If you had to pick a theme for January events on the Gulf Coast of Florida, it would be pirates! From Indian Rocks Beach to Tampa Bay, pirate invasions are a pretty big deal here this time of year. With invasions, parades, and all sorts of other related piratical festivities, there’s something for everyone of every age. Grab yer eye patch and practice up on yer pirate speak, matey. Then come experience these local favorite events. Book your Indian Rocks Beach rental now so you can be here for all of the buccaneering fun and festivities in January. Avast ye!
Children’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest
January 18, 2020
Hey there junior pirates, this one’s just for you! The Children’s Gasparilla is an alcohol-free and totally kid-friendly celebration where you can bring your budding buccaneers to Bayshore Boulevard in downtown Tampa. The fun starts at 11a.m. and continues until 7p.m. with a full schedule of events including an air invasion, preschoolers stroll, children’s parade, and fireworks display just to name a few. Admission is free! Save the date and make your plans to join in the celebration of all things pirate. If you’d like to see more of what happens, check out this video clip from the highlights of last year’s event. Show your kids and start getting excited! Read more about this year’s Children’s Gasparilla event here.
Gasparilla Pirate Invasion
January 25, 2020
This year marks the 103rd Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. This popular event grows larger and better each and every year. You haven’t really lived until you see the majestic Jose Gasparilla with its crew, or shall we say Krewe, sailing up Seddon Channel with the massive flotilla accompanying it. It really is a sight to behold! Whether you choose to buy tickets for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center which offers you tableside views, or you find your own spot to witness all of the invasion action, you’re sure to enjoy it. Check out this aerial video of the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion to see what it’s all about. The Jose Gasparilla docks at 1p.m. at the convention center. Don’t miss it!
Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates
January 25, 2020
Following the invasion by the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the focus shifts to beautiful Bayshore Boulevard and South Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa. After successfully capturing the Key to the City (once again), the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla celebrate with a victory parade that begins at 2p.m. at Bay to Bay and Bayshore. The 4.5 mile Gasparilla Parade of Pirates, presented annually since 1904, winds its way along Hillsborough Bay into downtown Tampa featuring over 100 floats, 5 marching bands and over 50 participating krewes. The parade travels from Bayshore into downtown Tampa. Check out the parade highlights video from last year. You can read more about this year’s parade here.
Indian Rocks Beach Pirate Invasion
January 24-25, 2020
For those who want to enjoy pirate invasion fun, whether by boat or by land, there’s a local Indian Rocks Beach pirate invasion that happens on the same weekend as the Tampa area one. Party Pirates on the Rocks offers the opportunity for local boaters to participate in an invasion and flotilla that’s a lot closer to home—and to your Indian Rocks Beach rental for your viewing pleasure. Each year offers a lineup of events including a Friday night invasion at Jimmy Guana’s followed by a Saturday boat flotilla and invasion at Caddy’s Indian Shores. You can find details for this year’s IRB Pirate Invasion as they are updated on the Indian Rocks Beach Party Pirates Facebook page. We’ve also included a video clip of the pirate boat flotilla for you to enjoy right now. We hope you’ll be here in January to join in the festivities!
Arrrr you going to any of these pirate fests on the florida gulf coast? 🏴☠️
