Event Dates
From: Friday, January 30, 2026
To: Friday, January 30, 2026
Gasparilla Invasion
& Parade Tampa 2026
Land, ho! Set sail for Tampa, shouts the legendary pirate Jose Gaspar as his band of buccaneers sail across the Hillsborough.
Gasparilla Invasion & Parade Tampa 2026
Land, ho! Set sail for Tampa, shouts the legendary pirate Jose Gaspar as his band of buccaneers sail across the Hillsborough Bay and return to the City of Tampa.
- Stay at the Tampa Marriot Water Street for great views of the parade or close to all the action, should you decide to venture out and view the event on the harbor.
The Event
- Saturday January 30th, 2026 – Held on the last Saturday in January, when the only fully-rigged pirate ship in the world, the Jose Gasparilla, emerges at the south end of Hillsborough Bay followed by hundreds if not thousands of boats.
- The vibrant Gasparilla Flotilla then makes its way across Hillsborough Bay and into Seddon Channel (between Davis Island & Harbour Island) and the Gasparilla Invasion has begun!
The Reenactment
- Amidst a volley of cannon fire, the City is defenseless. In this annual re-enactment of Tampa’s historic pirate invasion, the Gasparilla Flotilla – led by the Jose Gasparilla filled to the crow’s nest with swashbuckling YMKG pirates – creates a spectacular sight.
- When the Jose Gasparilla docks at the Tampa Convention Center (1:00 P.M.), the Mayor of Tampa surrenders the Key to the City to the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.
- With the Key to the City in hand, the Krewe celebrates their victory in a Parade of Pirates down Bayshore Boulevard.
- The invasion is free to the public. Tickets are available for Gasparilla Invasion Brunch. The city fills up for this event and is one of the annual highlights of the event calendar.
The Invasion Brunch
- Time: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Tampa Convention Center 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa
- The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center provides the best view in town of the historic Gasparilla Invasion, as the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sail up Seddon Channel aboard the Jose Gasparilla accompanied by a majestic flotilla, docking tableside at 1 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center.
- The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, includes live entertainment, a buffet brunch with cash bar and reserved table seating for one of the most unique and colorful spectacles found anywhere in the world.
THE VICTORY PARADE
- Time: 2pm
- Following another successful 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 2 p.m. at Bay to Bay and Bayshore.
- The 4.5 mile Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, which has been presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla annually since 1904, winds its way along Hillsboro Bay into downtown Tampa, with over 140 units – featuring one-hundred three (103) floats, three (3) marching bands and over fifty (50) participating social organizations (i.e. krewes).
Gasparilla Gay Circuit Party – Orange Party
- Awaiting dates – Celebrate Tampa’s Gasparilla in style at the annual Gasparilla T-Dance at Hula Bay.
Gay Tampa
- The GaYbor District is the most well-known LGBTQ neighborhood in the Tampa Bay area. Part of the historic Ybor City neighborhood, the GaYbor District includes many gay bars, nightclubs, shops, restaurants, and other businesses. The “gayborhood” is entered primarily around the intersection of 15th Street and 8th Avenue.
- The Hotel Haya is a great 4 star option with a superb pool, perfect for chilling out during the day and close to all the night time action in the bars.
Where to stay?
Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action in Gay Tampa.
Tampa Marriott, Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn Tampa
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Where we stay!
The Hilton Tampa is our editors choice
when we attend Tampa Bay Pride
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Gasparilla Invasion The Website
Gay Map of Tampa Bay
All gay travellers to Tampa will find something to love about the city, in particular the GaYborhood in Ybor
booking.com our hotel partner .
505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
Tampa Marriott Water Street rooms are elegantly furnished with a classic décor. All rooms include a 55-inch flat-screen TV, coffee-making facilities and a work desk. Select rooms offer bay or city views.
A business centre and fully equipped fitness centre are available for guest use. On-site parking is offered as well for a fee.
211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, Florida
Located in Tampa, Florida, Hilton Tampa Downtown features a rooftop heated outdoor pool and hot tub in addition to a 24-hour fitness centre. The Florida Aquarium is 1.6 km away, and The University of Tampa is 9 minutes' walk from the hotel.
Including free WiFi access, all rooms are equipped with a 32-inch flat-screen cable TV, iPod® docking station, and en suite granite and marble bathroom. Suites provide a separate living area and bedroom.
1155 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, a shared lounge and terrace in Tampa. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM
All guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a TV. Some rooms also offer a kitchenette with a fridge and a microwave.
2520 North 50th Street, Tampa
Set 5 km from Cruise Line Terminal, Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Tampa East - Ybor City features rooms with air conditioning in Tampa. All rooms boast a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. Tampa Port Authority is 5 km from the hotel.
All rooms are equipped with a microwave, fridge, a coffee machine, a bath or shower, free toiletries and a desk. Guest rooms include a wardrobe.
1301 East 7th Avenue Tampa
Situated in historic , Florida, this non-smoking hotel features an outdoor pool and a transfer service within 5 km, including to Port Tampa Bay. Free WiFi and a daily hot breakfast buffet are provided. USF Health is 2.6 km away.
