200 E Main Street, Port Washington, WI 53074. It is located on the marina downtown historica lPort Washington Wisconsin. Follow the cannon booms east until you get wet.

Are dogs allowed?
No, by Police Orders no animals are allowed on the festival grounds. A fine of $208.50 for the first incident will be levied and you will and your animal will be asked to leave. Fido should stay at home. It also includes all other living breathing beings you may bring along (no not children)

Is there camping on the Festival grounds?
No. A few bad apples spoiled that opportunity. The city may let us do it again in 2020.
Until then here are a few local places:
--Waubedonia Park (262)-692-2825 or www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/Parks/WaubedoniaCampsites.htm
--Lazy Days Campground (262)-675-6511, 1475 Lakeview Dr, West Bend
--Lake Lenwood Beach & Campground (262)-334-1335 7053 Lenwood Dr, West Bend
--Timber Trail Camp Ground (262)-338-8561 7590 Good Luck Ln, West Bend
--A new campground recommendation: Harrington Beach State Park contact Andrew Krueger - Park Manager andrew.krueger@wisconsin.gov Beautiful beach

 

Port Washington Pirate Festival Parade Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 12:00noon

• We ask that all entrants try to have some Pirate/Nautical/Maritime element
• Parade line-up will be in the parking lot behind the AN Ansay building on the 100 block of W Grand Avenue. The parking lot can be entered
  from S Milwaukee Street or S Wisconsin Avenue.
• Entrants must be at the line-up area by 11:30am.
• You may pass out items to the crowd, in a safe and responsible manner.
• Please return by May 15th to Port Washington Festivals, Inc. 126 E Main Street, Port Washington, WI 53074
• A suggested donation of $10 is recommended, but not required. Make checks payable to Port Washington Festivals, Inc.

J&M Displays Fireworks on Saturday June 4th at 9:30pm

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2012 SCHEDULE

All schedules subject to change

 

Schedule of Events Friday June 1st, 2012

Into the Drink Bar and Stage
6:00 – 10:00 PM Maritime Music Mix
6:00 – 10:00PM the Grog must flow!

Rotary Park
3:00PM – 9:00 PM Will Call and Cruise
Ticket Sales

Buccaneer Bar & Stage
6:00 PM – 11:00PM Buccaneer Bash
6:00PM-8:00PM Centerfold
8:30PM-11:00PM Fine Line
9:00PM-10PM Artesian Distillers Rum
Tasting
6:00 PM-11:00PM the Grog must flow!

Gruel Galley
6:00 PM–11:00PM Feast up Me Hearties !

Thieves’ Marketplace
6:00 PM–10:00 PM Open Shopping

Ship Dock
4:00 PM School/Scout Cruise
5:30 PM Regular Cruise
7:00 PM Rum Cruise
8:30 PM Sunset Cruise

Scoundrel’s Mound
6:00 PM-9 PM Midwest Knife and Axe Throwers

FOR KIDS

SCHOOL/SCOUT CRUISE: 4:00PM ONFRIDAY JUNE 1ST
$10 Chaperone | $10 Kids 2-18 years old
Captain requests at least 1 chaperone per 20 children
Port Washington's harbor provides a unique learning opportunity for the area’s children. The crew are very excited to share their knowledge of sailing fundamentals, Great Lakes lore and a few legends.
The VOYAGEUR has a full service bar, but no alcohol will be sold on this cruise. No beverages may be carried onto the vessel.

The VOYAGEUR is a 150 passenger, 75 foot, three deck, modern expedition-style yacht. With a design influenced by ocean-going passage makers, the VOYAGEUR's lines are not only timeless, they allow for a smooth ride and superb sea keeping. The Vessel's climate-controlled salon is outfitted with handcrafted bright work with a full service bar. The VOYAGEUR'S open-air bow and top deck offer breathtaking sightseeing views.

REGULAR CRUISES

 

• Cruises will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.
• 130 passengers will be allowed on each cruise.
• Each cruise will be approximately one hour long.
• Ticket holders are required to arrive in Rotary Park at the VOYAGEUR loading area at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
• Cannons will be fired. Please be prepared.
• The VOYAGEUR has a full service bar. No beverages or alcohol may be carried onto the vessel.
• No smoking. No pets allowed.
• Children under 2 years old are asked not to sail for the comfort & safety of all passengers.
• Refunds will not be given for NO SHOWS.
• If the Captain cancels for any reason, unforeseen circumstances or severe weather, the cruise fee will be refunded.
• Cancellations due to weather will be at the Captain’s discretion that day. If the seas are safe, a cruise will go: rain or shine.
• A cruise may depart up to two hours from the scheduled time to accommodate weather.
• Please note that VOYAGEUR is not fully "Handicapped Accessible" as it is considered an adventure activity. There are a few boarding steps, not ramps.
• Restroom facilities aboard.

