Before the main Gasparilla Parade on Jan. 31, little pirates in the area will get to have fun at events all day from noon to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24.

TAMPA, Fla. — Ahoy, tiny buccaneers! Prepare to set sail this weekend as the Children’s Gasparilla Parade takes over Tampa.

Before the main Gasparilla Parade on Jan. 31, little pirates in the area will get to have fun at events all day from noon to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24.

If you’re planning on going, here’s what you need to know so you can be prepared and enjoy the festivities:


Children’s Gasparilla 2026 schedule

Noon to 2 p.m. – Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo: Kids can get fitted with a brand new bicycle helmet (that they can keep) and ride through a mini traffic course on Bayshore Boulevard between Rome and Dakota avenues. This event is free and doesn’t require registration.

Noon to 4 p.m. – Gasparilla Air Invasion: Featuring the event’s largest airshow yet, the pirates are taking to the skies in vintage military aircraft. Enjoy an airshow by The Chuters Parachute Demonstration Team, along with aerobatic teams. 

2-3 p.m. – Gasparilla Preschoolers’ Stroll: Kids 5 and under can show off their best pirate attire along Bayshore Boulevard with specially decorated wagons, bicycles and strollers. This event requires pre-registration.

4-6:15 p.m. – Children’s Gasparilla Parade: Get your beads and candy from pirates, floats and marching bands along Bayshore Boulevard. It’s widely considered the largest children’s event in the country. The event is free, but reserved seating is also available for purchase. 

6:15-7 p.m. – Gasparilla Nighttime Air Invasion: Watch another parachute jump from The Chuters along with Ghostwriter Airshows’ signature fireworks flight. 

7-7:30 p.m. – “Piratechnic Finale”: This fireworks show recreates the imaginary battle between the pirates of YMKG and the city of Tampa.


Parking for Children’s Gasparilla

You can park in multiple downtown-area garages with special event parking rates. 

Event officials note that parking in the neighborhoods bordering the parade route is not allowed and will be enforced by the Tampa Police Department.

You can view a map with parking options here.


Transportation for Children’s Gasparilla 

Multiple roads will be closed starting Friday to prepare for the day of events. City officials are also encouraging attendees to arrive early and use alternative transportation to and from the parade. 

A complimentary trolley service is available, picking people up at Platt and Bayshore Boulevard near Publix and dropping off at Bay to Bay and Bayshore Boulevards. It will loop throughout the day from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.



Children’s Gasparilla Parade route