Seafair 2026 officially underway as Pirates storm Alki Beach
Seafair 2026 officially underway as Pirates storm Alki Beach
Sat, 06/27/2026
By Liz Steen
The roar of cannons echoed across the shoreline today as the Seafair Pirates completed their annual landing at Alki Beach, signaling the official start of West Seattle’s iconic summer festival. Despite tide conditions that required the pirates to arrive in two separate groups this year, the event successfully transformed the beach into a pirate-themed block party.
Atmosphere and Highlights
The landing was met with a chorus of "Arghhhs" from the crowd as spectators embraced the spirit of the day. Local resident Nancy, who attends every year, remarked that she and others "talk like a pirate all day" to celebrate the occasion. Among the attendees were local children Connor, Ebby, William, and Clarke, who participated by "racing the pirates" to the beach.
Lucy was not happy about the booming cannons. Photo by Liz Steen
However, the loud festivities weren't for everyone. A Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Lucy, a former bird-dog-in-training, had to be taken home after the booming pirate ship cannons sent her into hiding. In contrast, other four-legged fans like Mattie the dog appeared to love the extra attention from the crowd.
Maddie however loved the crowd. Photo by Liz Steen
Royal Appearances and Ceremonies
The event featured high-profile appearances by this year's Seafair royalty. Former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice serves as the 2026 Seafair King Neptune, having been officially crowned alongside Queen Alcyone, Bookda Gheisar, and Community Hero Abubakr Abdulkadir.
Sidney Rice, this year's King Neptune was there for the fun. Photo by John Skerratt
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson was also in attendance for the festivities. A formal knighting ceremony for the pirates, conducted by the Seafair Royalty and Mayor Wilson, took place at 2:00 p.m. near the Alki Beach Bathhouse.
Mayor Katie Wilson and her daughter took a moment by the water's edge. Photo by John Skerratt
Attendance and Next Steps
While the event drew fewer than 500 people, the energy remained high as the celebration moved off the sand. According to this year’s Captain Kidd, the pirates moved their "raid" by moving down to local establishments Christo’s and El Chupacabra.
It was smaller crowd than in year's past, likely in part due to uncertain weather. Photo by John Skerratt
The faithful Moby Duck was standing by for the Pirates. Photo by John Skerratt