 

STOWAWAY CRUISES

 

• Approximately three hour cruises, one way cruises, on Lake Michigan between Milwaukee & Port Washington as the ship relocates cities.
• Friday June 1st at Noon: from Milwaukee to Port Washington
• Saturday June 2nd at 3:30pm: from Port Washington to Milwaukee
• Sunday June 3rd at 3:30pm: from Port Washington to Milwaukee
• The Cruises are ONE WAY.
• The Milwaukee Dock is located at: 101 W Michigan St, Milwaukee, WI 53203

 

SCHOOL/SCOUT CRUISE: 4:00PM ON FRIDAY JUNE 1ST

 

• $10 Chaperone $10 Kids 2-18 years old
• Captain requests at least 1 chaperone per 20 children
• Port Washington's harbor provides a unique learning opportunity for the area’s children. The crew are very excited to share their knowledge of sailing fundamentals, Great Lakes lore and a few legends.
• The VOYAGEUR has a full service bar, but no alcohol will be sold on this cruise. No beverages may be carried onto the vessel.

 

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Schedule of Events Saturday June 2nd 2012

 

Newport Shores Restaurant
8:00- 11:00 AM Breakfast with the Pirates

Ship Dock
10:00 AM Opening Cannon Barrage
10:00 AM Cruise w/ Capt. Tom Kastle
11:15 AM Sea to Shore Battle
11:30 AM Rakhshanda Tribal Belly
Dance Cruise
12:00 PM Pirate Invasion Show
1:00 PM Jolly Rogers Cruise
1:15 PM Sea to Shore Battle
2:30 PM Rum Cruise
2:45 PM Sea to Shore Battle
3:30 PM Stowaway Cruise
4: 00PM Pirate Invasion Show
4:30 PM Sea to Shore Battle
6:00 PM Cannon Barrage
9:30 PM Fireworks by J&M Displays

Gruel Galley
10:00 AM – 11:00PM Feast up me Hearties !

Thieves’ Marketplace
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Open Shopping

Buccaneer Bar and Stage
10:00AM – 11:00PM The Grog must
flow!
10:00 AM Jolly Rogers
11:00 AM Bounding Main
12:00 PM  Bounding Main
1:00 PM  Rakhshanda Tribal Belly 
Dance
2:00 PM Capt. Tom Kastle
3:00 PM Bounding Main
4:00 PM-5:00 PM Artesian Distillers 
Rum Tasting
5:00 PM Jolly Rogers
6:00 PM – 11:00PM Buccaneer Bash 
featuring: Pillage People
8:00 PM-9:00 PM Artesian Distillers 
Rum Tasting

Fire & Fight Stage
10:00 AM-7:00 PM The Kraken 
Bouncy is Unleased  
11:00 AM Knotty Bits Sideshow 
Act  
1:00 PM Knotty Bits Sideshow Act
2:00 PM Port Pirate Ensemble
3:00 PM Knotty Bits Sideshow Act
5:00 PM  Knotty Bits Sideshow Act

Dead Man’s Dock
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Pictures with the 
pirates 
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Blue Guard Pirate 
Jail
1:00 PM Sword & Treasure Show
3:00 PM Sword & Treasure Show

Rotary Park
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM  Will Call and 
Cruise Ticket Sales

Scoundrels’ Mound
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM  Guilde of St 
Michael
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Midwest Knife and Ax Throwing
11:30 AM Pirate Invasion show
1:00 PM River Valley Colonials
2:00 PM Guilde of St. Michael
3:00 PM The Forsaken
4:00 PM  Pirate Invasion Show
5:00 PM Guilde of St Michael

Into the Drink Bar & Stage
10:00 AM -  10:00PM the Grog must flow!
10:00 AM Rakhshanda Tribal Belly Dance
11:00 AM-12:00 pm  Artesian Distillers Rum Tasting
12:00 PM Capt. Tom Kastle
2:00 PM Bounding Main
3:00 PM Capt. Tom Kastle
4:00 PM Jolly Rogers
5:00 PM Rakhshanda Tribal Belly Dance
6:00 PM-7:00 PM Artesian Distillers Rum Tasting

Schedule of Events Sunday June 3rd

Newport Shores Restaurant
8:00- 11:00 AM Breakfast with the Pirates

Downtown Port Washington
12noon  Parade

Rotary Park 
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM Will Call and Cruise 
Ticket Sales

Gruel Galley
10:00 AM - 5:00PM Feast up Me Hearties !

