Gasparilla Pirate Fest

Just after the turn of the 20th century, Tampa’s flourishing economy and evolving skyline signaled a burgeoning city on the rise. Local leaders wanted to promote the city’s annual May Day celebration, growing it to a multi-day festival. In the Spring of 1904, Tampa Tribune Society Editor Mary Louise Dodge was helping to plan the event theme when George Hardee suggested the legend of Gasparilla. Soon after, Hardee formed a krewe of 50 men, and the Tampa Tribune began publishing a series of letters from Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Each letter detailed a pirate invasion by King Gasparilla and his court. When the May Day Festivities arrived, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla pirates appeared on horseback throughout the city, to the delight of locals. Officials soon decided that Gasparilla would be an annual part of the festivities.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest

Saturday, January 31, 2026
11:30 A.M. – 7:30 P.M.

GASPARILLA PARADE OF PIRATES
2:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.

The City of Tampa is under our control! Our merry pirates have once again conquered the city with a triumphant invasion, and now it’s time to celebrate! Join us as we march down Bayshore Blvd for a victory parade that follows a 4.5-mile journey along the beautiful Hillsborough Bay through downtown Tampa.

Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is free to attend, but if you want a prime spot to view the parade, reserve your seats in advance.

Set a course for Tampa, Florida, and be prepared for great fun and high adventure!

The 2026 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is scheduled in Tampa from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 31, 2026. It features the 107th Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.