Gasparilla Pirate Fest

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 and the Gasparilla Invasion has begun! When the Jose Gasparilla docks at the Tampa Convention Center, the Mayor of Tampa surrenders 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. The invasion is free to the public. An expanded Pirate Fest in 2023 will feature stages along the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, with live entertainment pre- and post-parade.