Every January, Tampa is invaded by pirates. Luckily, these aren’t the kind of pirates who will actually plunder your gold – they’re mostly swash-buckling, fabulously-dressed pirates who just want to hear some great music, eat some great food and have a whole lot of fun.

The festival kicks off with the Gasparilla Invasion.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
On January 27 at 11:30 AM, Tampa will be invaded by the crew of the pirate ship Jose Gasparilla. Many of Tampa's finest pleasure crafts will head out to thwart the pirate ship, but as they've done for 100 years before, they'll probably decide that it's best just to go along with the pirates' demands. The ship and accompanying boats will make their way into Seddon Channel, where a cannon volley will ensue. Eventually, Tampa will be overrun.

At 1 PM, the mayor of Tampa will hand the key to the city over to the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe.
The Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center is one of the best spots to view the invasion.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival/Facebook
The brunch features live entertainment, a cash bar and a delicious buffet.
Once the pirates have officially taken over the city, they'll parade down Bayshore Boulevard.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival/Facebook
Pirates will walk along the parade route, sharing their booty (shiny beads and doubloons) with those who cheer them on.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival/Facebook
This parade is the third-largest parade in the country - you don't want to miss it!
Gasparilla Pirate Festival/Facebook

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The parade features more than 90 glittering floats, 14 marching bands, 50 different krewes, and a whole lot of fierce-looking, fun-loving pirates.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival/Facebook
Enjoy live entertainment starting at 9 AM, before the pirates arrive, and after the parade until 9 PM.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
On March 3rd, the pirates will leave Tampa to head back home.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival/Facebook
The fun starts around 2 PM, and ends with a cannon salute as the pirates head out at 6:30 PM.
2018 marks the 101st year of this fabulous festival, and you definitely don't want to miss it!
Gasparilla/Facebook
Visit the Gasparilla festival’s website for more information and for advanced tickets.
If this all seems a bit too wild for the littlest residents of Tampa, take heart. On Saturday, January 20th, from 11 AM to 7:30 PM, Tampa celebrates the return of the pirates in advance - at a special, alcohol-free, kids friendly event.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival/Facebook
Events include a bicycle & pedestrian safety rodeo, a Gasparilla Preschooler's Stroll, Air Invasion, Children's Gasparilla Parade, and "Piratechnic" Extravaganza. See the Gasparilla event schedule for more details.

Have you attended the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in years past? Tell us about it!

If you’re looking for more adventures in Florida, take a look at these 8 one-of-a-kind dinner adventures you can only have in Florida.

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