National Talk Like a Pirate Day Events

Labor Day isn't the only holiday that occurs in September. Every year, September 19 is 'International Talk Like a Pirate Day'. Talk Like a Pirate Day is a fun-filled occasion dedicated to pirates and their vernacular.

What is Talk Like a Pirate Day?

Talk Like a Pirate Day got started by a couple of guys named John Baur and Mark Summers. During one particular racquetball game, John and Mark started speaking in pirate slang. Talking like a pirate was so much fun that they decided it should become a new national holiday.

John and Mark picked September 19th as the date in honor of an ex-wife. (And because they couldn't think of any other good holiday sounding date.) They chose humor newspaper columnist Dave Barry as the ideal celebrity to (hopefully) promote the newly created pirate holiday. And then they mostly forgot about Talk Like a Pirate Day.

A few years later, John accidentally uncovered Dave Barry's email address. The rest is history. National Talk Like a Pirate Day was born. In fact, it officially became known as "International Talk Like a Pirate Day".

Each year, International Talk Like a Pirate Day gains more and more recognition. Talk Like a Pirate Day is especially popular on college campuses. The UK celebrates the fun holiday as well. Charities have chosen International Talk Like a Pirate Day for a popular fundraiser theme.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day Festivities

Want to know if anyone is celebrating National Talk Like a Pirate Day near you? Check out these pirate events in the United States and the resources section below.

Ojai, California Pirate Faire September 22, 23, 29 & 30
While not officially on the date of International Talk Like a Pirate Day, this is a very cool festival celebrating the pirate's life. It bills itself as "The West Coast's original and largest gathering of Pirates". It's been going on for 16 years and has grown to be a large, fun event. Not only can you talk like a pirate, but you can dress like a pirate, play pirate games, and have lots more pirate fun.