The long‑running Seattle tradition of summer mischief returns to West Seattle as the Seafair Pirates make their 2026 Landing at Alki Beach June 27, bringing cannon blasts, beach crowds, and plenty of pirate theatrics to kick off the heart of Seafair season.

The Pirates are expected to arrive close to 1:30pm, roaring ashore aboard their iconic amphibious vessel, the Moby Duck, in a spectacle that routinely draws thousands of spectators to the shoreline.

“The Landing is one of our favorite ways to start Seafair,” said a Seafair spokesperson in a recent seasonal preview. “The Pirates bring the energy, the families bring the excitement, and Alki brings the perfect backdrop.”

A West Seattle Tradition Returns

The Seafair Pirates Landing has been a fixture at Alki for decades, marking the unofficial start of Seattle’s midsummer festivities. Families typically begin gathering by mid‑morning, lining the beach from the Bathhouse to the boardwalk as the Pirates circle offshore before making their dramatic approach.

Once ashore, the Pirates spend more than an hour mingling with the crowd, posing for photos, handing out beads, and delighting kids with their over‑the‑top pirate personas.

The Landing also features:

• Kids’ activities and giveaways

• Local vendors and food trucks

• Photo ops with the Pirates and their treasure chest

• Music and entertainment near the Bathhouse

Crowds, Traffic, and What to Expect

Attendance for the Landing often exceeds 10,000 people, and the 2026 event is expected to be no different.

Street parking along Alki Avenue SW typically fills by 9:30 a.m., and congestion can stretch from the beach up to Admiral Way. Seattle Police and Seafair volunteers will be on hand to manage crowd flow and keep the landing zone clear.

Visitors are encouraged to:

• Walk, bike, or roll along the Alki Trail

• Use Metro Route 50

• Park in The Junction and take a rideshare to the beach

As always, alcohol is prohibited on Seattle beaches, and dogs must remain leashed.