Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Events begin at 11 a.m. | Parade runs from 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Fireworks scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

Ready to teach your young scallywags what Gasparilla is all about? The Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza is the place to start!

This alcohol-free, family-friendly event brings children and adults of all ages out to Bayshore Boulevard for a parade with floats, marching bands, performers, and of course, the opportunity to catch beads!

In 2017, the parade route starts at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore, and ends along Edison Avenue.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Pirate invasion begins at 11:30 a.m. | Parade starts at 2 p.m.

The featured event of Gasparilla, the Pirate Fest, starts with the José Gasparilla sailing into Tampa Bay, loaded for bear with the “Captain” and his “Mystic Krewe,” firing its cannons and readying to invade the city.

Come early and plan to stay for a day filled with the nation’s third-largest annual parade, live street performers, music, food, and lots and lots of pirates! The Parade of Pirates draws around 300,000 onlookers annually, so be prepared for crowds and throw on your pirate gear if you’ve got it.

The event is free – however, reserved seating is available until midnight on Saturday, January 21. Ticket prices range from $45 to $60. Visit gasparillatreasures.com to purchase your tickets.

Gasparilla Distance Classic

Saturday, February 25 – Sunday, February 26, 2017

Athletes of all levels participate in the annual races that make up the Gasparilla Distance Classic. The event offers a 15K, 5K, half marathon, 8K, 5K walk, 5K stroller races, and more.

The races benefit charitable youth organizations across the Bay area. According to visittampabay.com, since 1978 the Distance Classic has donated $3.9 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa, Girls Inc. of Pinellas, The Friends of Tampa Parks and Recreation and other youth running related programs.

To register for races, visit tampabayrun.com.

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

March 4 – 5, 2017

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

A free outdoor art festival featuring works selected from over a thousand submissions, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts draws more than 250,000 people every year.

This year marks the festival’s 45th year. It’s set to coincide with the week-long Gasparilla Film Festival March 2-9.

Gasparilla Outbound Voyage

Saturday, March 4, 2017

Channelside Bay Plaza

Events begin 2 p.m. | Pirates sail back out to see with final cannon salute 6:30 p.m.

It all began with a huge party – how could it not end with a huge party! The Gasparilla Outbound Voyage features the pirates taking over Channelside Bay Plaza, where they’ll meet with Mayor Buckhorn, who “demands’ the return of the key of the city.

Following that ceremonial handover, the Captain and his Mystic Krewe board the José Gasparilla and return to sea to pillage and plunder anew. Onlookers can enjoy food, live music, and much more. For more information, visit gasparillapiratefest.com/outbound-voyage.