Gasparilla Pirate Parade 2026

I'm excited about hosting this event again this year. If you have never been to Gasparilla you are in for a treat. Although the parade officially begins at 2:00pm I would like us all to meet at 12:00 at the beginning of the parade at Bayshore and Bay to Bay. We can work our way back through the staging area for two hours before the parade begins. There will be plenty of opportunities for street photos with folks decked out in their best pirate attire waiting for their picture to be taken.
At 2:00 the parade will begin and the crowded streets go wild. It's crazy time, in a fun way. Lots of street photography opportunities here. The parade does not officially end until 6:00. That's a really long day so this guy and his camera plan to head home around 2:00.
Parking can be a issue so getting an early start is highly recommended. For me, I plan to park in South Tampa around Britton Plaza which is at MacDill and Gandy. From there I will take a city bus to a Bay to Bay drop off and return the same way. A one day bus pass is $4:00 a one way pass is $2.00.
Lets meet at Bayshore and Bay to Bay at noon. The event is free. Be prepared for a lot of walking.
Arrrrg you scallywags see you on the 31st at noon

Time: 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Route: The parade begins at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard. It continues along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street, turns east on Brorein Street, then north on Ashley Drive. The parade ends at Cass Street & Ashley Drive.
Viewing: Gasparilla is free to attend, and there are many areas along Bayshore Boulevard and downtown to view the parade’s festivities.
Reserved Seating: Reserved seating, including Bleachers and First Mate seats, is the best way to secure premium viewing. Tickets are required for adults and children over the age of two. Children two and under, without a ticket, must remain in an adult’s lap. Find your treasured seat locations using our interactive map at [GasparillaTreasures.com](http://gasparillatreasures.com/tickets) or by clicking the link below.

More information as we get closer to the date, but make your plans now to get there early. Parking is a premium. There are a lot of photo opportunities in the parade staging area pre-parade. You can check out the parade route by clicking on this link.

https://gasparillapiratefest.com/parade-of-pirates

Update: Hello fellow Gasparilla Street Photography Adventurers. As we close in on Saturday, I have made a few calls to try and get an idea as to what to expect on Saturday. Well, “expect the unexpected”. “Go with the flow.” No need to be frustrated when surprises come up. “It is what it is.”
The staging area starts at West Bay to Bay Blvd and stretches for about two miles which is almost to Gandy Blvd.
If you would like to meet me at Dunkin Donuts at Britton Plaza, I will be there between 10:00 and 10:30 before heading out. Please wear comfortable shoes for walking. This is a huge event and should be a lot of fun and a chance to meet fellow photography enthusiast.
The Weatherman says it should be a nice day with winds building up from the south. We are on the water so might consider a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt but that is up to you.
Anyway, looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.
Joe
PS: travel light. Pick a lens and go with it. You will get tired of carrying a lot of equipment. If you are a Fitbit wearer you will certainly get your steps in.