The Little Buccaneers Guide to the 2026 Children’s Gasparilla in Tampa

Shiver Me Timbers! Brace yerselves young scallywags for a rollickin’ good time as the Children’s Gasparilla brings fun for swashbucklers of all ages to Tampa.

Bring your kiddie krewe to the Gasparilla Children’s Parade in Tampa on Saturday, January 24, 2026. This alcohol-free event is perfect for your little buccaneers to revel in the pirate spirit.

Gasparilla’s Children’s Parade is so much more than the parade, the day kicks off early with a Bicycle Rodeo for the little pirates, then the fun takes to the air with the Gasparilla Air Invasion, a full-scale air show!

The Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll features Tampa Bay’s youngest pirates. which takes place before the main event of the day, tthe Children’s Gasparilla Parade, the largest children’s event in the country!

Mateys of all ages jump and shout for beads as over 125 parade units make their way down Tampa Bay’s Bayshore Boulevard.

The parade takes place on Bayshore Blvd, beginning on Bay to Bay Blvd and ends at Edison Ave.

The fun continues with more airshow fun during twilight hours with the Gasparilla Nighttime Air Invasion. Make sure your krewe stays to witness the battle of the Ye Mystic Krewe and Tampa “piratechnic” explosions!

2026 Childrens Gasparilla Schedule

BICYCLE + PEDESTRIAN SAFETY RODEO

12 pm - 2 pm

Located along Bayshore, between Rome and Dakota Avenue, the Bicycle Rodeo is free to anyone interested in learning how to bicycle safely with traffic. Volunteers will fit the tiny pirates in attendance with a new, free bicycle helmet that they can keep (while supplies last). The little mates can then use one of the provided bicycles to journey through a fun course that teaches skills that could one day save their life.

GASPARILLA AIR INVASION

12 pm - 4pm

Turn your eyes to the skies as the Gasparilla Air Invasion features its largest airshow yet! Civilian aerobatic teams, vintage military aircraft, and the Chuters Parachute Demonstration Team will impress aviation enthusiasts and novices. Check out the Gasparilla Air Invasion page for more details!

GASPARILLA PRESCHOOLER’S STROLL Presented by Primrose Schools

2 pm - 3 pm

The Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll features Tampa Bay’s youngest pirates. Children five and under donning their best pirate attire strut their stuff along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard in specially decorated wagons, t,rikes and strollers. You must pre-register to join the fastest-growing Children’s Gasparilla tradition.

CHILDREN’S GASPARILLA PARADE

4 pm - 6.15 pm

Widely considered the largest children’s event in the country. The adventure begins at Bay to Bay and Bayshore Boulevard. Pirates, floats, marching bands and more proceed north along Bayshore Boulevard before ending at Edison Avenue.

The Children’s Gasparilla is an alcohol-free event, creating a fun and memorable experience for all ye little mates. This event is free to attend, but reserved seating is available.

NIGHTTIME GASPARILLA AIR INVASION

6:15 pm - 7 pm

Continue the airshow fun during twilight hours with the Gasparilla Nighttime Air Invasion. Performances take flight at dusk, including a precision parachute jump from The Chuters Parachute Demonstration Team and Ghostwriter Airshows’ signature fireworks flight.

“PIRATECHNIC FINALE”

7 pm - 7.30 pm

When you combine pirates and pyrotechnics, you get an unforgettable “Piratechnic” fireworks finale. Watch in amazement as the Jose Gasparilla II sets the night sky ablaze with the Children’s Gasparilla “Piratechnic” Finale. Daredevil stunt planes lead the show with a thrilling fireworks flight, followed by a mesmerizing display of firework shells choreographed by the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind spectacle!

Parade Route Map

X marks the spot! Be sure to check the map for all road closures, street crossings and more.

Parking

Parking is available in various garages and lots throughout downtown Tampa. These city-run garages have a special event parking rate paid upon entry. Many local organizations and companies also offer parking on their properties. Please check with local businesses to purchase a parking pass for their private lots in advance.

Please Note

Parking in the neighborhoods bordering the parade route is not permitted, and the Tampa Police Department will strictly enforce the event parking policies. When parking in these areas, you do so at your own risk. Communities strictly enforce towing along the parade route, and the event is not responsible for vehicles towed. 

Trolley

Complimentary trolley service is available on the day of Children’s Gasparilla, picking up at Platt and Bayshore Boulevard (near Publix) and dropping off at Bay to Bay and Bayshore Boulevards. The trolley will loop continuously throughout the day before and after the parade, from 11:30 am to 8 pm.

For more info: https://gasparillapiratefest.com/childrens/

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