TAMPA, Fla. — Children’s Gasparilla is set to make its return to Tampa on Jan. 18.

Tampa Bay’s young pirates can participate in the festivities from noon to 7:30 p.m.

The popular children’s event will be packed with pirate-themed activities including the Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo, Preschooler’s Stroll for children five and under (pre-registration is required), Gasparilla Air Invasion, Children’s Parade, and the Piratechnic Fireworks Extravaganza to end the evening.

Children’s Gasparilla is free to attend, but reserved seating is available for purchase. View additional details about ticket options for Children’s Gasparilla.

Schedule of Events ⏰ 

(Details and times are subject to change)

• 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Rodeo - Bayshore Boulevard between Rome Avenue and Dakota Avenue (free to participate, no registration required)
• 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Gasparilla Air Invasion
• 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll (pre-registration required)
• 4 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.: Children’s Gasparilla Parade
• 6:15 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Nighttime Gasparilla Air Invasion
• 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: “Piratechnic Finale” Fireworks Show

Parade Route 🗺️

Parking 🚗

Parking will be available in various garages and lots throughout downtown Tampa, according to officials with Gasparilla. The garages, which are city run, will have a special event parking rate paid upon entry.

Local organizations and companies will offer parking on their properties as well, and it is advised to check with local businesses to buy a parking pass for their private lots in advance.

The city of Tampa has an interactive parking map that displays neighborhood parking for Children's Gasparilla. According to the city, "No Parking" and "Parking By Permit Only" signs will be posted and enforced Friday and Saturday beginning Jan. 17 at 12:01 a.m. - Jan. 18, and at this time, illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed.

A free trolley, the Jolly Roger Trolley, will run on a continuous loop throughout the day before and after the parade, from 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., picking up event attendees at Platt and Bayshore Boulevard (near Publix) and dropping off at Bay to Bay and Bayshore boulevards. 

Road Closures ⛔

Saturday, Jan. 10 – Saturday, Jan. 24:

• Close Bayshore Blvd. Crossovers at DeSoto Ave., Nance Ave., Albany Ave. and Gunby Ave.
   

Friday, Jan. 17 at 10 p.m.:

• Close Bayshore Blvd. Northbound/Southbound from Gandy Blvd. to Platt St./Channelside Dr.
• Close Davis Islands Bridge off-ramp onto Northbound Bayshore Blvd.
   

Saturday, Jan. 18 at 12:01 a.m.:

• Close Bay-to-Bay Blvd. from Ysabella Ave. to Bayshore Blvd.
   

Saturday, Jan. 18 at 9 a.m.:

• Close one Eastbound Lane and one Westbound Lane on Bay-to-Bay Blvd. from MacDill Ave. to Ysabella Ave. (to accommodate Pedestrian Walkway).
   

Saturday, Jan. 18 at 3 p.m.:

• Close Eastbound Bay-to-Bay Blvd. at MacDill Ave.

Accessibility ♿

There is limited accessible parking available for the children’s parade on a first-come, first-served basis at Howard Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard. The viewing area will be located at Bayshore Boulevard and Howard Avenue - Landside.

Map of Parade & Trolley Routes, Road Closures & ADA Access 🗺️

Safety Tips 🚨

The city of Tampa has a couple of reminders for you and your families:

See Something, Say Something: The Tampa Police Department asks all attendees to remain vigilant during the parade and report any suspicious activity. There are several other ways to contact the police department:

• TEXT: SAFETAMPA and your tip to 847411 (TIP411) and you will receive a response.
• For emergencies, please dial 911

Have a Meeting Place: Due to large crowds, there may be limited cell service during the event. It’s important to establish a meeting place ahead of time in case some of your crew get lost.

Take a Photo of Your Child in Costume: This will help law enforcement officers quickly identify your child by their pirate garb. If you lose your child, alert the closest officer immediately. They will be stationed along the entire route.

Alcohol Consumption: Drinking is not allowed at Children’s Gasparilla.

Shared Escooters and Ebikes: A No-Ride Zone has been established for Children's Gasparilla for shared escooters and ebikes. Personal scooters are not allowed.

Prohibited Items: According to Gasparilla officials, unless licensed, permitted and identified in writing by event staff, the following items are prohibited within the event site:**

• Outside food or beverage
• No styrofoam cups or containers
• Advertising of any product or service
• Glass containers of any sort (City Ordinance)
• Coolers – Note: Small soft-sided cooler and lunch bags are permitted for childcare needs and medical needs only.
• Contests or lotteries of any kind
• Grills of any kind
• Tents of any sort
• Fence, stakes or rope (used by spectators to reserve space for • parade viewing)
• Sampling or give-away of any product or service
• Scooters
• Selling any product or service
• Solicitation or database development of any kind
• Vehicles of any sort
• Weapons of any sort
• Illegal drugs of any sort

Gasparilla officials also provided the following information:

Can you bring a pet?: Pets (with the exception of animals assisting the handicapped) are prohibited at the Gasparilla Pirate Fest.

Bicycles: Bicycles are allowed for transportation to the event site, however within the event street closure cyclists must walk with their bikes. The event site is very crowded with pedestrians, including small children. Do not leave your bicycle unattended and do not lock to private or city property.

Golf Carts: Insurance requirements will not allow golf carts within the event site unless licensed and permitted by the EventFest office. Only golf carts used by authorized festival staff and vendors will be granted permits. Authorized event golf carts cannot and will not be used to transport unauthorized individuals. 

Boat Docking: Docking space in and around downtown Tampa for Gasparilla is extremely limited. Boaters attempting to “come ashore” along the Bayshore Boulevard balustrade or any other property without a permit are strictly prohibited.

Additionally, the city of Tampa is reminding people that throwing beads and other litter in the bay is prohibited. Beads and other non-biodegradable items are incredibly harmful to the environment and they pose serious threats to marine wildlife. The city is raising environmental awareness with their campaign, #beadfreebay.

View additional Gasparilla FAQs.

Sensory Relief Zone 👨‍👩‍👧 

The city’s Autism Friendly Tampa Advisory Group, CARD-USF and Sunrise Group will offer a sensory relief zone to children and families, according to officials with Children's Gasparilla. It is designed to provide a sensory break for those who may become overwhelmed with crowds, sights or sounds. The tent will be at the southwest corner of Barcelona Street.

Other Things You Need to Know: 💡

• Wear sunscreen
• Stay hydrated
• Bring cash

Spectrum Bay News 9 will be having coverage of the parade all day long! Be sure to check the Spectrum News app so you can track weather before making your way to the festivities.