Tampa Bay Metro’s Guide To
The 2025 Seminole Hard Rock
Gasparilla Pirate Fest
The 106th Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of Pirates is set for January 25, 2025 and presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. METRO is sharing our treasured insight to keep your booty safe, and allow for a fun-filled day celebrating the Tampa areas most iconic parade.
The Low-Down To
Conquering The Festivities
Free Streetcar & Shuttle Services
• The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) provides FREE shuttle and TECO Streetcar Service to the Gasparilla parade in Tampa, Florida. Routes vary by time of day, please see the map below for full details.
• The TECO line streetcar will be available from 8:30am – 2:30am for free.
• HART bus shuttle services is free as well and will run from 9:30am – 7pm to transport parade goers between Channel District and downtown Tampa.
Parking
• Parking is available in various garages and lots throughout downtown Tampa. These city-run garages have a special event parking rate paid upon entry. Many local organizations and companies also offer parking on their properties. Please check with local businesses to purchase a parking pass for their private lots in advance.
• Many schools and business will charge to park near the parade route and typically charge $15-$40 depending on the location.
• Please Note: Parking in the neighborhoods bordering the parade route is not permitted, and the Tampa Police Department will strictly enforce the event parking policies. When parking in these areas, you do so at your own risk. Communities strictly enforce towing along the parade route, and the event is not responsible for vehicles towed.
Alcohol
• Wet zones shall be set up along the parade route, stretching from Gandy Boulevard to Cass Street and in Curtis Hixon Park. Open containers are prohibited outside of the mentioned zones. Ye be warned!
Bathrooms
• A plethora of portable toilets will line Bayshore Boulevard and the Pirate Fest. Restrooms will be available for use at Publix, 243 Bayshore Blvd, Hyde Park Village on the west side of Snow Avenue, and Kate Jackson Park at Rome and Snow Avenues.
Safety
• Crowds surging in the hundreds of thousands of parade goers, it can be quite easy to lose track of your krewe. Be sure to have a pre-determined meeting spot should you become separated. If you plan to bring your child, take a picture of them on the day of the parade. Alert the closest officer immediately if you should lose your child as they will be stationed along the entire route.
Cell Service
• Expect spotty cell service along the parade route and in surrounding areas as there will be an abundance of users attempting to post the days festivities on social media. Be prepared and bring a portable charger!
Other Helpful Tips
• Ensure your plans are set to prior to the days festivities as the traffic will become apparent as early as 9am.
• Many restaurants and bars will have some sort of brunch specials
• Bring a bottle of water, cash, sunscreen, cell phone and hand sanitizer.
Schedule of Events
2025 Seminole Hard Rock
Gasparilla Pirate Fest
GASPARILLA INVASION BRUNCH
10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Experience a thrilling adventure with your favorite mates! Join the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at Tampa Convention Center and get the best view of the historic Gasparilla Invasion!
You will enjoy a delicious meal and refreshing cocktails while witnessing our infamous pirates sailing up the Seddon Channel, firing their booming cannons from the Jose Gasparilla.
Seating is limited, so purchase your tickets in advance!
GASPARILLA INVASION
11:30 A.M. – 1:00 PM
“Land Ho!” The legendary Jose Gasparilla arrives in style, sailing into the Tampa Convention Center basin along with a magnificent flotilla of hundreds of vessels and the notorious pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.
The excitement is palpable when the ship docks at precisely 1:00 P.M., and our Captain meets the Mayor of Tampa to make his final demand for the key to the city. It’s a thrilling spectacle that you won’t want to miss!
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.
PIRATE FEST STAGE PERFORMANCES
10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Dance along to live music presented by Bud Light and 101 N. Meridian. Gasparilla Pirate Fest features stages with live entertainment before and after the parade at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (at Ashley Drive and Twiggs Street) and MacDill Park (at Ashley Drive and Whiting Street).
MORE PIRATE FEST INFORMATION
Parade Map
https://gasparillapiratefest.com/pirate-fest-map-and-parking/
Tickets for Premium Seating
https://www.gasparillatreasures.com/tickets
Pirate Fest Info
https://gasparillapiratefest.com/pirate-fest-info/
ALL TICKETS / RESERVATIONS / MERCHANDISE