Ship Dock
10:00 AM Jolly Rogers Cruise
11:15 AM Sea to Shore Battle
11:30 AM Cruise w/ Capt. Kastle
1:00 PM Rahkshanda Cruise
1:00 PM Sea to Shore Battle
2:30 PM Rum Cruise
2:45 PM Sea to Shore Battle

Thieves’ Marketplace
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open Shopping

Buccaneer Bar & Stage
10:00aM -  6:00 PM the Grog must flow!
10:00 AM  Bounding Main
11:00 AM-12:00 PM  Artesian 
Distillers Rum Tasting
1:00 PM  Jolly Rogers
2:00 PM Bounding Main
3:00 PM Capt. Tom Kastle
4:00 PM Jolly Rogers
5:00 PM Bounding Main

Fire & Fight Stage
10:00 AM-7:00 PM The Kraken Bouncy is Unleased  
11:00 AM Knotty Bits Sideshow Act
1:00 PM Knotty Bits Sideshow Act 
3:00 PM Knotty Bits Sideshow 
Act  
5:00 PM  Knotty Bits Sideshow Act

Dead Man’s Dock
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Pictures with the 
Pirate
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Blue Guard Pirate Jail
1:00 PM Sword & Treasure Show
3:00 PM Sword & Treasure Show

Scoundrels’ Mound
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM The Forsaken
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Guilde of St Michael
10:00 AM –-6:00 PM Midwest Knife and Ax Throwing
10:00 AM  Opening Cannon Barrage
1:00 PM River Valley Colonials
2:00 PM Guilde of St. Michael
3:00 PM The Forsaken
4:00 PM  Pirate Invasion Show
5:00 PM Guilde of St Michael
6:00 PM Closing Ceremonies

Into the Drink Bar & Stage
10:00 AM -  6:00 PM the Grog must flow!
10:00 AM Rakhshanda Tribal Belly 
Dance
11:00 AM Bounding Main
1:00 PM-2:00 PM  Artesian Distillers Rum Tasting
1:00 PM Capt. Tom Kastle
2:00 PM Jolly Rogers
3:00 PM Rakhshanda Tribal Belly Dance
4:00 PM Capt. Tom Kastle
5:00 PM Rakhshanda Tribal Belly Dance

 

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2012 Vendors:

Bayou Billy
Beanies Mexican Restaurant
Beef on the Moove
Coco Bongos
Dales Donuts
East Meets West
Island Noodles
Little Caesars Pizza
Michael's Real Italian Ice
Pacific Orient
PJ Concessions
Poppin Z's Kettle Korn
Taste of Africa
Tellos Grille and Cafe
Tender Roasted Sweet Corn
Texas Roadhouse
Tres Flores Funnel Cake
Webby's
Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds
Woody's Sugar Shack

 

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The Port Washington Pirate Festival is a production of Port Washington Festivals, Inc. Port Washington Festivals, Inc is an IRS designated 501(c)4 non-profit organization. The organization's main mission is to promote Port Washington, Wisconsin & its business community.  Port Washington Festivals, Inc. is run entirely by volunteers & funded through donations from individuals & businesses & event revenue.

 

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More Background On PortPirateFestival.com

PortPirateFestival.com served as the digital home for the Port Washington Pirate Festival, one of Wisconsin’s most colorful and widely loved lakefront celebrations. The festival, located in downtown Port Washington, Wisconsin, transformed the historic harbor into a world of pirate ships, cannon fire, marketplace stalls, nautical reenactments, family entertainment, and maritime adventure. Though the site eventually became an archived digital record of the 2005–2012 era, it remains a valuable resource for understanding the event’s peak years, cultural impact, and role within the community.

This article explores the website in depth along with the event’s history, ownership, activities, popularity, location, schedule, audience, vendors, entertainment, goals, economic influence, cultural significance, and legacy. All information comes from the content of the site itself and publicly available background material.

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Ownership and Mission

PortPirateFestival.com represented the official online portal of the festival, which was produced by Port Washington Festivals, Inc., an IRS-designated 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. The nonprofit’s stated mission was to promote Port Washington and its business community. The festival was entirely volunteer-run and funded through donations, sponsorships, and event-generated revenue.

The website served multiple purposes:

• Information Hub: With schedules, maps, vendor applications, performer lineups, and FAQs.

• Promotional Tool: Encouraging tourism and highlighting Port Washington as a scenic lakefront getaway.

