TAMPA, Fla. — The 2026 Gasparilla Pirate Fest is almost here, and thousands of pirates are ready to invade Hillsborough Bay on Jan. 31.
Grab your beads, costumes and eye patches, and get ready for the annual pirate-themed parade.
Meteorologist Greg Dee says we'll be dealing with some extra chilly weather this weekend, so be sure to bundle up before you head out on Saturday.
The parades will affect parking and traffic, so here's everything you need to know about the fest.
The 2025 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa Gasparilla Pirate Fest kicks off on Saturday, Jan.31
Gasparilla Invasion 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
This year, the Jose Gasparilla II will set sail from the south of Hillsborough Bay at 11:30 a.m. and continue north to the Seddon Channel (the area between Davis Island & Harbour Island) before docking at the Tampa Convention Center at 1 p.m.
The annual reenactment of Tampa's historic invasion of the Gasparilla Flotilla
The Gasparilla Flotilla, led by Jose Gasparilla II, will dock at the Tampa Convention Center, where the pirates will command Mayor Jane Castor to surrender the key to the city to the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.
With the key to the city in hand, the Krewe celebrates their victory in a Parade of Pirates down Bayshore Boulevard.
Parking: Parking will be available at the Tampa Convention Center and throughout downtown. City-run garages will have a special event parking rate paid upon entry. Officials recommend attendees arrive early as parking will fill up quickly for the event.
Tickets: You can witness the invasion for free from multiple spots in downtown Tampa, including waterfront hotels, Davis Island and Harbour Island.
Weather: Meteorologist Greg Dee says we could see some scattered rain on Saturday morning with mild temperatures before a sharp turn to colder temperatures for the afternoon as the rain moves out. Temperatures for the Pirate Invasion midday are likely to be in the 50s, then fall into the low 40s for the start of the parade, before quickly dropping into the upper 30s as the parade progresses. Winds will make it feel much colder. Safe to say, this will be one of the coldest Gasparilla events on record.
Gasparilla Parade: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To celebrate their capture of Tampa, the Captain and his Krewe share their wealth, which includes glittering beads, treasures and doubloons, with a lively, enthusiastic crowd all along the 4.5-mile parade route.
Tampa’s original buccaneers make their way down historic Bayshore Boulevard and into downtown Tampa amidst colorful costumes and festive music. The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will boast around 140 units of floats, Krewes, marching bands and the infamous YMKG pirates.
The parade begins at Bay to Bay 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 and Ashley Drive.
Tickets: Free to the public. Reserved seating is available here.
Parade Map:
Gasparilla Pirate Fest: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
The 2026 Pirate Fest will feature stages along the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, with live entertainment pre- and post-parade in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (Ashley and Twiggs), and MacDill Park (Ashley and Whiting).
MACDILL PARK STAGE (98 ROCK):
- 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. - DJ/STATION MUSIC
- 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Captain Mike & The Shipwrecked
- 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. - Break for Parade of the Pirates
- 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. - Kyle Ingram Trio + Horns
CURTIS HIXON PARK STAGE (LATIN/LA RUMBA 106.5 FM):
- 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - DJ / STATION MUSIC
- 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Champán D’Barrio Orchestra
- 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. - Break for Parade of the Pirates
- 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - Afinque All Stars
If you need help with parking, the City of Tampa has provided maps of where you can park for the pirate celebration.
The free TECO Line Street car (8:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.) and the free HART bus shuttle service (9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.) will be available to transport between Ybor City and downtown Tampa.
Adults who are of legal drinking age and choose to drink should do so responsibly and inside designated "wet zones," which are located along the parade route and at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
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