Arrgh you ready to party? This is the question you would be asked if you attended Gasparilla Pirate Fest, one of the nation’s only pirate festivals. Held at port in Tampa, Florida — because where else would you host a pirate festival? — this over-the-top boat party covers ground on land and sea in less than 12 hours. (The fest comes in second for most eyeliner worn in one place, just behind a heavy metal cruise that departs from Miami.)
The festival is named for Jose Gaspar, a Spanish pirate who invaded the Florida coast in the early 1800s. The pirate, who disappeared some years later, inspired the Tampa Tribune to publish fictional letters a century later from “Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla” to promote the city’s May Day celebrations, and the tradition stuck. To this day, a parade of pirates that originally started in 1904 continues as a part of the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. It’s just like it was in the 19th century — minus someone being tied to an anchor and dropped into the sea of course. At one in the afternoon, folks dressed like Jack Sparrow line up along the Tampa Convention Center basin as boats filled with the “Krewe” dock and take the key to the city from Tampa’s mayor. Or, you can buy tickets to eat brunch with an invasion view! Eggs taste better with a side of rum, we hear.
Post-invasion, attendees can expect to see a parade of pirates run through downtown Tampa, which is free to attend. If you already own a vest and leather pants, you’ll fit right in anywhere along the four-and-a-half-mile-long route. Musical acts perform before and after the parade on two different stages.
This year, artists include Actual Bank Robbers, the Kyle Ingram Trio, Champán D’Barrio Orchestra and Afinque All Stars as well as DJ sets sponsored by two local radio stations.
The main schedule of Gasparilla events on Saturday, January 25, 2025:
- Gasparilla Pirate Fest – 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Gasparilla Invasion Brunch – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Gasparilla Invasion – from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Gasparilla Parade of Pirates – 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
FAQs
How many people attend Gasparilla Pirate Fest?
The Tampa Bay event typically pulls 300,000 to watch Jose Gaspar’s Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla invade the city.
Is the children’s festival happening this year?
Yes, the Ashley Children’s Gasparilla is happening and it will include events like Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo, Preschooler’s Stroll, Gasparilla Air Invasion, the Children’s Parade and more. See this page for info.
What is the Gasparilla Invasion?
The Jose Gasparilla II, (it’s a pirate ship, folks) carrying hundreds of fierce pirates, sails to Tampa in search of the key to the city. The ship and its flotilla will travel north across the bay, and land on shore at the Tampa Convention Center. Once there, they’ll raise the flags, mark their territory, and take party on land.
Where does the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates happen? I know it’s in the City of Tampa, but where?
It will march down Bayshore Boulevard and follow a 4.5-mile parade route along Hillsborough Bay through in downtown Tampa.
Where do the live music performances happen?
On the Tampa Riverwalk at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (at Ashley Drive and Twiggs Street) and MacDill Park (at Ashley Drive and Whiting Street).
How much does it cost to get into Gasparilla 2025?
Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is free to attend, but if you want a prime spot to view the parade, reserve your seats in advance.
When is the Gasparilla Music Festival?
Other Gasparilla events include Gasparilla Music Festival and Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic. Those events dates are:
- Gasparilla Music Festival: Feb. 14 – 16, 2025
- Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic: Feb. 22 and 23, 2025
When does early-bird pricing end?
On Dec. 31. Visit gasparillatreasures.com to buy tickets.