For the eighth year in a row, pirates are planning to invade Vallejo Waterfront Park, where their cutlasses will clash, their cannons will boom and their shanties will fill the air.

This Northern California Pirate Festival, scheduled for June 14-15, is themed “Year of the Pirate.”

The annual event, the only one of its kind in Northern California, can draw as many as 30,000 would-be buccaneers, privateers, corsairs and other sea raiders as well as lubbers, who will see more than 500 entertainers on four stages, shop for nautical wares and learn a little of history at pirate encampments.

For those who have only read about Calico Jack, Blackbeard, Anne Bonny and other historical figures, this coming weekend is a chance to meet many of them in person, as well as to learn about other fearsome rogues whose legends may not be as well known.

The festival is a family-friendly event, where young visitors can ride a giant kraken, join entertainers on stage and even be trained as a buccaneer.

Youngsters can join Master of Ceremonies Stubby Wood and entertainer Mister Mac at 1:15 p.m. each day at the front stage for a parade to the Treasure Island Kid’s Stage for a costume contest, where every young pirate wins some booty.

They can play one-of-a-kind games such as Cat-A-Pults vs. Pi-Rats, Crossbows, Monkey Cannons and Sink the Pirate.

During the day, singers and performers keep audiences of all ages engaged, but the festival has a returning special event, 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday night, that is for adults only.

It’s the Buccaneers’ Bash, where the lyrics sung by the Dread Crew of Oddwood, Boarding Party, Fishnet Follies and the Pirate Burlesque Review can get a little more risqué than young deck hands should hear.

A new ship that has been around the world, the Nehemiah, will face off against the Brotherhood of Oceanic Mercenaries (B.O.O.M.) for the popular and ongoing ship-to-shore cannon battles.

This year, visitors will have two chances to see the crew of the 57-foot British Naval ship fire on the pirates on shore, who will aim their cannons toward the vessel to defend the island.

Members of B.O.O.M., who are coming from Portland, Ore., also will demonstrate fine swashbuckling style with real swords.

Crew members train extensively and are certified before they are allowed to perform with swords, pistols, cannons and whips.

They also give visitors a glimpse into the Golden Age of Piracy, through their living history displays and stories.

For those who have dreamed of mermaids, those dreams come true in an aquarium on display at the pirate festival.

The Dive Bar, in Sacramento, has performing mermaids who swim in a 40-foot tank, and has arranged for the alluring creatures to visit the festival again this year.

Entertainers of another sort also return from their festival debut in 2013: the legendary ladies of the House of the Rising Sun.

The New Orleans house of ill repute is frequented by French and Creole dancers, pirates and gamblers who will entertain visitors with songs, games of chance, lively improvisations and historical New Orleans tales.

The notorious undead Pirates of Emerson, rising again from their haunted theme park, will make a return appearance at the festival, bringing their ghost ship and looking for young recruits.

The Privateers of the Dauntless will have their ship docked on the lawn of the Vallejo Waterfront Park, where visitors can see crewmates at work and play on a full-sized vessel. Some lucky powdermonkeys will get to help sailors fire a cannon.

Privateers, considered pirates by those they opposed, were raiders protected by a letter of marque document that gave them the authority to pillage their nation’s enemies.

For those who consider pirates to be the scourge of the open seas, Morgan’s Companie from the British Navy will sail in to keep things in order.

Visitors also may see the historically accurate Government House, where King George has sent his Red Coats and Royal Navy as well as a new governor who intends to rid the island of pirates by bringing them to trial and sentencing. Young pirates who promise to mend their blackheart ways may sign their own copy of the King’s Pardon.

Among the musical entertainers, the Boarding Party makes its festival debut this year. The San Francisco-based pirate band plays seafaring and drinking songs, both original and traditional, accompanied by a rock beat.

Merry Wives of Windsor, an all-women folk band from Southern California known for rich four- and five-part vocal harmonies, also will perform at the festival for the first time, bringing its blend of North American, British Isles and contemporary folk music.

A longtime festival favorite, Skip Henderson and the Starboard Watch, returns to present classic maritime ballads and shanties.

Mister Mac, a Southern California pirate, brings back his family-friendly songs that encourage lubbers and deck hands to sing along. Youngsters often are invited to join him on stage.

BilgeMunky, who captained BilgeMunky Pirate Radio for many years despite an upbringing in a fine Navy family, will have live podcasts, music and reports about the festival.

Dread Crew of Oddwood, based in San Diego, made its first appearance at the pirate festival last year to share their pirate-themed blend of metal, Celtic and progressive rock music they call “heavy mahogany,” because of the prevalence of accoustic instruments.

The Seadogs, the West Coast pirate and maritime musicians who have been entertaining for 25 years, combine music from old shanties and classic sea songs to more contemporary melodies as well as theater, staying in character for the entire performance. Some of them will join the Court of the Pirate Lords in portraying stories that involve plenty of swordplay.

Speaking of swords — not to mention snakes and other accessories — Tatseena’s fusion bellydancers will return to entertain as Serpent Sirens Swords.

Plank and Plunder, new for 2014, is a pirate comedy duo presenting an interactive show with swordfighting and shanties, particularly for children. If that’s not enough swordfighting and gunplay, the Tales of the Seven Seas features swashbuckling and loathsome pirates and buccaneers.

A popular performer making a return appearance is Captain Jack Spareribs, pirate comedian, dangerous juggler and illusionist, ventriloquist and skilled craftsman, who will bring his talking monkey.

For six years, Captain Jack has been voted Best in the San Francisco Bay Area for family fun. He makes regular appearances in Reno and Lake Tahoe as well as along the West Coast.

In other entertainment, Anne Bonny, “Calico” Jack Rackham and their crew will train children for high seas adventures in their School of Piracy for the Young and Impressionable.

Fowl Tales, new for 2014, features comedy and visual entertainment by Bob Bartley and his bright red macaw, Gypsy. They have been a team for 35 years.

Merchants of trade will have plenty to sell to those with doubloons and pieces of eight.

From pirate-themed parasols to fine live steel, jewelry, well-made period attire and accessories, exotic teas and an intriguing array of colorful beads and coins, visitors will find plenty to purchase.

The festival also provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the community, area nonprofit organizations and the Sea Shepherd​ environmental organization.

There will be plenty of food, including meat pies, smoked tri-tip, hot dogs, fish and chips and some exotic fare. Ales, wine and microbrewed beers also will be sold.

Daily admission to the festival is $10; children 11 and younger are admitted without charge. Tickets to the Buccaneer’s Bash are $15, and attendees must be 18 and older. Weekend and premium passes are available online.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15, at the Vallejo Waterfront Park, 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo, with the Buccaneer’s Bash starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday For more information visit the event’s website, norcalpiratefestival.com, or call the festival at 866-921- YARR (9277).