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PIRATES! THE BATTLE FOR DERBY STREET

April 24-25, 2026

EVENT OVERVIEW

The waterfront history of Salem comes alive as Captain Black Sam

Bellamy’s crew of pirates go toe-to-toe against Captain John Turner’s pirate hunters.  As participants learn, shop, and play up and down Derby Street, they will be able to tip the battle toward their chosen side before the dramatic conclusion at the end of the day.

⚓ All hands welcome. All ages encouraged. 🏴‍☠️

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Meet THE RIVALS

Captain Sam Bellamy

Known as the “Robin Hood of the Sea,” the pirate Bellamy is clever, fearless, and beloved by his loyal crew. After serving with Blackbeard in the Caribbean, Bellamy has now sailed back for New England. He believes the seas belong to those brave enough to take them, and won’t back down from a fight!

 

Captain John Turner

As commander of a fleet of merchant ships traveling the world, John Turner is Salem Harbor’s fierce protector. Having already played a part in bringing pirate John Quelch to the gallows, Turner now sets his sights on a new threat—Sam Bellamy.

 

Choose your side!

Pick your favorite captain and visit their recruiting station to collect your treasure map.

In-person registration will be held day of at Charlotte Forten Park (289 Derby Street) on Saturday, April 25th. ​

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Choose your side - Choose your BATTLE POSTER

Pose for you PERSONALIZED BATTLE POSTER!

Will you be a WANTED PIRATE along with Capt. Sam Bellamy or a BRAVE HUNTER and pledge alligiance to Captain John Turner? 

Join Witch Pix for a costume, pose, shoot!  Take home personalized printed poster portrait from our Witch Pix Photobooth staff of seafaring photographers.

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BATTLE POSTERS
Plan Ahead and Reserve your spot at our  PHOTOBOOTH

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​​ABOUT THE EVENT HOSTS & SPONSORS

 

THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES

In 1668, merchant and ship-owner John Turner built a house on Salem Harbor destined to become one of America’s most beloved historic homes. Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007, The House of the Seven Gables is best known today as the inspiration for world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. In 1910, Salem activist and philanthropist Caroline Emmerton restored the mansion and opened it as a museum and Settlement House to support the local immigrant community. Over a century later, The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association carries on Emmerton’s mission and vision by offering free English as a Second Language and Citizenship classes and providing a platform for immigrant voices on the North Shore.

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REAL PIRATES SALEM

The family-friendly pirate experience features the true tale of “Black Sam” Bellamy – the richest and one of the youngest pirates of all time – and Maria Hallett, the love of his life and so-called “Witch of Wellfleet.” During the early 1700s, Bellamy captured the infamous slave ship Whydah, as well as more than 50 other ships, earning him the nickname the “Prince of Pirates.” Meet the crew and follow their journey as they seek fortune on the high seas, amass the greatest pirate treasure of all times, and ultimately meet their untimely fate when the Whydah sinks in a violent Nor’easter off the coast of Cape Cod. See the world’s only fully authenticated pirate treasure ever discovered – including coins, jewelry, and weapons – retrieved from the wreck, and last touched by the hands of pirates more than 300 years ago.

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A special thanks to our partners & sponsors

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Witch Pix – Seasonal Hours
Memorial Day–Sept:   Daily 10–6:30
Mid-Sept–Mid-Nov:   Extended Halloween hours
Mid-Nov–Dec: Fri–Sun public hours
January: Closed for winter hibernation
Feb–Mar: Fri–Sun limited hours
Apr–May: Wed–Sun public hours

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Walk-in availability varies by season.
Online booking recommended.

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