Arrgh you ready? The Tampa Gasparilla 2025 Pirate Invasion is returning to the Tampa Convention Center.
Whether you’re going to the official brunch experience or catching the action along the Tampa Riverwalk or The Sail Plaza, here is everything you need to know from the City of Tampa.
Tampa Gasparilla 2025 Schedule:
- 10am-1pm: Brunch at Tampa Convention Center
- 11:30am-1pm: The invasion gets underway, as the flotilla of hundreds of boats and the famous pirates sail to the Tampa Convention Center.
- 1pm: The historic Jose Gasparilla pirate ship will dock at the Tampa Convention Center with cannons blasting. That’s where pirates will demand the key to the city from Mayor Jane Castor.
- 2pm-5:30pm: Festivities move on to the Parade of Pirates along Bayshore Boulevard, about 0.2 miles from the Tampa Convention Center.
It is free to view the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion in Central Florida, with lots of great lookout spots to choose from, including these Gasparilla Viewing Areas:
The Sail Plaza bar: Right outside the Tampa Convention Center and conveniently located on the Tampa Riverwalk. No cover, and opens early at 9am. Features food from the iconic Big Ray’s Fish Camp. Live music from Caribbean Experience from noon to 4pm and Frankie Raye from 5pm to 9pm. Tables are first come, first served, and cannot be reserved
Tampa Riverwalk: There are several other areas to watch the invasion. The City of Tampa recommends getting there early to get a spot.
Designated ADA viewing area – located near the Tampa Convention Center Front Drive, by the Tampa Riverwalk.
Traffic will be heavy in and around Tampa’s downtown during the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Please allow for extra time for driving and parking. There are several parking garages near the Tampa Convention Center. It will cost $30 to park for the day. Please be aware, that these garages will fill up early. Here are the three closest:
- Pam Iorio Parking Garage (S. Florida Ave & Channelside Dr.) – Open 8am – 7pm
- Tampa Convention Center Garage (Tampa St. & Brorein St.) – Open 24/7
- Fort Brooke Garage (Whiting St. between Franklin St. & Florida Ave.) – 8am – 7pm
- Park in Ybor and take the FREE TECO Line Streetcar System (get off at Dick Greco Plaza — across from The Sail Plaza).
Check online for the Gasparilla Parking Information for all Pirate Fest locations.
- Outside the Tampa Convention Center Front Drive at 333 S. Franklin Street, across from Water Street
- In front of Harpoon Harry’s Crab House at 225 S. Franklin Street
Road closures: Check here for a map and list of Tampa street closures to navigate around during Gasparilla.
Tampa Gasparilla 2025 Food and Drink, including Wet Zone (Legal Alcohol Zone):
The Sail Plaza waterfront bar will be slinging its signature, Tampa-themed cocktails starting at 9am. There will also be multiple pop-up bars outside the Tampa Convention Center.
Big Ray’s Fish Camp – You can get iconic Tampa foods, like the Cuban Sandwich and Grouper Sandwich, starting at 9am.
Several food trucks also open outside the Tampa Convention Center starting at 9am:
- Slider Guys
- The Chief’s Cantina
- Breaking Bread
- Pamz Pizza Cone
- The Fishin’ chicken
- Sub Zero Dessert
Also, check out Harpoon Harry’s Crab House after the invasion for drinks and food specials.
Gasparilla is rain or shine. All guests must go through bag checks. Coolers and outside alcohol are not allowed anywhere on the Tampa Convention Center property, including inside the brunch and along the Tampa Riverwalk.
If you were lucky enough to get tickets to the sold-out Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center, you get to enjoy a feast with the best view of the invasion. This popular event, hosted by EventFest, sells out weeks in advance. Brunch attendees should enter through the Tampa Convention Center Front Drive, off Franklin Street. They will then check in outside the Tampa Convention Center Channel Entrance (by the escalators). If it does rain, brunch tables may be moved inside.
