Grab your cutlass, hoist the Jolly Roger, and dust off your best peg leg — Buccaneer Days returns to Two Harbors, Catalina Island for its 35th year, promising four days of pirate-themed revelry, treasure hunts, grog-fueled dancing, and enough swashbuckling to make even Blackbeard blush. Set for October 2 thought 5, 2025, this is one of Catalina’s most legendary events — and a must for those who prefer their weekends with a little more cannon fire and a lot more eye patches.
Presented by Two Harbors Enterprises, Buccaneer Days is strictly 21 and over, so expect adult-level fun wrapped in pirate flair. From DJs and live bands to costume contests and gold-hunting games, this weekend isn’t just a party — it’s a full-on pirate invasion.
Historically, buccaneers were no ordinary pirates. The term originally referred to French hunters — “boucanier” — who smoked meat (boucan) on the islands of Hispaniola and Tortuga. Over time, many shifted from hunting wild pigs to raiding Spanish ships and settlements, operating under loose government approval known as “letters of marque.” These early Caribbean privateers, including famed names like Henry Morgan and François L’Olonnais, walked the line between soldier, outlaw, and opportunist.
Today, the only treasure Buccaneer Days seeks is a good time — and plenty of it.
The festivities kick off Thursday evening with a DJ spinning on the Harbor Reef Restaurant Patio. But Friday is when the decks really get rocking: from noon to 6:00 p.m., the main stage comes alive with DJs and live music, followed by the always-popular Pirate Games from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. That night, catch performances from the Humble Hooligans, DJs (including fan-favorite Basic), and a rotating lineup of live bands until the wee hours.
Saturday brings even more mischief, including a Treasure Hunt, a live Costume Contest, and wall-to-wall entertainment stretching late into the night. Sunday offers a mellow cooldown with live music on the Harbor Reef Restaurant Patio from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., perfect for nursing your sea legs back to shore.
Getting to Two Harbors is easy — just hop aboard the Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro or take the Cyclone boat from Avalon. Once ashore, accommodations range from traditional tent camping to rustic tent cabins at Two Harbors Campground, all complete with fire pits, BBQs, showers, and more. For a more spontaneous approach, Buffalo Park Campground offers additional space and can be reserved through Two Harbors Visitor Services during the event weekend.
To book at Two Harbors Campground, call 310.510.4205.
For boaters aiming to stay moored near the action, planning ahead is crucial. Buccaneer Days officially begins Thursday, and moorings go quickly. Arrivals before 8:00 p.m. on Thursday can hail the Harbor Patrol on VHF Channel 9 to claim a mooring on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re arriving on Friday or Saturday, online mooring reservations are the way to go — just be ready when they go live at 8:00 p.m. Thursday night, and note the two-night minimum stay.
For harbor details, call the Two Harbors Harbor Department at 310.510.4254.
Yes, there will be epic costumes — and prizes for the best. But Buccaneer Days is more than just cosplay; it’s a full-scale experience packed with music, food (or “gruel” in pirate speak), and an open invitation to let loose and lean into your alter ego.
The Main Stage will be bumping all weekend, with DJs laying down dance tracks during the day and live musicians turning up the volume as the sun sets. The Humble Hooligans return with their signature Celtic-rock energy, while DJs mix in saxophones and live instrumentation for a sound as wild as the crowd.
And don’t forget to strike a pose — the entire event is subject to photography and video recording for future promotional use by the Catalina Island Company. By showing up, you grant permission for your likeness to be captured, which means you just might become the face of next year’s pirate invasion. If you’d rather keep a low profile (and avoid appearing in intergalactic advertising “in perpetuity throughout the universe”), consider this your fair warning.
Plan Ahead — Or Be Marooned
- No Dogs Allowed at any Two Harbors special event, including Buccaneer Days.
- This is a 21+ event, so leave the little buccaneers at home.
- Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and cash or cards for food, drinks, and mooring fees.
- Costumes are highly encouraged, but remember, it’s Catalina, not Comic-Con. Footwear is your friend.
Coming by ferry, sailboat, or dinghy, you’ll find that Buccaneer Days is the kind of event you’ll be talking about long after the last cannon fires. With 35 years of history behind it, this island tradition blends immersive fun, nautical culture, and a dash of pirate mischief into one unforgettable weekend.
So mark your charts, polish your compass, and get ready to drop anchor. October on Catalina isn’t about pumpkin spice — it’s about parrots, plunder, and party boats.
For more details, visit the Buccaneer Days page at visitcatalinaisland.com/events/buccaneer-days or call (855) 662-3848.
