What to expect
The Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Parade of Pirates is usually held on a Saturday in late January, with the parade running along Bayshore Boulevard toward downtown Tampa. It draws hundreds of thousands of people, and roads along and around the route close for much of the day.
Other events fill the season, including the Children's Gasparilla the weekend before and the Sant'Yago Knight Parade in Ybor City. Always check the official schedule for the current year's dates and route.
Book early
Party buses, Sprinters and minibuses for parade day are among the first vehicles booked each year in Tampa. Many groups reserve two to three months ahead, and larger vehicles on parade day often carry longer minimums. See party bus prices in Tampa.
Plan drop-off and pickup around closures
- Expect to walk. Vehicles cannot get close to the route once closures start. Plan a drop-off point a short walk away.
- Go early. Arrive well before the parade starts to beat closures and crowds.
- Agree on a meeting point. Phones get unreliable in big crowds. Pick a specific landmark for the return pickup.
- Set a firm return time. Traffic after the parade is heavy. Your driver will confirm the best pickup spot based on the day's closures.
Getting everyone home
The main reason to book group transportation is simple: nobody in your group should be driving after Gasparilla. A booked vehicle with a professional driver gets everyone home, and your group stays together at the end of a long day.
Frequently asked questions
When is Gasparilla?
The main Gasparilla parade is usually on a Saturday in late January. Check the official schedule for this year's date.
Can a party bus drop us right at the parade?
No vehicle can reach the route once roads close. Plan to walk from a nearby drop-off point.
How early should we book?
Two to three months ahead is common for parade day.