Gasparilla Pirate Fest

The 2023 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest in Tampa, Florida is scheduled for Saturday, January 28, 2023 and will feature the 107th Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. This is one of the most fun and popular annual events in Tampa Bay!

Gasparilla is a FREE community event with over 100 years of history. Reserved seating is available for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center, the Children’s Gasparilla Parade and the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates.

Gasparilla Invasion – 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Shouts from the legendary pirate Jose Gaspar and his band of marauding buccaneers will ring out across the waters of Hillsborough Bay as they return to invade the City of Tampa. On Saturday, January 28, at 11:30 A.M., 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!

Amidst a volley of cannon fire, the City is defenseless. 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 YMKG pirates – creates a spectacular sight. When the Jose Gasparilla docks at the Tampa Convention Center (1:00 P.M.), the Mayor of Tampa surrenders the Key to the City to the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

Gasparilla Invasion Brunch – 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM
The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center provides the best view in town of the historic Gasparilla Invasion, as the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sail up Seddon Channel aboard the Jose Gasparilla accompanied by a majestic flotilla, docking tableside at 1:00 PM. at the Tampa Convention Center. The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch includes a buffet brunch with cash bar and reserved table seating for one of the most unique and colorful spectacles found anywhere in the world.

Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates – 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
To celebrate their capture of the City of Tampa, the Captain and his Krewe share their wealth – glittering beads, treasures and doubloons – with a lively, enthusiastic crowd all along the 4.5 -mile parade route. “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 will boast over 140 units – including more than 103 elaborate floats, 5 marching bands, over 50 distinct Krewes and, of course, those infamous YMKG pirates! The parade begins at Bay to Bay and Bayshore Blvd. It continues along Bayshore Blvd. to Brorein St., turns east on Brorein St., then north on Ashley Dr.. The parade ends at Cass St. & Ashley Dr.