Tampa’s very own pirate holiday is back! Gasparilla is part of the city’s unique history and has evolved into a season of parades, races and parties for the whole community to celebrate. This year, we’ve rounded up all of Gasparilla’s parties and festivities in a list that you won’t want to miss.
Ashley Children’s Gasparilla Presented by Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay
noon-7:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 21
Bayshore Boulevard
Children’s Gasparilla happens the week before the primary festivities consisting of an alcohol-free environment with kid-friendly activities. The day includes cycling along Bayshore, air invasions, fireworks and more fun for the entire family. Children’s Gasparilla will end with a parade featuring hundreds of floats and beads thrown for the kids to collect.
Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest
2 p.m. Sat., Jan. 28
Bayshore Boulevard
Gasparilla Parade of Pirates is the ultimate celebration featuring floats, marching bands and community groups, all while the Pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla invade Tampa once again. The crowd at the 4.5-mile parade can expect bead throwing, coin tossing and a day of treasure.
Gasparilla Invasion
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., Jan. 28
Tampa Convention Center
The pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe are back again aboard the Jose Gasparilla II, ready to invade Tampa as the key will be surrendered to Capt. Truett Gardner. Hundreds of boats will line the Hillsborough River in preparation for the Gasparilla Invasion.
Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic
Feb. 25 and 26
333 S. Franklin St.
The fun continues a month later! Runners and walkers can enjoy the Publix Gasparilla Distance Class with a 5k walk, 5k run, 8k run, 15k run or half marathon in downtown Tampa. Participants in this celebration are helping to raise funds for charitable youth organizations and running programs in the Tampa Bay area.
The pirates are almost here! Brush up on your Gasparilla history by reading about the history of the Jose Gasparilla pirate ship.
