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Gasparilla Pirate Fest is the third-largest annual parade in the United States, hosted each January in Tampa Bay. The parade is named in honor of infamous 18th and 19th century pirate Jose Gaspar, who operated throughout coastal Florida. A full weekend of pirate-themed entertainment is offered each year, including a Gasparilla Invasion reenactment with more than 750 swashbucklers and a four-mile-long Parade of Pirates, which attracts more than 300,000 annual spectators. Free seating is offered for the parade, though visitors can also upgrade to reserved seating for an additional fee and better views. After the parade, the celebration continues at the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival, which offers live musical performances and food trucks.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Admire native and exotic plants at Florida Botanical Gardens Step back in time at The Henry B. Plant Museum Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk Learn about the history of firefighting at The Tampa Firefighters Museum Take the kids to Heritage Village Learn about local history at Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center Enjoy the view from Ballast Point Park and Pier Don't miss The Manatee Viewing Center Check out the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Visit the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Walk along the Courtney Campbell Trail Relax at the Picnic Island Park Explore historic Ybor City Hike The Upper Tampa Bay Trail Sample and buy ales at Yuengling Beer Take the family to Ben T. Davis Beach Tour The J. C. Newman Cigar Company On a rainy day, visit Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Join Tampa Downtown Partnership Free Guided Walking Tours Visit The Tampa Police Museum Take the kids to The Glazer Children’s Museum Enjoy summer at Waterworks Park

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