Heading to Tampa for the Gasparilla festivities? The weather should cooperate. Temps will be in the 70s and there’s only a little chance of any rain. The invasion begins at 11:30am. The Parade of the Pirates goes from 2pm to 5pm.
Bring your patience. It does get crowded, people get rowdy and parking isn’t easy. Gasparilla reps suggest using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft instead. Also the streetcars will be running to and from Ybor.
Know before you go what can and can’t be brought to the parade. You definitely don’t want to have to do that long walk back to the car to drop things off. Organizers say you should leave these 5 things behind.
Tents
No marking your spot. They want to make sure everyone can see. “Tents of any sort” are prohibited according to GasparillaPirateFest.com. That also means no stakes, rope or fencing too. And you’ll also need to leave the grill at home.
Food
It’s a long day at Gasparilla and you’re going to get hungry. But don’t bring your lunch to Gasparilla. They have vendors all over Tampa who will have everything you can imagine to eat.
Bicycles
Bicycles won’t be allowed on Bayshore on either the land or water side. They say if you plan to ride your bike, plan an alternate route around Bayshore.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Coolers
They probably wouldn’t have enough staff to inspect them for buried treasures so they’re forbidden. However, small soft-sided coolers and lunch bags are OK for childcare or medical needs.
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Adult Beverages
Outside beverages will need to be left behind. Vendors will be selling them for charity though. One thing you don’t have to worry about is Gasparilla is finding an adult beverage.
