This is the night Tampa comes alive before the madness
When the music hits different, strangers become friends, and you remember why you love this city. Friday, January 30th isn't just a pre-party. It's the moment you've been waiting for all year.
šļø GET TICKETS - BOGO 50% OFF ONLINEOnly $7.50/person with BOGO | Online Only
Tampa's Premier Gasparilla Eve Celebration
EVENT STARTS IN:
š„ BOGO 50% OFF - Buy 1 ticket, get 2nd half off
š· Exclusive Tequila Pairing & Tasting tickets selling fast!
Reserve your vault experience ($50) ā
AMBITO LATIN BAND - Tampa's most explosive viral Latin band performing live with THE ICON VAYA DJ spinning salsa, bachata, merengue & reggaeton all night.
Historic 1906 Bank of West Tampa vault tequila tasting with Executive Chef Tisbeth Mejia. Limited capacity. Tampa's only century-old bank vault tasting.
Perfect location before the Gasparilla Dog Parade, Regatta, and main parade. Near Tampa Convention Center & University of Tampa. Ultimate Gasparilla pub crawl starting point.
šÆ Gasparilla Weekend Guide: The real party starts Friday night at our Pre-Gasparilla Latin Night Invasion. Saturday features the Gasparilla Dog Parade (family-friendly pirate pups in Ybor City), then the main Gasparilla Regatta at 11:30 AM, and the Gasparilla Parade at 2 PM near Tampa Convention Center. Enjoy Captain Morgan activations and Tampa Bay Lightning Gasparilla jerseys throughout downtown. Ultimate Gasparilla pub crawl starts here Friday!
What time does Gasparilla start? Parade 2PM Saturday. Dog Parade & Regatta before that. Where does Gasparilla start? Near Tampa Convention Center. Best Gasparilla pre party? You found it. Tampa Bay Lightning jerseys & Captain Morgan activations throughout downtown Saturday.
Professional Wedding MC and Gala Host services that command the room with energy and elegance.
Full-scale sound, lighting, and DJ services for high-energy Latin nightlife and festivals.
Elevating brand activations and corporate functions with charisma and seamless coordination.
Experience the best Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue nights in the Bay.
WEAR ALL RED!
VALENTINE'S DINNER HACK: ONLY $50
Reserved Table | Dinner / Drinks x2 | Live Performance | Dancing
Tampa's Premier Gasparilla Pre Party ā¢ West Tampa ā¢ Gasparilla Eve
Tequila Pairing & Tasting
Live Music: AMBITO LATIN BAND
Guest DJ: THE ICON VAYA DJ
Host: Executive Chef Tisbeth Mejia
Exclusive tasting inside the historic 100+ year old bank vault.
Voted Tampa Bay's best gasparilla pre party and premier gasparilla eve celebration. Join us for the ultimate pre gasparilla latin invasion featuring rare tequila tastings, live Latin music, and Tampa's hottest DJs at the historic West Tampa bank vault.
PURCHASE TICKETS NOWSearching for Gasparilla 2026 from St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Clearwater, or Bradenton? You've found Tampa Bay's ultimate Gasparilla resource. The Gasparilla Parade starts at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 31st, 2026 near the Tampa Convention Center with the pirate invasion beginning at 11:30 AM. But smart Tampa Bay locals from Pinellas to Manatee County know the real celebration starts Friday night at The Official Pre-Gasparilla Latin Night Invasion.
The Gasparilla parade route 2026 begins near the Tampa Convention Center at 2:00 PM, travels north along Bayshore Boulevard showcasing spectacular views of Tampa Bay, continues through downtown Tampa past the historic University of Tampa campus, and concludes in the vibrant Ybor City district. The parade route stretches approximately 4.5 miles, attracting over 300,000 spectators from across Tampa Bay including St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Clearwater, Bradenton, and beyond.
