Time to let your inner Jack Sparrow out

Arghhhh! Well, shiver me timbers! The Ocean Institute’s annual Tall Ships Festival begins Friday at Dana Point Harbor with a peaceful nautical parade at sunset. But come Saturday, things turn nasty when the tall ships and their crews will duel in a cannon battle in the harbor where everything will be real but the ammunition. Festival attendees can ride on the ships for an additional charge or just view the mock mayhem from the shore. The sunset sea battles will be the highlight of a weekend that will also include ship tours, maritime displays, Polynesian dancers, sea-chantey concerts, an interactive pirate encampment, woodcarving, sail raising and knot tying demonstrations, arts, crafts, storytellers and other attractions.

Tall Ships Festival, Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. Sunset Parade Cruise, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. $20 to $45. (949) 496-2274.

Also, the festival runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A free shuttle will operate on both days, with free parking available at Selva Road and Pacific Coast Highway. Festival admission is $4 to $10; 2 and younger, free. Battle cruise tickets are $20 to $50. www.tallshipsfestival.com