Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza 101: What You Need to Know if You Go

The Children’s Gasparilla Parade has been a part of Tampa’s Gasparilla celebration since 1947. It takes place along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard and uses part of the same route as the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates.

This year, the Children's Gasparilla Extravaganza takes place from 11 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21.

Here's what you need to know if you go to this free event:

11 a.m.  - Event Begins

Vendors and children’s activities open along Bayshore Boulevard from W. Bay to Bay Boulevard to Watrous/Orleans avenues.

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Rodeo

Located along Bayshore Boulevard, between S. Albany Avenue and Nance Avenue (near Rome Avenue), the Bicycle Rodeo is free to everyone interested in learning how to bicycle safely. Kids will be fitted with a free, brand new bicycle helmet they can keep (while supplies last), and then use one of the Rodeo’s bicycles to ride through a fun course which teaches skills that may one day save their lives. The activity is presented by the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Gasparilla Preschooler's Stroll 

Beginning at W. Bay to Bay Boulevard and ending at S. Howard Avenue, the Gasparilla Preschooler's Stroll will feature Tampa Bay's youngest pirates. Children aged 5 and under have their own chance to strut their stuff along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard. Look for the best little pirate attire and specially decorated wagons, bicycles and strollers, in this new Gasparilla tradition.

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Gasparilla Air Invasion

Features a precision parachute jump from the United States Special Operations Command Jump Team.

3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
Children’s Gasparilla Parade

Parade begins at W. Bay to Bay and Bayshore Boulevard, proceeds north along Bayshore Boulevard, and ends at Watrous/Orleans avenues and Bayshore Boulevard.

7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
“Piratechnic” Extravaganza

The "Piratechnic" display recreates the imaginary sea battle between the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and the City of Tampa. This "battle" has been waged annually since 1904, and the pirates have won every year! With the City defenseless, the scene is set for the colorful and festive Gasparilla Pirate Fest scheduled for Jan. 28.

For more information, visit gasparillapiratefest.com.