Gasparilla: A Pirate's Paradise in Tampa Bay

Happening this month!

Tampa's 2025 Gasparilla: A Pirate's Paradise!

Get ready for the most exciting event in Tampa history! The 106th Gasparilla Pirate Fest is happening on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Gasparilla Highlights:

- When: January 25, 2025, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Where: Downtown Tampa and Bayshore Boulevard
- Cost: Free to attend

Event Schedule:
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Invasion Brunch
- 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Pirate Invasion (the best view is near American Social)
- 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Parade of Pirates (Bayshore will be flooded with people)
- 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM: Live Music Performances

Why Gasparilla is a Vibe:
The festival celebrates the legendary pirate José Gaspar with a mock invasion of Tampa. Imagine hundreds of pirates sailing into the city, firing cannons, and demanding the key to the city from the mayor!

The parade stretches 4.5 miles along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard, with hundreds of thousands of people cheering. Here is a video of my first Gasparilla three years ago!

If you want to learn more about the history of Gasparilla, then here’s a previous post.

Bonus Fun:
- Children's Gasparilla offers family-friendly activities
- Live music at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (where the parade ends)
- The chance to see the famous Jose Gasparilla II pirate ship

Pro Tip: Arrive early, wear your pirate gear, and stay hydrated.