Looking for some cool things to do in and around around the neighborhood this weekend? Check this out!

GASPARILLA INVASION & PARADE OF PIRATES

Well this is the big weekend in Tampa! Since 1904 certain factions of the city join together and stage an invasion of sorts to take over the city in the name of the fabled pirate Jose Gaspar. Members of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla stormed city hall on Tuesday and demanded the keys to the city from Mayor Jane, who flatly denied their demands. So the gig is on for Saturday! Let the invasion begin!

If you are new to the area, this city-wide celebration starts with the invasion of the “Sailing Ship” Jose Gaspar in Seddon Channel up to the Convention Center from 11am to 1pm. The Parade of Pirates takes place on Bayshore from 2pm till about 6:30pm with over 140 floats, bands and other groups. The party ends up in downtown and throughout Ybor City.

There are lots of places to view the invasion around the waterfront downtown and on Davis Island. You can still get bleacher seats along the parade route, but probably on the water side.

Uber will be pretty costly on the way into the parade and just plain ridiculous using them to get out. Parking will be fierce and make sure to pay attention so you don’t get towed!!! Probably the best method to travel will be by any of the public cable cars and shuttle services.

Lastly, this is an adult themed city-wide party. You should probably leave your kids at home for this one. Also, be aware where you are drinking! There are many places where you can & a few where you might be ticketed if found with an open container!  

6 PLACES TO EVADE THE PIRATES

… and they are all in our neighborhood! I just read this article in Creative Loafing which I just have to share. It’s rare that they shed this much light on our “sleepy” little neighborhood, but the secrets out. There’s a lot going on in the neighborhood this weekend! I’ll definitely be back up in the “hood” after the parade! Hope to see ya around!

https://www.cltampa.com/food-drink/six-tampa-bars-where-you-can-escape-gasparilla-14963731

THE GREAT CORNER CLUB CHILI COOK-OFF

The Corner Club is throwin down with an open community chili cook off Sunday starting at 4pm. There’s a $5 entry fee – winner take all. Vegan options are welcomed and will be separated and identified. This will be a great way to work off that post parade hang-over!

COMEDY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

There’s also plenty of opportunities to get a few laughs in and around the hood this weekend! Here’s some related events:

Laugh Lab (comedy open mic) | BAR Thursday Feb 2^nd 8:30pm @ New World Brewery

Shawn Wayans, one of the Wayan brothers was on the original Living Color and has written and performed in a few other movies, headlines Friday & Saturday; Trae Crowder hits the stage Monday,  @TampaImprov

Hypnotist Rich Guzzi performs throughout the weekend @sidesplitterscomedy