2024 Gasparilla Events Schedule

The invasion of pirates aboard the Jose Gasparilla is imminent.  Gasparilla season is here and there are events for runners, kids, fireworks lovers and bicyclists. Here's a complete rundown of all things Gasparilla for 2024 in Tampa.

This day is all about the kids.  The Children's Gasparilla Parade starts at Bay to Bay and goes along Bayshore Boulevard to Edison Avenue.  Even if you're not bringing a little one, it's a nice way to do Gasparilla without the big crowds and antics of those who have had a few too many brews.  The parade packed with pirate-strewn floats and marching bands starts at 4pm and lasts for about 2 hours.

Before the parade, kids can get a free bicycle helmet and ride on a mini-traffic course.   That starts at noon.  There's also a "Preschooler Stroll" with kids in their Gasparilla pirate themed costumes at 2pm.  Also look to the skies for the Air Invasion this year as parachutists drop in on the parrrrrty before and after the parade. The day wraps up at sunset with a fireworks display at 7pm.

And now the big day for the big kids.  The invasion of the Jose Gasparilla kicks off the day at 11:30AM.  Get there much earlier though for a good spot near the convention center.  The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates along Bayshore follows starting around 2 and winds down at about 5:30pm.  About 140 krewes, marching bands and floats will be in the 4.5 mile long parade this year.

300,000 are expected, making Gasparilla the third largest parade in the United States. The party continues at Curtis Hixon Park and MacDill Park until about 8.  There will be live music on several stages, headlined by the Seven Nations Celtic Rock Band.

The Knights of Sant'Yago Knight Parade through Ybor City lights up the night. Streets in Ybor close down early at about 1pm so plan accordingly. The parade itself kicks off around 7. Park at the Centro Ybor Garage which is just a couple blocks away.

The Gasparila Distance Classic has raised millions of dollars for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay since the first run in 1978.  There are runs on February 24 & 25 from 5K all the way up to a half marathon.   There's also The Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic on February 17 at Jefferson High School at 4401 West Cypress Street in Tampa.

Heading to Tampa for the Gasparilla festivities? The weather should cooperate. Temps will be in the 70s and there's only a little chance of any rain. The invasion begins at 11:30am. The Parade of the Pirates goes from 2pm to 5pm.

Bring your patience. It does get crowded, people get rowdy and parking isn't easy. Gasparilla reps suggest using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft instead. Also the streetcars will be running to and from Ybor.

Know before you go what can and can't be brought to the parade. You definitely don't want to have to do that long walk back to the car to drop things off. Organizers say you should leave these 5 things behind.

No marking your spot. They want to make sure everyone can see. "Tents of any sort" are prohibited according to GasparillaPirateFest.com. That also means no stakes, rope or fencing too. And you'll also need to leave the grill at home.

It's a long day at Gasparilla and you're going to get hungry. But don't bring your lunch to Gasparilla. They have vendors all over Tampa who will have everything you can imagine to eat.

Bicycles won't be allowed on Bayshore on either the land or water side. They say if you plan to ride your bike, plan an alternate route around Bayshore.

They probably wouldn't have enough staff to inspect them for buried treasures so they're forbidden. However, small soft-sided coolers and lunch bags are OK for childcare or medical needs.

Outside beverages will need to be left behind. Vendors will be selling them for charity though. One thing you don't have to worry about is Gasparilla is finding an adult beverage.