• Community Platform: Offering updates, volunteer opportunities, and ways for local organizations to participate.

The site presented itself with playful pirate-themed language, imagery of ships and cannons, and clear navigation for families, vendors, and re-enactors.

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Location and Setting

Festival Grounds

The festival was held in downtown Port Washington, Wisconsin, centered around the marina and harbor area. The site listed the navigation address as 200 E. Main Street, which led directly to the waterfront.

The setting offered:

• A picturesque marina with docks, boats, and tall-ship berths

• Historic downtown streets lined with shops and cafes

• Expansive lakefront views perfect for naval reenactments

• Open spaces for parade routes, stages, marketplaces, and children’s zones

The festival leaned heavily into the authentic maritime ambiance, using lakeside breezes, ship masts, and the sound of gulls as part of the immersive pirate environment.

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Timing and Annual Schedule

PortPirateFestival.com emphasized the consistency of the festival’s timing: the first full weekend in June. The 2012 festival, for example, took place on:

• Friday: June 1

• Saturday: June 2

• Sunday: June 3

Festival hours extended from early morning breakfasts to late-night celebrations. Each day offered its own unique programming, with the largest crowds typically arriving on Saturday for the full slate of activities.

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Festival Activities and Attractions

The website provided extensive detail about festival programming, showcasing a dynamic blend of entertainment, education, food, and adventure designed for all ages.

1. Pirate Invasions and Battle Demonstrations

PortPirateFestival.com showcased one of the festival’s signature experiences: harbor pirate invasions. These theatrical reenactments featured costumed pirate crews, cannon fire, swordplay, and coordinated battles between shore forces and shipboard pirates.

In addition:

• Cannon barrages opened and closed various segments of the festival.

• Sea-to-shore battles took place multiple times each day.

• Sword & treasure shows brought pirate lore to life for families.

These events blended stunt work, historical reenactment, and audience participation, making them some of the most beloved festival elements.

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2. The Thieves’ Marketplace

This bustling merchant area showcased artisans, craftspeople, and specialty vendors from across the Midwest. According to the website’s archived content, marketplace offerings included:

• Handmade jewelry

• Pirate costumes, hats, belts, and boots

• Leather goods

• Toys, trinkets, and pirate-themed souvenirs

• Folk art and international handicrafts

• Festival-style snacks and treats

The marketplace remained open late into the evening, allowing families and reenactors to browse between shows.

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3. Gruel Galley — Food and Drink

The festival’s food court, known as the Gruel Galley, provided hearty meals, snacks, and refreshments all weekend. Food vendors from the 2012 list included:

• Wisconsin fried cheese curds

• Barbecue stands and smoked meats

• Beignets, kettle corn, funnel cakes

• Ice cream and Italian ice vendors

• Mexican, Asian, and African fusion booths

• Sweet corn, wood-fired specialties, and festival classics

The Gruel Galley was open from morning to late at night, ensuring visitors were never far from food and drink.

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4. Buccaneer Bash & Live Music

The Buccaneer Bar & Stage hosted nightly music performances and adult-oriented entertainment. Scheduled performances included rock bands, folk musicians, pirate-themed ensembles, and party groups.

Highlights included:

• Rum tastings from craft distillers

• Full-evening concerts

• Themed dancing and socializing

• Pirate costuming contests

The Buccaneer Bash on Friday night often served as the festival’s unofficial kickoff party.

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5. Children’s Activities and Educational Experiences

The festival was notably family-friendly. Kids enjoyed:

• Bouncy attractions like the “Kraken Bouncy”

• Face painting, crafts, and pirate tattoos

• Demonstrations that introduced them to history, sailing, and maritime life

• Pictures with costumed pirates

• Treasure hunts and sword shows

The website also highlighted the School/Scout Cruise on the ship Voyageur — a dedicated educational cruise that taught children sailing basics and Great Lakes lore.

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Tall Ships and Cruises

PortPirateFestival.com dedicated significant space to cruise schedules. The primary ship, VOYAGEUR, was a 150-passenger, three-deck, expedition-style vessel. Cruise types included:

• Regular one-hour sightseeing cruises

• Rum Cruises

• Sunset Cruises

• Special themed cruises with performers or musicians

• One-way Stowaway Cruises between Port Washington and Milwaukee

Cruises often sold out, and the website instructed visitors to arrive early to secure boarding.

Cruise features included:

• Open-air decks

• Climate-controlled salon

• Full-service bar

• Restroom facilities

• Cannon demonstrations (on select cruises)

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The Parade

Each Sunday at noon, the festival hosted a large parade through downtown Port Washington. Parade guidelines listed on the site included:

• All entrants were encouraged to incorporate nautical or pirate themes.

