Origins
The Seattle Seafair Pirates were born in 1949 out of the Washington State Press Club's Ale & Quail Society — a fraternal circle of journalists, editors, and civic boosters who believed Seattle deserved a proper festival, and that a festival deserved proper pirates.
That first year, a small band of members donned costumes, requisitioned a boat, and staged a "raid" on the Seattle waterfront to kick off the inaugural Seafair celebration. The crowd went wild. A tradition was born.
"Despite their bad-guy image, the Pirates make dozens of appearances annually to hospitals, nursing homes, and community events."
Who We Are
Today the Seattle Seafair Pirates are an elite troupe of 40+ scallywags and swashbucklers who have become synonymous with Seafair revelry. Members come from all walks of life — tradespeople, teachers, musicians, doctors — united by a capacity for mischief and a commitment to community service.
New Pirates are carefully selected based on their ability to mix well with the public and their unique musical or theatrical talent. Prospects serve a full year before earning their colors, ensuring they can safely entertain and interact with people of all ages.
Community Service
For all the swagger and cannon fire, the Pirates are at heart a service organization. Throughout the year they visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and neighborhood celebrations — bringing music, laughter, and the peculiar comfort that comes from being accosted by a friendly pirate.
During the height of Seafair in July and August, the crew appears at several events and parades each day, from the Grand Torchlight Parade to waterfront landings that still draw thousands of spectators to the shores of Elliott Bay.
The Landing
The Pirates' signature event is the annual Landing — a mock invasion of the Seattle waterfront that opens Seafair each summer. Arriving by boat with cannon smoke, battle cries, and no small amount of theatrical menace, the Pirates "capture" the city from local dignitaries and declare Seafair officially underway.
The tradition has continued unbroken since 1949, making it one of the longest-running civic spectacles in the Pacific Northwest.