Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

Tampa Hosts Children’s Gasparilla Parade for Families

Families line Bayshore Boulevard to enjoy the colorful floats and festivities of the Children's Gasparilla Parade.

News Summary

This Saturday, the vibrant Children’s Gasparilla Parade takes over the streets of Tampa, bringing a day filled with colorful floats, marching bands, and family-friendly activities. With road closures in effect, attendees are encouraged to arrive early and utilize parking options. The festivities begin at noon, featuring events like the Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo and the Gasparilla Air Invasion. The highlight of the day will be the main parade at 4:00 p.m., followed by an exciting nighttime air invasion and a spectacular fireworks finale.

Tampa Gears Up for a Day of Fun at the Children’s Gasparilla Parade

This Saturday, the streets of Tampa will come alive with color and excitement as the Children’s Gasparilla Parade rolls into town from noon until 7:30 p.m. on the scenic Bayshore Boulevard. With a vibrant parade filled with floats, marching bands, and plenty of surprises, it’s no wonder families from all over are eager to take part in the festivities!

Road Closures Ahead: How to Navigate the Streets

If you plan to join in on the fun, be sure to keep an eye on the roads! As the event gets closer, several roads in the parade area will start to close beginning Friday. The City of Tampa has released a traffic advisory, highlighting the importance of arriving early to beat the traffic and avoid the road closures that will be in place.

The city’s Mobility Department has some friendly tips for getting to the parade without the hassle. Consider parking in lovely Ybor City and hopping on the convenient TECO Streetcar to the event. For those looking for public transport, DASH service will be available and well worth checking out. Also, don’t miss out on the fantastic news—free rides on HART buses, including Route 1, will be offered for the rest of January!

Parking Options Galore

Worried about where to park? Worry not! City garages will offer free bike parking for those who want to pedal their way to the event. Plus, you can consult an online neighborhood parking map to navigate parking restrictions ahead of time. Local businesses and organizations in the Downtown Tampa area are also stepping up to provide parking options, so you should have no trouble finding a spot!

Getting Around Made Easy

Platt and Bayshore Boulevard (near Publix)
Bay to Bay and Bayshore Boulevards

Plenty of Activities to Keep the Kids Entertained

The festivity kicks off with a plethora of activities that will entertain kids and adults alike. The fun starts with a Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Bayshore Boulevard, featuring free helmet fittings for children. From noon to 4:00 p.m., there’s the thrilling Gasparilla Air Invasion showcasing vintage military aircraft and stunning parachute displays.

Parents with little ones aged 5 and under should consider signing them up for the Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll, which runs from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required, so make sure to sign up early!

The Main Event and Exciting Finale

The main parade, starting at 4:00 p.m., will feature a dazzling array of floats and energetic marching bands, delighting the crowd with candy and smiles. As the sun sets, the Gasparilla Nighttime Air Invasion will illuminate the sky with exciting aerial displays from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. To cap off the evening, prepare to be amazed by a spectacular fireworks show titled the “Piratechnic Finale”, which promises to recreate a thrilling mock battle from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.

A Family-Friendly Pride

Keep in mind that this is an alcohol-free event, aimed at creating a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for families. You can watch the parade from the sidelines along Bayshore Boulevard or opt for reserved seating for better views, starting at $61. So gather your family and friends, and mark your calendars for a day filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories at the Children’s Gasparilla Parade!