Gasparilla Pirate Festival

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 pirates, creates a spectacular sight. This 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 ship then makes its way across Hillsborough Bay and the Gasparilla Invasion has begun! This event is free to the public.