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Talk Like a Pirate Day: It's Real & Celebrates with FREE stuff in LA

9/18/15 - By Roberta B

Well shiver me timbers, ahoy there buccaneers, fly the jolly roger, and any other piratical cliché you can think of: September 19 is a national holiday called Talk Like a Pirate Day, and no, we arrrgh not making that up. How could we? This peculiar celebration of all things pirate has grown in popularity each year, until we've finally decided that it merits a post of its own. So hold onto your eye patches, because we know 6 great ways to celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day in LA!

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  1. Free Donuts!
    This has been my family's favorite way to celebrate the niche holiday since first I heard the words utterrrred. Stop into any Krispy Kreme location and talk like a pirate for a free donut, no plundering required. But wait – there's more! Dress like a pirate, and you can sail away with a free dozen! Mind you, this requires a certain commitment; don't think an eye patch and a passing "Arrrrgh" is sufficient. Dressing like a pirate requires at least three piratical costume elements, including (but not limited to) a puffy shirt, a hook, a shoulder parrot, a peg leg, a pirate hat, an eye patch, a head scarf, and a cutlass. For a dozen donuts, you need to be prepared to make a scene – preferably one from Pirates of the Caribbean.
  2. Free fish!
    Well, you don't get to keep the fish, but since Talk Like a Pirate Day coincides this year with Coastal Cleanup Day, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is asking all pirates to stop by the beach and do a little cleaning up of sea booty in return for free admission to the aquarium. Themed pirate fun includes a free pirate hat craft (hint: an excellent activity before going to Krispy Kreme) and pirate storytime at 2pm.
  3. Pirate Parrrrty
    Orange County's Pretend City Children's Museum gets in on the swashbuckling action with an all-day party featuring pirate-themed storytimes and activities throughout the day. Everyone arriving in pirate garrrrb gets half off admission.
  4. Bike Like a Pirate
    Yes, pirates usually arrive by sea, but Santa Monica is to be taken over by pirates on bikes in honor of the day. Kidical Mass, the seaside town's initiative to get bikes and cars used to sharing the road safely, is leading a group ride called the Talk Like a Pirate MASS-ive Ride. Families are encouraged to dress like pirates and mount their bikes (eye patches NOT recommended) to take over the streets as one jolly group of buccaneers, in an attempt at the biggest family bike ride ever. If it misses that record, it's bound to win the biggest group pirate bike ride, hooks down.
  5. Eat Like a Pirate
    If you'd like to just kick back and watch other people talk like pirates while you enjoy a good meal, check out Orange County's Pirates Dinner Adventure, where the swashbuckling and plank walking go on nightly, holiday or not.
  6. Pirate Theater
    Creating Arts Company opens its new show for young kids this weekend, in honor of the holiday. Neverland, a Mermaid, Faeries, and Pirate Adventure features a treasure hunt, sword fights, and a little mermaid magic to keep the youngest boatswains entertained. Use the code "pirate" when purchasing tickets for opening weekend to receive 50% off. The code will work at the door as well, but these shows often sell out, so advance purchase is recommended.