Set a course for Tampa and play your part in a full-tilt invasion! Be prepared for fun, frolic and high adventure as the 2025 Gasparilla Pirate Fest kicks off in Tampa Bay.
Land, ho! Set sail for Tampa as the 2025 Gasparilla Pirate Fest docks in Tampa on Saturday, January 25, 2025, bringing the spirit of pirates past and glittering treasures for hundreds of thousands of visitors and locals to plunder!
Gasparilla Pirate Fest returns every January, bringing the spirit of pirates past and glittering treasures for visitors and locals to plunder. The 4.5-mile parade route, led by the captain and his Ye Mystic Krewe, is followed by over a hundred floats winding through historic Bayshore Blvd and downtown Tampa, creating the third-largest parade in the United States.
This year is the 108th Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, and organisers are expecting crowds of over 300,000 people to invade Tampa
The Jose Gasparilla II, carrying hundreds of fierce pirates, sails to Tampa in search of the Key to the City. The ship and its accompanying flotilla travel north across the Bay and into Seddon Channel before they come ashore at the Tampa Convention Center.
The Invasion
Named for pirate Jose Gaspar, who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Tampa's annual Gasparilla celebration begins with the Gasparilla Invasion.
The notorious members of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sail into the Tampa Convention Center, riding on a fleet of hundreds of vessels. kicking off a full schedule of pirate-themed events.
“Land, ho! Set sail for Tampa!” Shouts the legendary pirate Jose Gaspar as his band of buccaneers sail across the Hillsborough Bay and return to the City of Tampa.
The Invasion Route
At 11:30 am, the only fully-rigged pirate ship in the world, the Jose Gasparilla, emerges at the south end of Hillsborough Bay followed by hundreds if not thousands of boats.
The vibrant Gasparilla Flotilla then makes its way across Hillsborough Bay and into Seddon Channel (between Davis Island & Harbour Island) and the Gasparilla Invasion has begun!
In this annual re-enactment of Tampa’s historic pirate invasion, the Gasparilla Flotilla – led by the Jose Gasparilla filled to the crow’s nest with swashbuckling pirates – creates a spectacular sight.
When the Jose Gasparilla docks at the Tampa Convention Center at 1 pm, the Mayor of Tampa surrenders the Key to the City to the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.
The Krewe then celebrates their victory in a Parade of Pirates down Bayshore Boulevard.
For the best viewing experience, arrive early and secure your spot, there are many places in downtown Tampa – waterfront hotels, places along Davis Islands and Harbour Island – to view this spectacular event!
With the Key to City assuredly in hand, the Captain and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla mark the city’s surrender with a festive Parade of Pirates.
Presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla annually since 1904, the parade features approximately 140 units of krewes, floats, marching bands, and social organizations.
The Parade Of Pirates
To celebrate their capture of the City of Tampa, the Captain and his Krewe share their wealth of glittering beads, treasures and doubloons with a lively, enthusiastic crowd all along the 4.5 mile parade route.
The parade begins at 2 pm. “Make way, mateys!” shout Tampa’s original buccaneers as they wind their way down historic Bayshore Blvd. and into downtown Tampa – amidst colorful costumes and festive music.
The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates has been presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla annually since 1904, the parade features approximately 140 units of krewes, floats, marching bands, and social organizations.
Picture this: a sea of glittering beads, treasures, and doubloons being tossed into the air as a crew of pirates celebrate their victory over the City of Tampa.
The legendary Gasparilla Parade of Pirates is no ordinary celebration. As the Captain and his Krewe parade along the 4.5-mile route, you’ll witness approximately 140 units of elaborate floats, Krewes, marching bands, and, of course, the infamous YMKG pirates! You won’t want to miss Tampa’s signature Gasparilla event.
Parade Route
The parade begins at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard. It continues along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street, turns east on Brorein Street, then north on Ashley Drive. The parade ends at Cass Street & Ashley Drive.
Viewing
Gasparilla is free to attend, and there are many areas along Bayshore Boulevard and downtown to view the parade’s festivities.
Parking
Parking is available in various garages and lots throughout downtown Tampa. These city-run garages have a special event parking rate paid upon entry. Many local organizations and companies also offer parking on their properties. Please check with local businesses to purchase a parking pass for their private lots in advance.
Please Note: Parking in the neighborhoods bordering the parade route is not permitted, and the Tampa Police Department will strictly enforce the event parking policies. When parking in these areas, you do so at your own risk. Communities strictly enforce towing along the parade route, and the event is not responsible for vehicles towed.
Parking is limited. Take a page from the pirates’ book and carpool or use a ride-share
Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Rock pirate style! Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest features live music stages along the Tampa Riverwalk.
Presented by Bud Light and 101 N. Meridian Apartment Homes, stages in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and MacDill Park will feature live entertainment before and after the parade, inviting guests to enjoy a lively atmosphere along Tampa’s renowned waterfront.
2025 Schedule:
MACDILL PARK STAGE (98 ROCK):
10 am DJ/STATION MUSIC
11:30 am Captain Mike & The Shipwrecked
3 pm Break for Parade of the Pirates
5:30 pm Kyle Ingram Trio + Horns
CURTIS HIXON PARK STAGE (LATIN/LA RUMBA 106.5 FM):
10 am DJ / STATION MUSIC
11:30 am Champán D’Barrio Orchestra
3 pm Break for Parade of the Pirates
5:30 pm Afinque All Stars
For more information: https://gasparillapiratefest.com
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