The century-plus tradition of the Gasparilla Invasion and Pirate Fest takes over Tampa again, this year with sponsor Seminole Hard Rock emblazoned in the logo. The Jose Gasparilla, a fully-rigged pirate ship – and we’re told the world’s only one – will sail to the end of Hillsborough Bay, shoot off its cannons and meet an armada of yachts, sailboats and other pleasure vessels, which feign attack and surrender. Spectators gather along Bayshore Boulevard, gather beads, drink, stumble, scream and crash parties. After the Jose Gasparilla docks at the Tampa Convention Center at 1 p.m., Mayor Pam Iorio surrenders the key to the city. From 2 to 5:30 p.m., the 3.5-mile parade route snakes through the streets of downtown Tampa and spills into the free concert stage at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, where Daniel B. Marshall, the Skycoasters and Kings County perform. For tips, parking info and other details, see our lovely new intern Kate Steeves' comprehensive guide. gasparillapiratefest.com.
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2011.