One of the most popular attractions in Tampa is the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest, which has been a tradition in Tampa since 1904. Over 300,000 spectators are expected to line the streets to watch the Ashley Children's Gasparilla Parade presented by Chick-fil-A on January 24, 2026 and the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest on January 31, 2026. In order to accommodate the parades, many streets will be closed. This page will provide you with event details, street closures, parade routes, and other information that will help you enjoy the festivities safely.
Saturday, January 24, 2026
12:00-7:30pm
Schedule of Events:
- 12:00-2:00pm: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Rodeo- Bayshore Blvd between Rome and Dakota Ave. (Free to participate, no registration required)
- 12:00-2:00pm: Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll (Pre-registration required)
- 12:00-4:00pm: Gasparilla Air Invasion including parachute jumpers
- 4:00-6:15pm: Children’s Gasparilla Parade
- 6:15-7:00pm: Nighttime Gasparilla Air Invasion including the Jose Gasparilla ship light display
- 7:00-7:30pm: “Piratechnic Finale” Fireworks Show
For more details, please visit Gasparillapiratefest.com
Parade Information
- 2026 Children's Gasparilla Parade Route w/Road Closures and ADA Access Map (coming soon)
- Children's Gasparilla Parade Road Closure Schedule (coming soon)
- Children's Gasparilla Parade Traffic Advisory (coming soon)
- Parking Information (coming soon)
- Shared Escooter & Ebike No-Ride Zones (coming soon)
FREE Jolley Roger Trolley service will be running on a continuous loop from 11:30am to 8:30pm picking up/dropping off at the intersections of Platt St. and Bayshore Boulevard (near Publix) and Bay-to-Bay and Bayshore Boulevard. Please note, this is a different service than the HART shuttles and TECO Streetcar.
This event is free to the public. Reserved bleacher seating is available for the Ashley Children's Gasparilla presented by Chick-fil-A Parade.
