The sound of cannon fire in Lake Charles — set to be fired Friday in defense of the city at the Civic Center Seawall — will signal the start of the 2022 Louisiana Pirate Festival.

Legend has it that nearly three centuries ago, pirate Jean Lafitte and his band of buccaneers were fleeing enemy ships and heading west to Galveston, Texas, when they stopped to hide in the waterways of Lake Charles. Among those hideouts was Contraband Bayou, where he is said to have buried chests full of silver and gold.

Now a two-week pirate-themed festival celebrates the Lake Area’s vast recreational and cultural activities while also benefiting 20 local charitable organizations.

Carnival rides and the Galley Alley food court and pirate marketplace open at 4 p.m. today. Ride armbands are $30.

Cannons will be test fired at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Friday with Jean Lafitte expected to land at the seawall at 7 p.m.; Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser will also be in town to kick off the festival.

On Saturday, a car show, Boy Scout jamboree, emergency responder agility challenge, military display, costume contest, cannon demonstration, scuba diving demonstration and boat parade are planned. The festival will be open 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

The Salty Dog parade is set for 2 p.m. Sunday and the Louisiana Pirate Festival Parade Extravaganza will follow.

The festival will open at 4 p.m. daily May 2-6 and noon on May 7.

Among the bands featured each Friday and Saturday during the festival will be LA Heartbeat, Valerie Page, Sean Ardoin, Three Sheets, Zydecane, LA Express, Steelshot, Young Band Nation, Clay Cormier, Stephen Paul and Parish County Line.

New to the festival this year is Gymfit’s Mobile Adventures, an obstacle course for children, and the 2022 Rum Revival with more than 40 rum-based cocktails available for tasting as well as beer, wine and Caribbean-themed food from local restaurants.