Planning your day around the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa? Brunch is one of the most popular ways to kick things off before the José Gaspar pirate ship makes its legendary invasion.
We locals are familiar with the Gasparilla brunch cruises on Tampa Bay and the waterfront parties near the Hillsborough River and Davis Islands. These experiences combine food, drinks, and front-row views of one of Tampa’s biggest events of the year. Booking a brunch is among our top Gasparilla survival tips.
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Below, you’ll find the top Gasparilla brunch options for 2026, including confirmed events and notable experiences that are already sold out but worth bookmarking for the future.
Gasparilla Brunches With Last-Minute Availability
These Gasparilla brunch events are confirmed for 2026 and may still have limited tickets available. Availability can change quickly as invasion day approaches.
Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at Tampa Convention Center
This long-running brunch is considered one of the classic Gasparilla experiences thanks to its central location and large-scale setup.
- When: Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM
- Location: Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost: $180 per person
Guests enjoy a hearty buffet, live entertainment, and views of the invasion from the Tampa Convention Center along the Riverwalk. A Scully Hospitality upgrade is typically available for reserved seating, drinks, and additional pre-parade entertainment.
16th Annual Gasparilla Extravaganza at The Westin
For those looking for a polished, VIP-style brunch, the Gasparilla Extravaganza at The Westin on Harbour Island is a standout.
- When: Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Location: The Westin Tampa Waterside, 725 South Harbour Island Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost: Adults $250 | Kids $30
This event features a gourmet buffet, open bar, live music, and invasion viewing, along with extras like a silent auction, photo booth, and private restrooms. Proceeds benefit Father Of Mine Non-Profit.
Junior League Gasparilla Invasion Party
This 21+ event is known for its high energy, strong value, and prime location near the invasion route on Davis Islands.
- When: Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Location: JLT Headquarters, 87 Columbia Drive, Tampa FL 33606
- Cost: $99 per ticket
Tickets include unlimited food, drinks, and live entertainment. VIP high-top tables are available, along with optional add-ons like premium whiskey pours and cigars. Parking is not included this year.
Gasparilla Invasion Brunch Party 2026
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Location: American Social, Tampa, 601 South Harbour Island Boulevard, 107 Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost: from $275
One of Tampa Bay’s most in-demand Gasparilla brunch events returns for invasion day with all-you-can-eat brunch, an open bar, live DJs, and front-row views of the pirate invasion along Bayshore Boulevard. During event hours, entry to American Social is restricted to Invasion Brunch ticket holders and VIP guests only.
This brunch party is designed as a high-energy, waterfront viewing experience with a festive pirate atmosphere and prime sightlines as the Gasparilla ship invades Downtown Tampa.
What’s included with admission:
- Brunch buffet served from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries, beef sliders, turkey sandwiches, pastries, fruit, and more
- Select open bar from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including mimosas, bloody marys, beer, spirits, and wine
- Live music from top Tampa-area DJs
- Prime waterfront views of the Gasparilla Invasion
Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Standing high-top tables will be available throughout the venue. This ticket is valid for the Invasion Brunch Party only; additional food and beverage outside the event offerings are charged separately.
University of Tampa Gasparilla Brunch
A favorite among alumni and locals, this brunch offers a more relaxed but well-organized way to enjoy Gasparilla.
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Cost: $75 per person | Faculty tickets $45 (ID required)
The ticket includes a brunch buffet, open bar, parking, and exclusive UT Gasparilla beads. Each order includes one parking pass, which must be presented to enter campus.
9th Annual Gasparilla Bar Crawl, Brunch & Festival
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Starting Location: Yeoman’s Topgolf Swing Suite
- Location Areas: Downtown Tampa, South Tampa, Ybor City
One of Tampa’s largest and most high-energy Gasparilla events returns for its ninth year with a full-day bar crawl, brunch experience, and festival-style takeover. The Gasparilla Bar Crawl, Brunch & Festival brings together thousands of pirates for a citywide celebration featuring brunch, mimosas, drink specials, and nonstop entertainment.
Participants can crawl through more than 25 bars and brunch venues across Downtown Tampa, South Tampa, and Ybor City. The event also introduces Gasparilla Pirates Cove, a two-day festival experience with large activation zones featuring DJs, themed bars, food vendors, interactive entertainment, and VIP experiences. Festivities take place throughout both Friday and Saturday, with the main crawl and brunch happening on invasion day.
What’s included:
- Access to 25+ participating bars and brunch spots
- All-you-can-eat brunch at select locations
- Bottomless mimosas at participating venues
- Complimentary welcome shots
- Exclusive Gasparilla drink specials
- Entry into Pirates Cove festival zones with live DJs and entertainment
Gasparilla Brunches Sold Out — Keep an Eye Out for Next Year
These Gasparilla brunch experiences are already sold out for 2026, but they consistently return each year and are worth planning around in the future.
Yacht StarShip Gasparilla Invasion Brunch Cruise (Sold Out)
One of the most searched Gasparilla brunch cruises each year, this 2.5-hour experience places guests directly on the water during the pirate invasion. Tickets typically sell out weeks in advance.
Florida Aquarium Gasparilla Invasion Brunch Cruise (Sold Out)
This 21+ catamaran cruise aboard the Bay Spirit II offers a three-hour invasion experience with unlimited brunch, open bar service, DJ entertainment, and dancing. It routinely sells out early.
Starlite Cruises Gasparilla Invasion Experience (Sold Out)
Departing from St. Petersburg, this all-day Gasparilla experience includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and reserved parade seating, making it one of the most immersive options available.
Tips for Brunching Like a Gasparilla Pro
- Check availability often: Last-minute tickets and releases do happen.
- Plan transportation early: Parking near the river is extremely limited; rideshares are strongly recommended.
- Arrive early: Boarding delays are common on invasion morning.
- Dress smart: Pirate-themed outfits are encouraged, but layers help with changing weather.
- Pace yourself: Many brunch events last several hours with extended food and drink service.