Gasparilla Weekend Tampa: Your Guide to the Biggest Pirate Party
Gasparilla Weekend is Tampa’s Super Bowl of partying. Once a year, the city fills with pirates, costumes, music, and all-day energy that rolls from morning brunch straight into late-night chaos.
If you’re planning Gasparilla this year, here’s a simple breakdown of what’s happening, where to be, and how to make the most of the weekend — without overthinking it.
Friday Night: Gasparilla Kickoff at LAVA Lounge (DJ Nano)
Gasparilla weekend officially kicks off Friday night at LAVA Lounge, featuring world-famous DJ Nano returning to Tampa to headline the official Gasparilla Pre-Game Bash.
Nano brings a high-energy, open-format sound built for packed dance floors — blending Top 40, Latin, house, and party classics with a crowd that’s already in full pirate mode before Saturday even hits.
This isn’t just another club night — it’s where the city warms up.
Event Details:
- 📅 Friday, January 30
- 🕘 Doors open at 9PM | Party until 3AM
- 🎶 Top 40 • House • Latin vibes
- 🎟 Complimentary entry before 10PM
- 🔞 21+
If you want to start Gasparilla weekend strong, meet people early, and roll into Saturday already buzzing — this is the play.start the weekend strong, meet people early, and roll into Saturday already warmed up.
👉 Friday Night at LAVA Lounge – Event Info:
Saturday: 9th Annual Gasparilla Bar Crawl, Brunch & Festival
Saturday is where Gasparilla really takes over the city.
The 9th Annual Gasparilla Bar Crawl & Brunch connects 25+ bars and brunch spots across Downtown Tampa, South Tampa, and Ybor. There’s no strict route — you go at your own pace, hit the venues you want, and let the day unfold naturally.
Some people start with brunch and bottomless mimosas. Others jump straight into the crawl. Either way, you’ll get welcome shots, exclusive drink specials, and access to some of the biggest Gasparilla party zones in Tampa.
👉 Gasparilla Bar Crawl & Brunch Details:
Pirates Cove: The Center of the Action
New this year, Pirates Cove brings two major party zones to Downtown Tampa — each with a very different vibe.
Pirates Cove: Crawl HQ
Crawl HQ is the all-day anchor for Gasparilla.
This is where thousands of pirates come through from morning to night for music, drinks, entertainment, and nonstop movement. DJ Nano returns here alongside DJ Crespo, keeping the energy up all day with open-format sets that work for every kind of crowd.
If you want a place you can always circle back to during the crawl, this is it.
👉 Pirates Cove: Crawl HQ Info:
Pirates Cove: Drop Zone (Music Festival Stage)
Drop Zone is a different beast.
This is a full outdoor music festival setup built for louder sound, heavier bass, and high-energy crowds. Headlined by Wuki and supported by Jake Shore, Drop Zone runs like a true festival — big sound, big bars, and no breaks in the action.
If you’re here for the music-first experience, this is where you’ll want to spend a good chunk of your Saturday.
👉 Pirates Cove: Drop Zone Info:
Early Check-In: Worth It
Gasparilla morning gets hectic fast.
Early check-in lets you grab your wristband ahead of time, avoid long lines, and start your day smoothly. It also makes it easier for groups to stick together and jump right into the crawl without delays.
It’s optional — but most people who’ve done Gasparilla more than once recommend it.
👉 Early Check-In Locations & Times:
Getting Around Gasparilla Weekend
Between street closures, traffic, and packed parking, Gasparilla isn’t the easiest day to navigate.
Many groups choose to book sprinter vans, party buses, or chauffeur services so they can move between brunch, crawl stops, Pirates Cove, and after parties without stress — and without worrying about rides or logistics.
The less time spent figuring things out, the more time spent enjoying the day.
Final Thoughts on Gasparilla Weekend
Gasparilla is loud, crowded, and a little chaotic — in the best way possible.
Whether you’re starting Friday night at LAVA Lounge, crawling all day Saturday, or spending most of your time at Pirates Cove, the key is pacing yourself and planning just enough to stay flexible.
This weekend sells out every year, so if you’re going, lock in your plans early and enjoy Tampa’s biggest party the way it’s meant to be experienced.
A Huge Thank You The Sponsors
Gasparilla Weekend wouldn’t be possible without the incredible brands and partners who help bring this celebration to life. A huge thank you to all of the sponsors supporting this year’s events and keeping the energy high all weekend long.
From the drinks in your hand to the music on the stage, these partners play a major role in making Gasparilla one of Tampa’s most unforgettable weekends.
