Image courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay area’s favorite pirate-themed party is back this Saturday for another swashbuckling weekend filled with beads, boats and bounty.
This year’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest starts at 9 a.m. and lasts well into the night, with festivities wrapping up at 10 p.m.
Gasparilla Invasion Brunch | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enjoy a delicious meal and cocktails while enjoying a front row look at the pirate ships flooding the harbor. Located at the Tampa Convention Center (333 S. Franklin St.), This ticketed event will run you $158, with brunch and entertainment included. A cash bar will be available for guests over 21.
Gasparilla Invasion | 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Watch as the notorious pirates of the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla invade the city of Tampa, bringing hundreds of ships to the Tampa Convention Center basin.
Following the invasion, the Mystic Krewe’s captain will demand the key to the city from Tampa Mayor Castor, officially kicking off the pirate parade.
Courtesy of Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Gasparilla Parade of Pirates | 2:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Following a successful invasion, the pirates take to the streets for a victory parade. Spectators can enjoy a 4.5-mile journey through downtown Tampa. The event is free to attend, but prime viewing locations can be booked starting at $70.
Gasparilla Stage Performances | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you need a break from all the parade fun or are looking for something to do after the festivities, Gasparilla has a variety of DJ sets and live performances to dance to with your best mates.
There will be two stages to enjoy –– Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (600 N. Ashley Drive) and MacDill Park (100 N. Ashley Drive).
Performances for the event have not been announced.
Parking will be limited and attendees should expect heavy traffic throughout Tampa. A list of parking garages offering event-priced parking can be found here, but the city recommends utilizing public transport.
- The TECO line streetcar will be available for free from 8:30 to 2:30 a.m.
- The HART bus shuttle service will be available for free from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Much of Bayshore Boulevard and surrounding streets, will be closed to prepare for the event. A full schedule of road closures can be found below.
Courtesy of the City of Tampa
For those uninterested in the heat and crowds of the day, USF St. Petersburg’s Nest dining hall will be hosting a Gasparilla Invasion Lunch on Jan. 26.
