Gasparilla 2025: What to Know About the Pirate Invasion and Brunch at Tampa Convention Center News Convention Center Arrgh you ready? The Gasparilla Pirate Invasion is[...]

Arrgh you ready? The Gasparilla 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, we have everything you need to know!

Please note: coolers and outside alcohol are not allowed anywhere on the Tampa Convention Center property, including inside the brunch and along the Tampa Riverwalk. All guests must go through bag checks.

Gasparilla Brunch ¶

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 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).
• Gasparilla is rain or shine! If it does rain, brunch tables may be moved inside.

Gasparilla 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.

Gasparilla Viewing Areas ¶

It is free to view the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion, with lots of great lookout spots to choose from!

Our favorite is The Sail Plaza bar:

• Right outside the Tampa Convention Center and conveniently located on the Tampa Riverwalk
• No cover
• 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. We recommend getting there early to get a spot.

Designated ADA viewing area - located near the Tampa Convention Center Front Drive, by the Tampa Riverwalk.

Getting to Gasparilla ¶

Traffic will be heavy in and around Tampa's downtown during the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Please allow for extra time for driving and parking.

Gasparilla Parking ¶

There are several parking garages near the Tampa Convention Center. Here are the three closest:

• Pam Iorio Parking Garage (S. Florida Ave & Channelside Dr.) - Open 8 a.m. - 7pm
• Tampa Convention Center Garage (Tampa St. & Brorein St.) - Open 24/7
• Fort Brooke Garage (Whiting St. between Franklin St. & Florida Ave.) - 8 a.m. - 7 pm
• You can also park in Ybor and take the FREE The TECO Line Streetcar System (get off at Dick Greco Plaza - across from The Sail Plaza).

It will cost $30 to park for the day. Please be aware, these garages will fill up early.

Rideshare ¶

We recommend you use rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft, especially if you plan to drink at Gasparilla. Rideshare pickup spots:

• 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 - here is a map of street closures to navigate around during Gasparilla: https://www.tampa.gov/document/gasparilla-road-closure-map-pirate-fest-113326

Gasparilla Food and Drink ¶

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.

For more information, go to the full Gasparilla guide at https://www.tampa.gov/special-events-coordination/gasparilla-parades-2025-information.

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