Gasparilla street closures 2026 begin early Saturday morning January 31st, affecting downtown Tampa, Bayshore Boulevard, areas surrounding Tampa Convention Center, and routes to University of Tampa. Gasparilla parking is extremely limited - most downtown garages fill by 10 AM. Coming from St. Petersburg or Pinellas? Plan to arrive by 9 AM or use rideshare services. Pro tip: Avoid Saturday parking stress by celebrating Friday night at our Pre-Gasparilla party in West Tampa with ample free parking.
The best places to watch Gasparilla parade include:
1. Bayshore Boulevard (near Tampa Convention Center) - Premium viewing for the 2 PM parade start, arrive by 11 AM for good spots
2. Tampa Riverwalk - Perfect for the 11:30 AM pirate invasion, family-friendly atmosphere
3. Downtown Tampa (Ashley Drive corridor) - Close to University of Tampa, great for parade middle section
4. Ybor City - Final parade destination, excellent bars and after-parties
Traveling from Pinellas County or St. Petersburg? Take I-275 to downtown Tampa exits, but expect heavy traffic and closures. The smart move: Start your Gasparilla weekend Friday at our Pre-Gasparilla Latin Night - easy West Tampa access with stress-free parking.
Friday, January 30th, 9:00 PM: THE OFFICIAL PRE-GASPARILLA LATIN NIGHT INVASION at Catrinas - Tampa Bay's premier Gasparilla Eve celebration featuring live Ambito Latin Band, exclusive vault tequila tasting with Executive Chef Tisbeth Mejia, and The Icon VAYA DJ. Perfect for Tampa, St. Pete, Pinellas, and all Tampa Bay residents. Easy parking, no crowds.
Saturday, January 31st, Morning: Family-friendly Gasparilla Dog Parade in Ybor City featuring dogs in creative pirate costumes - one of Tampa's most beloved traditions.
Saturday, 11:30 AM: Gasparilla Regatta & Pirate Invasion - The legendary Jose Gasparilla ship and hundreds of boats storm Tampa Bay in spectacular fashion.
Saturday, 2:00 PM: Main Gasparilla Parade begins near Tampa Convention Center, travels through downtown past University of Tampa to Ybor City. Watch for Tampa Bay Lightning Gasparilla jerseys, Captain Morgan activations, and over 100 parade floats throwing beads to 300,000+ spectators.
From St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, take I-275 East to downtown Tampa (exits 44-45 for Convention Center area). Gasparilla parking is extremely limited - garages fill by 10 AM. Consider Gasparilla rideshare or park at peripheral lots with shuttle service. Best option: Celebrate Friday, January 30th at The Pre-Gasparilla Latin Night in West Tampa - easy Howard Avenue access from St. Pete/Pinellas with ample free parking, avoiding Saturday's chaos.
What time does Gasparilla start? The pirate invasion begins at 11:30 AM on Saturday, January 31st, 2026. The main Gasparilla Parade starts at 2:00 PM near Tampa Convention Center. But the ultimate Gasparilla experience starts Friday night at 9 PM with The Official Pre-Gasparilla Latin Night Invasion.
The Gasparilla parade route 2026 starts near Tampa Convention Center at 2 PM, travels north on Bayshore Boulevard along Tampa Bay, continues through downtown Tampa past University of Tampa, and ends in historic Ybor City. The route covers 4.5 miles with 100+ floats and krewe ships.
The Gasparilla Dog Parade 2026 is Tampa Bay's most adorable Gasparilla tradition where dogs dress in creative pirate costumes and parade through Ybor City. This family-friendly event happens Saturday morning before the main parade. Perfect for families from Tampa, St. Petersburg, Pinellas, Clearwater, and Bradenton. For the ultimate 21+ Gasparilla Eve party, join The Official Pre-Gasparilla Latin Night Invasion on Friday, January 30th.
Gasparilla street closures 2026 affect downtown Tampa, Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa Convention Center area, and University of Tampa routes starting early Saturday, January 31st. Expect closures from 6 AM through evening. Roads reopen gradually after parade ends around 6 PM. Plan alternate routes if traveling from Pinellas, St. Pete, or Bradenton areas.
