Inside the Pirate Party – AirVenture’s Legendary North 40 Tradition
📅 Recorded Live at AirVenture 2025 – Oshkosh, WI
Episode Description:
If you’ve ever camped in the North 40 at AirVenture, chances are you’ve heard whispers (or maybe laughter) about the Pirate Party. It’s not on the official schedule, but it’s one of the most unforgettable traditions of Oshkosh—a gathering of aviators, friends, and newcomers who come together for food, drinks, and fellowship under the banner of “The Pirates.”
In this episode, we sit down with one of the founding Pirates to hear the origin story: how this grassroots community got started, what it takes to keep the party alive year after year, and why they keep a storage locker in Oshkosh stocked with the essentials for hosting hundreds of pilots who drop by.
From impromptu feasts and storytelling to the camaraderie that keeps aviators coming back, this is your inside look at a tradition that captures the true spirit of AirVenture.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
How the Pirate Party first began in the North 40
The logistics (and legends) of throwing a massive grassroots party at Oshkosh
Why a storage locker in Oshkosh is the Pirates’ secret weapon
Stories from years of campfires, friendships, and unforgettable nights
Why the Pirate Party embodies the heart of aviation community
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