August 14-16, 2026: Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days is a long-running tradition, created in honor of the famous Thousand Islands pirate Bill Johnston, who sank a British steamship in 1838 and hid among the islands to avoid being captured.

Pirate Days includes plenty of pirate-themed activities, including an “invasion” of town by costumed professional pirates aboard the real tall ship Fair Jeanne. Live music, food and drink vendors, pirate merch for sale, scavenger hunts and treasure hunts, a block dance, kids’ activities like crafts, face painting, balloon artists, and a reptile exhibit, and a parade all add to the atmosphere. More information can be found at visitalexbay.org.