Gasparilla parking 2026 is severely limited. Downtown Tampa garages charge premium rates ($40-60) and fill by 10 AM. Some free street parking exists in residential areas north of downtown, but arrive before 9 AM. Coming from St. Petersburg or Pinellas County? Consider Park & Ride lots with shuttle service, or attend Friday's Pre-Gasparilla party with easy West Tampa parking.
The Official Pre-Gasparilla Latin Night Invasion at Catrinas on Friday, January 30th is Tampa Bay's premier Gasparilla Eve celebration. Features: Live Ambito Latin Band, exclusive 100+ year old bank vault tequila tasting with Executive Chef Tisbeth Mejia, The Icon VAYA DJ, free parking, easy access from Tampa, St. Pete, Pinellas, Clearwater. $10 general admission, $50 vault experience. The ultimate Gasparilla weekend kickoff for Tampa Bay.
The Gasparilla Regatta 2026 is the spectacular pirate invasion featuring the Jose Gasparilla ship leading hundreds of boats in Tampa Bay at 11:30 AM Saturday, January 31st. Watch from Tampa Riverwalk, Davis Islands, or Bayshore Boulevard. After the invasion, pirates "storm" downtown Tampa before the 2 PM parade. Perfect viewing for spectators from St. Petersburg and Pinellas County waterfront areas too.
Tampa Bay Lightning Gasparilla jerseys are a local tradition! Lightning fans wear special pirate-themed jerseys throughout Gasparilla weekend at downtown Tampa bars, along the parade route, and during Gasparilla pub crawls. Start your weekend at The Official Pre-Gasparilla Latin Night Invasion on Friday where Tampa sports fans from across the Bay gather before Saturday's festivities.
Captain Morgan sponsors Tampa's Gasparilla celebration with activations, sampling stations, and branded floats throughout downtown Tampa during the parade. Look for Captain Morgan tents near Tampa Convention Center and along Bayshore Boulevard. For an even better tequila experience, attend The Official Pre-Gasparilla Latin Night featuring exclusive vault tastings of rare tequilas and mezcal - call 813-738-2444.
The ultimate Gasparilla pub crawl strategy: Start Friday night at The Official Pre-Gasparilla Latin Night Invasion in West Tampa (easy parking, no crowds), then Saturday hit downtown Tampa bars near the Convention Center before the 2 PM parade, continuing through Ybor City after the parade ends. Popular Gasparilla bar crawl stops include SoHo district, Hyde Park, and the entire Ybor nightlife district. Attendees travel from St. Petersburg, Pinellas, Clearwater, and Bradenton for the full Tampa Bay Gasparilla experience.
Gasparilla 2026 Tampa Bay | St. Petersburg Gasparilla | Pinellas County Gasparilla Events | Clearwater Gasparilla | Bradenton Gasparilla | What Time Does Gasparilla Start | What Time Does Gasparilla Parade Start | Gasparilla Parade Route 2026 | Gasparilla Street Closures | Gasparilla Parking 2026 | Best Place to Watch Gasparilla | Gasparilla Dog Parade | Tampa Bay Lightning Gasparilla Jersey | Captain Morgan Gasparilla | Gasparilla Regatta 2026 | Gasparilla Invasion Time | Pre-Gasparilla Party Tampa Bay | Best Gasparilla Pre Party | Gasparilla Eve Latin Night | Gasparilla Weekend Celebration | Tampa Pre-Gasparilla Latin Invasion | Gasparilla Pub Crawl Tampa | Best Gasparilla Bars | Tampa Convention Center Gasparilla | University of Tampa Gasparilla | Gasparilla Bayshore Boulevard | Gasparilla Ybor City | Latin Nightlife Tampa Bay | Salsa Dancing Tampa | Wedding MC Tampa | Corporate Event Host Florida