Raise a Mug for Wildlife: Pirate Viking Summer Festival Returns with Music, Quests, and Mead

EDGEWOOD — Swashbuckling sea dogs and Norse warriors are preparing to collide in the East Mountains as the seventh annual Pirate Viking Summer Festival returns to Wildlife West Nature Park.

The two-day immersive event, set for Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, brings together historical reenactments, live music, craft merchants, and interactive games to raise funds for local wildlife conservation.

“It’s the clash of steel, the thunder of war drums, and the crack of pirate cannons,” said founder and organizer Eric Vigil. “Step into a living adventure where fearless pirates, mighty Vikings, mermaids, warriors, and artisans surround you from the moment you enter the gates.”

Running daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the festival features continuous entertainment spread across five stages, including belly dancing, side-splitting comedy, sword fighting demonstrations, and fire shows. Attendees will also find interactive history stops where costumed storytellers detail sea legends and Norse sagas.

More than 80 merchant craft vendors and food booths will line the grounds alongside local meaderies and craft breweries serving beverages for adult attendees. Interactive activities include an event-wide “Festival Quest,” axe throwing, tomato tossing, and gold panning.

A primary goal of the event is keeping family entertainment accessible while supporting the host venue. Proceeds from the weekend directly benefit Wildlife West Nature Park and Sanctuary Zoo, an Edgewood nonprofit dedicated to caring for native, non-releasable wildlife.

“We want families to come out and experience something completely unique without breaking the bank,” Vigil said.

Event Details & Admission

• Dates & Times: Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Wildlife West Nature Park, 87 N. Frontage Road, Edgewood, NM
• Admission: Kids 17 and under enter free with a paying adult. General adult day passes (ages 18–64) are $30 at the gate, while military members, veterans, and seniors (65+) are $20.
• Special Events: A 21-and-over Saturday night after-hours party runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. featuring exclusive adult entertainment, live music, and costume contests. Onsite camping packages are available online.
• Parking: Free on site.

For advance tickets, vendor inquiries, or additional information, visit www.piratevikingsummerfestival.com.