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Top Tampa Bay weekend events: Gasparilla, Tweed Ride, Sunshine Market

Whether you want to dress up or shop it out, there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had this weekend.

Children aboard a Gasparilla pirate ship float. They are throwing beads into the crowd, dressed like pirates.

Beads at the ready, landlubbers.

Photo via City of Tampa

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Tampa Bay: Gaspy season. But, never fear non-pirates, there’s a bounty of other fun to be had this weekend.

Let’s dive in:

Gasparilla

Thousands of swashbuckling pirates sloshing alcohol take over Bayshore Boulevard for the annual invasion and parade led by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Expect 140+ floats, bands, and merry pirate groups.

St. Pete Tweed Ride and Party

Cyclists don a different kind of historical garb for this ride around scenic Mirror Lake. The 13th annual fundraiser for the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club brings together riders clad in tweed and other vintage duds for tea and scones, a joyous cycle, and an afterparty catered by Heavy’s at the historic shuffleboard club.

Sunshine Market

We love a good market around here. This monthly spread takes over the popular Midtown Tampa district with 50+ vendors selling an array of fresh produce, jewelry, handmade goods, local eats, and cocktails. Plus, you can finish off the day with a stop at Sephora or REI, or Sunda New Asian.

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