Ahoy, Gasparilla season! Tampa's Mardi Gras-like festival is taking over downtown on Saturday. Why it matters: It's one of Tampa Bay's cultural touchstones — and even if you're not trying to get drunk with a bunch of bead-throwing Tampeños in ruffly shirts,

Gasparilla Pirate Fest has live music at stages located along the Tampa Riverwalk that run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (at Ashley Drive and Twiggs Street) and MacDill Park (at Ashley Drive and Whiting Street).

The determined Captain and pirates from Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla are infiltrating Tampa already, with their eyes set on Mayor Jane Castor and City Hall.

Tampa’s annual pirate invasion Gasparilla takes place Saturday, Jan. 25, this year. And if you’re heading toward the Tampa waterfront to participate in the revelry, odds are you’ll be looking for a bite to eat — or something to sip — while you’re out.

The city of Tampa has an interactive parking map that displays neighborhood parking for Children's Gasparilla. According to the city, "No Parking" and "Parking By Permit Only" signs will be posted and enforced Friday and Saturday beginning Jan. 17 at 12:01 a.m. - Jan. 18, and at this time, illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed.

Back for its fourth year, the tasty festival and fierce culinary competition brings endless tacos. Cheer on more than 20 local chefs as they compete for the title of “Best Taco in Tampa Bay 2025.” Saturday,