Tampa’s version of Mardi Gras, but with pirates is back! This swashbuckling shindig is slated to start on Jan. 20 with the Children’s Gasparilla Parade from 12-7:30 p.m. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest happens on Jan. 27.
You can view information on parking here as well as parade routes.
What Roads Will Be Closed for Children’s Gasparilla?
Friday, January 19 starting at 10 p.m. through Saturday January 20 until 12 a.m.
- Bayshore Boulevard between West Gandy Boulevard and West Platt Street
- Davis Islands Bridge off-ramp onto Bayshore Boulevard
Saturday, January 20 ALL DAY
- West Bay to Bay Boulevard between South Ysabella Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard
Saturday, January 20 3 p.m.-midnight
- Eastbound lanes on West Bay to Bay Boulevard at South MacDill Avenue
Friday, January 26 starting at 10 p.m. through Saturday January 27 until 12 a.m.
- Bayshore Boulevard between West Gandy Boulevard and West Platt Street
- West Bay to Bay Boulevard between Bayshore Boulevard and South Ysabella Avenue
- Davis Islands Bridge off-ramp onto Bayshore Boulevard
Saturday, January 27 (3 a.m. – 12 a.m.)
- Bayshore Boulevard between West Brorein Street and West Platt Street
- West Platt Street/Channelside Drive from South Plant Avenue to South Franklin Street
Saturday, January 27 (5:30 a.m. – 12 a.m.)
- Crosstown – Eastbound South Willow Avenue Exit Ramp (Exit 4)
Saturday, January 27 (7 a.m. – 12 a.m.)
- South Ashley Drive between Jackson Street and Brorein Street
- Brorein Street from South Jefferson Avenue to South Parker Street
- South Franklin Street between Channelside Drive and Harbour Island Bridge
- Water Street between South Franklin Street and South Florida Avenue
- East Washington Street between South Ashley Drive and South Tampa Street
- East Whiting Street between South Ashley Drive and South Tampa Street
Saturday, January 27 (9 a.m. – 12 a.m.)
- East Kennedy Boulevard between North Florida Avenue and South Plant Avenue
- North Ashley Drive between East Cass Street and East Jackson Street
- East Jackson Street from North Ashley Drive to North Tampa Street
- East Madison Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue
- East Twiggs Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue
- East Zack Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue
- East Polk Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue
Saturday, January 27 (11 a.m. – 12 a.m.)
- West Cass Street between North Willow Avenue and West Tyler Street
- West North A Street from North Willow Avenue to North Newport Avenue
- West North B Street from North Willow Avenue to North Newport Avenue
- West Fig Street between North Willow Avenue and North Gilchrist Avenue
- West Carmen Street between North Willow Avenue and North Delaware Avenue
- North Newport Avenue between West Cass Street and West North A Street
- North Gilchrist Avenue between West Cass Street and West Fig Street
- North Boulevard between West Cass Street and West Main Street
Saturday, January 27 (1:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.)
- Cass Street between West Tyler Street and North Tampa Street
- West Tyler Street between North Tampa Street and West Cass Street
Saturday, January 27 (2 p.m. – 12 a.m.)
- North Boulevard between West Kennedy Boulevard and West Cass Street
Saturday, January 27 (3 p.m. – 12 a.m.)
- West Bay to Bay Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) between South MacDill Avenue and South Ysabella Avenue
- West Platt Street at South Howard Avenue
- West Platt Street at South Willow Avenue
- West Platt Street at South Boulevard
- South Willow Avenue between West Kennedy Boulevard and West Platt Street
- South Boulevard between West Kennedy Boulevard and West Platt Street
- East Whiting Street between Tampa Street and Franklin Street
Saturday, January 27 (4:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.)
- West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South Himes Avenue
- West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South MacDill Avenue
- West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South Howard Avenue
- West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South Boulevard
Who Can I Call For Help During the 2024 Gasparilla Pirate Fest?
Other Safety Tips
- Establish a Meeting Spot: Limited mobile service may be available during the event due to big crowds. It is important to set up a meeting location ahead of time in case some of your group gets lost.
- Take a Picture of Your child in Their Costume: Notify the closest officer right away if your child disappears. Police will be stationed throughout the entire parade route. A picture of what they are wearing will prove helpful in locating them faster.
- Drinking: It is strictly forbidden to consume alcohol at the Children’s Gasparilla events. “Wet Zones” will be set up by the parade routes in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park where you can consume alcohol. It is not permitted to consume alcohol on public property outside of specified wet zones. Underage alcohol consumption and disruptive behavior are not tolerated at all.
- Absolutely no alcohol consumption by minors.
- No drinking or opening alcohol-containing containers outside of approved wet zones.
- No kegs, coolers, glassware, Styrofoam cups, weapons, umbrellas, grills, tents, and fencing.
- All bags and backpacks are subject to searches.
Can I Bring My Pet to Gasparilla?
Except for service animals, pets are not permitted at the event.
Are Bicycles Allowed?
Bicycles are permitted for transportation to the event location; however, riders must walk their bikes throughout the street closure. Always keep your bicycle under your supervision, and never lock it on city or private property.
What About E-bikes, E-scooters, and Golf Carts?
For shared e-scooters and e-bikes, a No-Ride Zone has been set up for the Children’s Gasparilla and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. At both events, personal scooters are not permitted.
At both events, personal golf carts are not permitted. Golf carts operated by approved festival personnel and vendors are the only ones that are allowed.
Can I Dock My Boat?
There is an extreme lack of docking space during Gasparilla in and around downtown Tampa. It is strictly forbidden for boaters to attempt to “come ashore” along Bayshore Boulevard or any other property without a permit.
On January 27, from 10 a.m. to noon, Ballast Point Park’s boat ramp will be closed.
It is forbidden to toss beads and other waste into the bay. In addition to being extremely detrimental to the environment, beads and other non-biodegradable objects pose a major threat to marine life.
Contact Us If You Are Injured at Gasparilla
Our Tampa Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want you and your loved ones to stay safe for Gasparilla 2024. Remember to stay hydrated (with water!), wear sunscreen, and familiarize yourself with other rules and road closures for the event. First responders will be working the event by land, sea, and air to make sure safety is a priority.
If you are injured while celebrating at Gasparilla, we are available 24/7 to help. Call us at 813-221-3200 or contact us online for a free consultation.