A packed calendar of events for the whole family including food festivals, seasonal celebrations and live musical performances
By: Editorial
- 01/16/2023
- 8:00 am
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has just announced an exciting calendar of events for 2023, with endless entertainment options for the entire family. Celebrations include seasonal festivals, concerts by renowned artists included in your ticket, and of course, exciting attractions like the award-winning Iron Gwazi and the Serengeti Flyer , scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2023. Get your diaries ready!
Mardi Gras
January 14 – March 5 (select dates)
Inspired by the vibrant colors and delights of New Orleans’ biggest celebration, Busch Gardens’ Mardi Gras will transport guests to a festive realm. The event will feature typical Cajun dishes, a lively parade with new characters, colorful necklaces, a band playing live music and several other entertainment options for the whole family. Mardi Gras is included in regular park admission.
Real Music Series
January 17 to February 26 (weekly, Tuesday to Sunday)
Busch Gardens’ longest-running concert series returns this year with new performances! The Stanleyville Theater will host incredible live shows, including covers by classic rock, rhythm & blues and pop bands. The Real Music Series is included with regular park admission.
Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends
January 27 – February 12; April 28th to May 21st (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
Busch Gardens’ Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends are ideal for families with children. This year, the event will also take place on Fridays and will feature new options for meeting the beloved Sesame Street characters, such as storytelling sessions, dance parties, craft workshops and much more. Each weekend, visitors will find different themed celebrations, all included with regular park admission.
Food & Wine Festival
March 10th to May 21st (selected dates)
Every weekend between March 10th and May 21st, the Food & Wine festival will offer delicious dishes to pair with wines, craft beers and cocktails. While enjoying the event’s special cuisine, visitors can also enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The event and all shows are included in regular park admission.Advertising
Cinco de Mayo May
5th to 7th (Friday to Sunday)
Visitors can enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine, typical music and lots of entertainment while celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Busch Gardens. Event included in regular park admission.
Viva la Música
May 5th to 21st (Friday, May 5th; Saturdays and Sundays)
Busch Gardens will host an incredible celebration of Hispanic culture with typical food and music between May 5th and 21st. Every Saturday and Sunday, in addition to “5 de Mayo” itself, visitors can enjoy performances by award-winning Latin artists, authentic food and much more. Viva la Música is included in regular park admission.
Summer Nights
May 26th to August 6th (every day)
The fun continues even after sunset during the summer at Busch Gardens Tampa, with Florida’s most exciting attractions operating in a party atmosphere. The vibrant energy of Summer Nights is recharged with electrifying new shows, including a new ice skating show, fireworks show on select nights and more. Summer Nights is already included in regular park admission.
4th of July Celebration June
30 to July 4 (Friday to Tuesday)
Celebrate America’s independence at Busch Gardens Tampa. The event features a fireworks show synchronized with an exciting soundtrack, as well as other entertainment options for families. Included in regular park admission.Advertising
Bier Fest
July 21 to September 4 (Friday to Sunday, plus Labor Day in the US)
Bier Fest offers a mouth-watering combination, with delicious options of craft beers from around the world, as well as local flavors. The event will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, between July 21st and September 4th, including the Labor Day holiday in the United States and is included in regular park admission.
Howl-O-Scream
September 8 – October 31 (select nights)
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay becomes a nightmare with curses everywhere during Howl-O-Scream 2023. Chilling haunted houses, monstrous creatures around every corner and thrilling rides in the dark return on select nights between September 8th and 31st October. This evening event requires a separate ticket.
Spooktacular
September 8th to October 31st (Friday to Sunday plus October 30th and 31st)
During Busch Gardens’ Spooktacular, guests will be immersed in a mystical world full of not-so-scary amusements. This family-friendly event features a costume parade, storytelling sessions and trick-or-treating. Spooktacular is included with regular park admission.
Christmas Town
November 13 to January 7, 2024 (every day)
A celebration full of traditions, Christmas Town transforms the park into a Christmas paradise with thousands of lights, delicious food, festive entertainment and the best backdrop for a family photo. Christmas Town is included in regular park admission.
