TAMPA, FL – Gasparilla Pirate Fest returns in 2026 for another year of celebration in the City of Tampa. Gasparilla is a tradition in Tampa that goes back over 100 years. Over 300,000 people are expected to participate in the pirate-themed festivities. The children’s parade will occur first on Jan. 24 followed by the adult Pirate Fest on Jan. 31.

Children’s Gasparilla Parade details

The Ashley Children’s Gasparilla Parade presented by Chick-fil-A will occur on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 and the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest will occur on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.

The schedule for The Ashley Children’s Gasparilla Parade is:

• noon-2 p.m.: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Rodeo- Bayshore Blvd between Rome and Dakota Ave. (Free to participate, no registration required)
• noon-2 p.m.: Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll (Pre-registration required)
• noon-4 p.m.: Gasparilla Air Invasion including parachute jumpers
• 4-6:15 p.m.: Children’s Gasparilla Parade
• 6:15-7 p.m.: Nighttime Gasparilla Air Invasion including the Jose Gasparilla ship light display
• 7-7:30 p.m.: “Piratechnic Finale” Fireworks Show

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Gasparilla Pirate Fest details

The schedule for the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is:

• 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. Gasparilla Invasion
• 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Gasparilla Parade of Pirates

Reserved bleacher seating is available for a fee at gasparillatreasures.com. There is also officially branded merchandise available this year including hats, beads, a mug, and more.

There will be a number of parties in celebration on Jan. 31. Here are a few options:

• Gasparilla Invasion Brunch Party 2026 at American Social – Tampa: Watch the parade in style at American Social on Harbour Island. There will be food and drinks flowing as well as live music from DJs. Tickets are $250+ and are limited. Access from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is limited to those with a ticket or VIP. 601 S Harbour Island Blvd #107, Tampa, FL 33602.
• Gasparilla 2026 at District Tavern: Guests can enjoy brunch and mimosas starting at $65 from 9 a.m. to noon in Channelside. District Tavern will be open late with live music and food after the morning festivities. 116 North 12th Street Tampa, FL 33602.
• Grove Gaspy Saturday! at Grove Soho: Enjoy bottomless mimosas and deals on Pirates Bowls in SoHo. Tickets start at $30 and the party goes all day from 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. 406 South Howard Ave. Tampa, FL 33606.
• 9th Annual Gasparilla Bar Crawl & Brunch: Every year Downtown Crawlers through festivities around the city in honor of Gasparilla with plenty to drink and transportation between venues. It’s a fun way to explore the city and keep the party going. Tickets must be purchased in advance and then picked up on the morning of the bar crawl. Venues include Yeoman’s, Gen X, District Tavern, Maloney’s, and more. Tickets start at $40.
• Gasparilla Invasion Brunch Cruise: If the sea is more your thing, Yacht StarShip is offering a brunch cruise on the sea. It starts at $270 and is likely to sellout, but gets you right into the action. Outdoor seating will cost extra. Tickets are limited.

Looking for a hotel for Gasparilla Pirate Fest 2026? I have you covered.

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.