A microwave and refrigerator come standard in each room at Hampton Inn and Suites Tampa Ybor City Downtown. A cable TV and free local calls are included.
1700 East 9th Avenue, Tampa
Situated one block from the Ybor City, Tampa’s shopping, dining and entertainment district, this hotel features an outdoor pool. Guest rooms include cable TV with pay-per-view movies.
Guests staying with the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor Historic District will have rooms that provide a coffee maker, a microwave and a refrigerator. For added convenience, each room also contains ironing facilities and a hairdryer.
Tampa, FL 33605
Stunning Air conditioned Studio Apartment with a living room with flat screen TV and sleeping area with double, a fully equipped kitchen with cooker and fridge and Dishwasher. WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
915 E 25th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Welcome to Ybor City in Tampa’s historic district in the heart of the town, walking distance to all the sights, flavors and sounds Ybor has to offer. Next to Tampa’s finest restaurants, cigar bars, live music venues, museums and so much more!
Tampa, FL 33605
The air-conditioned holiday home is composed of 4 separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, and 2 bathrooms. and a living room with flat screen TV, WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge
406 E Hugh St, Tampa, FL 33603
The holiday home features 3 bedrooms, a TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine, a fridge and an oven. features air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi
1510 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
A lively bar in Ybor City with a welcoming atmosphere, featuring fun events every night, including amateur strip contests and drag shows. Known for its strong cocktails and friendly bartenders who remember your name.
Highlights: Daily Happy Hour with 2-for-1 specials, drag shows on weekends, dance area that fills up after midnight.
Monday - Friday: 4 PM - 3 AM; Saturday: 2:30 PM - 3 AM; Sunday: Noon - 3 AM.
1507 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
One of Tampa's hottest clubs, featuring a large dance floor and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy live DJs and themed events like Steam Fridays and Tease Saturdays with exciting drag shows.
Highlights: Affordable drinks, chic balcony space for socializing, packed dance floor on weekends.
Friday - Saturday: 10 PM - 3 AM; $5 cash cover charge.
1518 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
A no-frills dive bar beloved by locals, perfect for a casual evening filled with pool and darts. The decor features movie memorabilia and a laid-back vibe.
Highlights: Daily Happy Hour until 7 PM, rotating drink specials on weekends.
Thursday - Sunday: 5 PM - 3 AM.
1401 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
A club popular for its drag shows and energetic atmosphere. Often the go-to place for celebrity sightings during performances by well-known queens.
Highlights: Varied themed nights and events throughout the week, including RuPaul's Drag Race watch parties.
Friday - Saturday: 10:30 PM - 3 AM.
2606 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL
A cheeky speakeasy-style bar with lively entertainment. It offers a unique experience with raunchy shows in a fun environment.
Highlights: Exclusive entry policy for female guests (must be accompanied by a male), vibrant nightlife.
TUESDAY 8:00 PM - 3:00 AM
WED-SUN 5:00 PM - 3:00 AM
1613 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
A drag show bar that’s perfect for those who enjoy performances and interactive entertainment. The bar has a lively, upbeat atmosphere, with talented local drag queens taking the stage regularly.
Monday Thursday Sunday CLOSED Tuesday 7:0 PM - 2:30 AM
Wednesday 9:00 PM - 2:30 AM Friday Saturday 7:00 PM - 2:30 AM
1503 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Hosted inside The Ritz Ybor, Steam Fridays is a recurring LGBTQ+ event with high-energy music, go-go dancers, and themed parties. The venue transforms into a vibrant club with multiple rooms playing different music genres.
Fridays from 10 PM.
1510 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
Gay bar with a Levi/Leather vibe offering a outdoor patio area popular with bears, 1,800-square-foot, nonsmoking interior with two outdoor, fenced-in patios.
Monday to Thursday 4:00 PM - 3:00 AM Friday Saturday Sunday 2:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Recommended Hotels in Tampa
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Tampa that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Tampa Marriott
4 Star, Good Location
- An in-house Starbucks
- Quiet & spacious rooms
- Fully equipped fitness centre
- Outdoor rooftop pool & hot tub
- Close to multiple restaurants and shopping areas and only a 10-minute drive to the gay bars
Hampton Inn Tampa
3 Star, Location
- Amazingly comfy beds
- Buffet or American breakfast
- Well equipped fitness Centre
- Outdoor swimming pool with View
- Close proximity to the trolley and in walking distance to the riverwalk just a 5-minute drive to the gay bars
Holiday Inn Express
3 Star, Readers Choice
- A great location
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Well equipped fitness Centre
- Large rooms, very comfortable
- This hotel is close to the gay bars and clubs and just a few minutes drive form downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites
3 Star, Good Value
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Clean and modern Rooms
- Well equipped Fitness Centre
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
- Close to a historic tram that will take to the city center for free & only steps from the gay bars
Video Of Gasparilla Invasion & Parade Tampa
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