All hands ahoy for Northern California Pirate Festival

Every summer, families swarm the Vallejo waterfront for the Northern California Pirate Festival, a two-day event of costumed, themed activities meant to bring to life the Golden Age of piracy.

Founded in 2007, the festival enters its 10th season this weekend with a lineup that features nautical musical acts — with Tom Lewis from England, a legend among sea chantey singers — as well as a tank of live “mermaids.”

Other offerings include swordfighting lessons for the adults and a simulated cannon fight with the traditional wooden ship Nehemiah.