Cedar Key FL Pirate Invasion Weekend

09/11/2026

DID YOU KNOW? 🐬

The dolphins of Florida’s Nature Coast have a pretty specialized way of catching fish.

Driver-barrier foraging involves one dolphin acting as the “driver,” pushing fish towards other dolphins that create a “barrier” and blocks their escape. It’s a coordinated feeding strategy that not all local dolphins participate in.

The behavior was first documented by Cedar Key fisherman Frank, who noticed dolphins using this tactic locally south of Cedar Key. Today, we frequently document driver-barrier foraging from Waccasassa Bay to Lows Bay.

Driver-barrier is one more example of why long-term, local research matters. Behaviors that might have otherwise gone unnoticed can become part of the story we’re able to tell about a population over time.

CKDP is raising funds this week for World Dolphin Day on September 12. Donate today by using the link below to support another 25 years of research!

https://ckdolphinproject.pro.software4nonprofits.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/NjQxODQ=

08/09/2026

Come join us for the 10th Annual Cedar Key FL, Pirate Invasion Weekend, Oct 30, 31n Nov 01! There will be a pirate encampment, black powder demonstrations, Pirate Band Rusty Cutlass, Vendors, Golf Cart Parade, Parrots, and for the Kid's there will be a Costume Contest, Treasure Hunt, Mermaid and a WANTED Poster for the most Notorious Pirates (see the Schedule). There will also be T-Shirts, Flags, Pirate Invasion Shot Glasses and a Treasure Chest containing B***y Raffle. We won't tell what it contains but you must be 21 or older to take possession, "wink, wink"! The Parlay & Auction this year will be on Friday evening, so on Saturday evening HALLOWEEN the Pirates will be in the Park to receive the Trick or Treaters, so bring your Candy, tables and chairs and decorations! It will be a Piratical fun weekend for the whole family!

08/08/2026

This is the schedule for this year. Subject to change.

08/02/2026

This is our T-Shirt design for this, THE 10th YEAR of the Cedar Key Pirate Invasion. Come by the information booth early to get your shirt. We will have them there at the booth starting on Friday October 30. The shirts are $20 each through XL, WE ARE NOT SET UP TO ORDER AND SHIP ONLINE. Larger sizes are $25 and must be pre ordered. So let Dan Hart know if you want a 2XL or larger. YOU MUST PICK THE SHIRT UP AT THE INFORMATION BOOTH AT THE INVASION.

07/25/2026

Big Deck is almost done…🍔🍺🏝️

07/09/2026

04/12/2026

Ahoy Mateys! Since Halloween is on Saturday this year, we have moved the Parlay & Auction to Friday night so the Pirates can receive the Trick or Treaters again in the park from 5:00 ish to 8:00 ish Saturday evening. Plan Accordingly. You can bring your own table and chairs, and of course candy. The vendors can open their tents with candy for the Trick or Treaters and wares for the adults!

03/22/2026

The ever popular raffle of the hand-made wooden Treasure Chest by Blackjack the Wicked Kilted Pirate will be raffled off on Saturday afternoon. The Treasure Chest has a reproduction antique padlock and the only way to know what treasures are within is to win the Treasure Chest! The chest and treasure were donated by Dan & Kathy Hart and Cheryl Guagliardo.