• Participants included marching bands, reenactors, costumed families, local organizations, and performers.

• Entrants could distribute items to spectators if done safely.

The parade was one of the most photographed elements of the event.

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Vendor and Performer Listings

PortPirateFestival.com maintained detailed listings of yearly vendors and performers. For example, the 2012 vendor list included nearly two dozen food and merchant booths, while the performer list included:

• Musical groups

• Belly dancers

• Pirate-themed stage troupes

• Sideshow performers

• Maritime musicians

• Knife and axe throwing experts

• Colonial reenactors

• Pirate guilds and historical groups

This transparency helped vendors gauge the festival’s scale and helped attendees plan their visit.

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Attendance and Popularity

The archived content of PortPirateFestival.com stated that the festival drew approximately 25,000 attendees annually during its peak years. Visitors traveled from:

• Across Wisconsin

• Illinois and Michigan

• Minnesota and the greater Midwest

• Reenactment communities nationwide

Reasons for its popularity included:

• Free admission

• Waterfront setting

• Extensive programming for all ages

• Unique immersive theme

• Large vendor marketplace

• Nightlife and music offerings

The festival developed a reputation as “the must-attend event for boaters, bikers, reenactors, and families.”

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Reviews, Public Response, and Press Coverage

Reviews and recollections describe the festival as:

• Energetic and immersive, with great costuming

• Highly family-friendly, offering activities for children

• Well-organized, especially regarding schedules and signage

• A major vendor destination, with many sellers reporting strong sales

• A beloved community tradition, looked forward to each year

Press outlets and blogs frequently covered the event’s schedule, tall ships, and entertainment lineup, as well as the festival’s volunteer-run nature.

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Cultural and Social Significance

1. Celebration of Maritime Heritage

Port Washington has deep lakefront roots and a long relationship with Great Lakes shipping. The festival embraced this heritage by weaving maritime culture with pirate fantasy.

2. Economic Boost to the Community

The event supported:

• Local restaurants

• Downtown retail shops

• Hotels and inns

• Marina traffic

As a nonprofit mission, supporting the Port Washington business community was a core purpose of the festival.

3. Fostering Creativity and Play

Visitors wore elaborate pirate costumes. Many groups used the festival as a gathering for cosplay, reenactment, maritime craft, and storytelling.

4. Family Tradition

For many Wisconsin families, attending the festival became an early-summer ritual, offering a free and accessible outing.

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History and Development

• 2005–2012: Festivals run annually, with PortPirateFestival.com documenting schedules and activities.

• Hiatus: The festival paused after early years due to organizational shifts.

• Revival: Community efforts brought it back in later years for new generations to enjoy.

• Legacy: The website transitioned into an archival resource, preserving the festival’s early identity.

The early years are the most thoroughly documented, and PortPirateFestival.com remains the primary historical record of those periods.

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Rules, Policies, and Visitor Guidance

The site included useful FAQs:

• No dogs allowed on festival grounds (including a stated police fine).

• No smoking onboard ships.

• No outside beverages permitted on cruises.

• No camping on festival grounds, though nearby campgrounds were suggested.

• Accessible options were noted, though tall ships had limitations.

These details helped families and groups plan efficiently.

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Website Structure and Features

PortPirateFestival.com typically included:

• Homepage: Featured dates, major announcements, and imagery.

• Schedule Pages: Organized by day and stage.

• Cruise Pages: Detailed ship info, rules, and departure times.

• Vendor Information: Applications, rules, pricing, and lists.

• FAQ Page: Covering safety, pets, camping, parking, and accessibility.

• Contact Page: For volunteers, donations, and participation.

The site blended practical details with fun pirate-themed language for visitor engagement.

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Legacy of PortPirateFestival.com

Today, the website stands as:

• A historical snapshot of a beloved event

• A source of nostalgia for attendees

• A record of local community spirit

• An example of how regional festivals create lasting cultural footprints

Its detailed schedules, vendor lists, and descriptions preserve a vibrant chapter of Port Washington’s community history.

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PortPirateFestival.com represented far more than an event website — it was the heartbeat of a festival that brought maritime culture, pirate fantasy, family entertainment, and community pride together along the shores of Lake Michigan. The site documented a celebration that welcomed tens of thousands of visitors, supported local businesses, showcased performers, and fostered a regional tradition. Even as an archive, it remains invaluable for anyone exploring the festival’s legacy.

 

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