Buccaneer Days 2025: Parade, Midway, and More in Esquimalt
Ahoy, mateys! Get ready to don your tricorn hats and set sail for a weekend of high-seas adventure because Buccaneer Days 2025 is dropping anchor in Esquimalt on May 9, 10, and 11! This long-running festival is a treasured tradition in the heart of Vancouver Island, bringing locals and visitors together for a lively celebration packed with thrilling events, delicious food, and, of course, plenty of pirate-themed fun.
Whether you’re a longtime festival-goer or a first-time buccaneer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of this action-packed weekend.
A Quick History of Buccaneer Days
Buccaneer Days has been an Esquimalt tradition for over 80 years, dating back to 1939 when the community came together to celebrate with a pirate-themed twist. Over the decades, the festival has grown into one of the most anticipated events in the region, with its signature parade, midway, and community events drawing thousands of attendees each year.
The spirit of Buccaneer Days reflects the adventurous maritime history of the area, bringing out a fun-loving pirate spirit in everyone who attends.
Buccaneer Days 2025: What to Expect
🎭 The Buccaneer Parade (Saturday, May 10th at 10:00 AM)
One of the festival’s biggest highlights is the Buccaneer Parade, a colorful and lively procession that kicks off on Saturday morning. Expect marching bands, decorated floats, and costumed pirates as they make their way through Esquimalt. Families line the streets early to snag a good viewing spot—so grab your pirate flag and get ready to cheer!
🎡 Midway Rides & Games
Get your adrenaline pumping at the midway, where carnival rides, classic games, and sweet treats await. From thrilling rides for the daring to gentler options for the little buccaneers, the midway is the heart of the festival’s excitement. Don’t forget to test your skills at the game booths and try your luck at winning some pirate-worthy prizes!
🍖 Food Stalls & Pancake Breakfast
No festival is complete without mouthwatering food, and Buccaneer Days delivers! Start your day with the famous pancake breakfast (served at the Esquimalt Fire Hall) and indulge in a variety of food vendors throughout the festival grounds. From smoky barbecue to classic fair treats like cotton candy and mini donuts, there’s something to satisfy every pirate’s appetite.
🏴☠️ The Buccaneer Market
Looking for unique souvenirs or handcrafted treasures? The Buccaneer Market is a must-visit, featuring local artisans, vendors, and businesses showcasing their goods. Whether it’s nautical decor, handmade jewelry, or Esquimalt-inspired keepsakes, you’ll find plenty of treasures to take home.
🏋️♂️ Family-Friendly Activities & Competitions
Buccaneer Days is all about community, and you’ll find plenty of family-friendly entertainment scattered throughout the event. Get ready for strongman competitions, face painting, bouncy castles, live music, and pirate performances. Kids will love dressing up and meeting some real-life (friendly) pirates roaming the festival grounds!
🎶 Live Music & Entertainment
As the sun sets, the energy picks up with live performances featuring local bands and entertainers. Grab a drink, enjoy some great tunes, and dance the night away in true buccaneer style.
Buccaneer Days 2025 – Full Event Schedule
Friday, May 10
🕛 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Seniors BBQ
🎡 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Midway opens – Carnival rides, games, and fair treats!
🎶 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Family-Friendly Music Bingo at the Curling Rink (Concession by Rockheights PAC)
Saturday, May 11
☀️ 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM | "Wakey, Wakey" Morning Gathering
🥞 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Lions Pancake Breakfast
🚌 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Shuttle Bus (DND Parking Lot → Bullen Field)
🚴 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Bike Valet (Charge by donation)
🎭 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Buccaneer Parade
📍 Esquimalt Rd. (from Dominion to Admirals) and nearby roads will be closed from 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM for the parade.
🛍️ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Buccaneer Market Place (Arena) + Various sales & displays
🍔 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Community Food Booths
🏴☠️ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Children's Pirates Den (Curling Rink)
🍻 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Beverage Centre (Bullen Park Field)
🏆 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Cornhole Competition (Bullen Park Field)
🎡 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Midway (Wristbands available)
🐻 11:30 AM | Mascot Race (Bullen Field)
🥍 12:30 PM | Lacrosse Demonstration (Bullen Field)
🎶 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Adults-Only Music Bingo at the Curling Rink
(Concessions run by Victoria Esquimalt Lacrosse Assoc. + Bubble Bus Co beverages)
Sunday, May 12
🚌 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Shuttle Bus (DND Parking Lot → Bullen Field)
🥂 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Mother's Day Champagne Pancake Breakfast (Bullen Park Concession)
🚲 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Bike Valet (Charge by donation)
🏅 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Little Bucc’s Olympics (Bullen Field)
🛍️ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Buccaneer Market Place (Arena)
🍻 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Beverage Centre (Bullen Park Field)
🏴☠️ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Children’s Pirates Den (Curling Rink)
🍔 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Community Food Booths
🎡 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Midway
🪂 3:00 PM | Skydiver Demonstration
How to Get to Buccaneer Days 2025
The festival is held at Esquimalt’s Bullen Park, easily accessible from downtown Victoria. Here are some tips for getting there smoothly:
🚍 By Bus: Several BC Transit routes connect Victoria to Esquimalt, making public transportation a convenient option.
🚗 By Car: Limited parking is available near the festival grounds, so consider carpooling.
🚴 By Bike: Biking is a great option! There will be bike racks near the entrance.
Tips for Making the Most of Buccaneer Days
☠️ Dress the Part: Join in the fun by wearing your best pirate gear! Tricorn hats, eye patches, and striped shirts are highly encouraged.
🍩 Bring Cash: While many vendors accept cards, it’s always handy to have cash for food stalls and games.
⏰ Arrive Early: The festival gets busy, especially on Saturday—come early to secure the best spots for the parade and activities.
🌞 Stay Hydrated: May weather in Esquimalt can be sunny—bring a water bottle to keep refreshed!
Why You Can't Miss Buccaneer Days 2025
Whether you’re looking for family fun, thrilling rides, live entertainment, or simply an excuse to embrace your inner pirate, Buccaneer Days has something for everyone. It’s a festival packed with community spirit, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
So mark your calendars, gather your crew, and set sail for Esquimalt’s biggest event of the year! Buccaneer Days 2025 is ready to bring the fun on May 9, 10, and 11—don’t miss out.
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