Arrrr you ready for a little treasure hunt?
The Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest returns May 15–17 with its biggest lineup yet, featuring seven different treasure hunt experiences spread across the Buckeye Lake region.
The three-day festival, held around Buckeye Lake State Park, brings together live entertainment, markets and interactive adventures that encourage visitors to explore the area in new ways.
At the center of it all is the Tri-County Main Treasure Hunt, the festival’s flagship event.
More than 35 treasure chests will be hidden across Fairfield, Licking and Perry counties. Participants can visit local businesses, scan QR codes and enter for a chance to win prizes filled with merchandise and festival swag.
Maps will be available throughout the weekend while supplies last.
This year’s festival expands beyond the main event with six themed tours, each offering a different kind of adventure.
There’s an ATV and side-by-side route through backroads, a scenic bicycle tour along the shoreline, and a golf cart-friendly hunt through the village designed for a laid-back pace. A steampunk-themed Whistle Stop Tour adds a Victorian-inspired element with themed stops across the region.
Motorcycle riders can follow a dedicated route stretching between Buckeye Lake and Lancaster, while boaters can take part in a pontoon-based hunt across the water. Each tour has its own starting point and schedule, but all take place during the festival weekend.
Beyond the treasure hunts, the festival includes live music, a large vendor market, themed entertainment and plenty of chances to dress the part. For more information, head over to buckeyelakepiratefest.com.
