Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is Florida’s thrill ride leader featuring world-class roller coasters, exciting seasonal events and one of North America’s largest zoos representing more than 200 animal species. Guests can take on a top-rated list of attractions for thrill seekers, including the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, Serengeti Flyer and the award-winning hybrid coaster, Iron Gwazi, while still enjoying all-time classics like Cheetah Hunt, Montu and SheiKra.
Busch Gardens - Tampa Bay 2024 Events
Real Music Series Jan. 9 – Feb. 25 (weekly; Tuesdays - Sundays)
Ranging from classic rock, pop soul and folk rock, live tribute performances will hit the stage at the Stanleyville Theater for seamless renditions of songs by artists and bands including Chicago, The Eagles, Elvis Presley, and more.
Mardi Gras Jan. 13 – March 3 (select dates)
Captivated by lively hues and delicious tastes of New Orleans' grandest celebration, Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will whisk visitors away to a world of bayou-inspired revelry. This immersive experience features delectable Cajun-inspired culinary treats, an energetic parade showcasing festive characters, cascades of multicolored beads, a live and authentic brass band and a range of spirited entertainment options suitable for the whole family. Mardi Gras is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Busch Gardens Kids’ Weekends Jan. 27 – Feb. 11; April 27 – May 19 (Saturdays and Sundays); November
Experience the excitement of Kids’ Weekends at Busch Gardens, where families can come together to connect with beloved Sesame Street characters at the Safari of Fun, as well as Meet & Greet opportunities with Blippi and his inseparable friend, Meekah. Enjoy storytime, interactive dance parties, arts & crafts, and a variety of engaging and fun activities for the entire family! Limited-time festivities happen during each weekend of the event and are included with park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Food & Wine Festival March 9 – May 19 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Every weekend from March 8 through May 19, guests can enjoy Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s tastiest event, the Food & Wine Festival. Culinary cabins serve an amalgamation of worldly flavors, craft beer, cocktails, and wines. A one-stop-shop for all the epicurious out there, this popular event also features live concerts ranging from diverse music genres, including urban, classic rock and pop. The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival and featured concerts are included with any park admission, Annual Pass and Fun Cards.
During this year’s Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival, guests can expect 11 weekends of exceptional food and drinks, plus a thrilling lineup of headlining artists. Be on the lookout for artists names to be announced on BuschGardensTampa.com and through the park’s social media channels.
Summer Nights May 24 – Aug. 4 (daily)
With extended park hours, the party continues past sunset giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a full day at the park, explore the park after dark and feel the thrill of riding roller coaster at night. Summer Nights features fireworks on select nights and is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
New! Red, White & Brews May 26 – July 7
Celebrate our nation’s pride with heart-pounding rides, live music and an array of flavorful beers from local, national and international breweries. During the all-new Red, White & Brews, guests are bound to experience the perfect blend of excitement and raise a glass to toast to freedom and good times. Red, White & Brews is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
4th of July Celebration July 4 – 7 (Thursday - Sunday)
Celebrate the Independence of the United States with patriotic festivities at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Enjoy a mesmerizing firework show perfectly choreographed to a celebratory soundtrack, along with entertainment and additional activities. Included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
New! Bourbon & BBQ July 19 – Sept. 2 (Friday – Sunday plus Labor Day)
Barrels of boozy bourbon and tantalizing aromas of smoky goodness fill the air at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s all-new event, Bourbon & BBQ. Featuring live music, exciting rides and a festive atmosphere, Bourbon & BBQ will be an unforgettable experience for food and thrill enthusiasts alike. Bourbon & BBQ is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Spooktacular Sept. 7 – Nov. 3 (Fridays – Sundays)
At Busch Gardens Spooktacular, guests of all ages can immerse themselves in a charming realm of enchantment filled with family-friendly Halloween delights that are more delightful than frightening. This event, perfect for families, includes a costume parade, story time and trick-or-treating. Spooktacular is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Howl-O-Scream Sept. 6 – Nov. 2 (select nights)
Celebrating 25 years of haunts and terror, Howl-O-Scream transforms the park into an immersive experience of spine-tingling scares, eerie haunted houses and sinister surprises, lurking behind every corner. Guests will want to brace for adrenaline-pumping thrill rides under the cover of night on select evenings from Sept. 7 through Nov. 2…if they dare. Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event.
Christmas Town Nov. 15 – Jan. 5, 2025 (daily)
Christmas Town, a festive winter wonderland, invites guests to celebrate Yuletide traditions amidst millions of twinkling lights, delightful treats, lively entertainment and the ideal setting for capturing cherished moments with family and friends. Christmas Town is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
WEATHER POLICY
Worry-Free Fun With Weather-or-Not Assurance
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay usually remains open even when the weather isn’t cooperating, and they have lots of awesome ways for you and your family to have fun while it passes. Still, you never know when thunder and lightning, hail, or even a hurricane might unexpectedly land and ruin your good time. But don’t worry. That’s when the Weather-or-Not Assurance steps in to provide you with a return visit on us!
Your visit is covered through our Weather-or-Not Assurance program. This program guarantees the value of your park experience (Additional upgrade purchases from initial visit are not included) and applies year-round, covering weather events such as rain, lightning, extreme heat, wind, snow, hail and more.
For example, If during your park visit:
- Inclement weather causes early closure or negatively impacts the park’s operating hours.
- Rides are closed for over 60 minutes due to lightning, strong winds, heat, rain or snow.
- If park temperatures reach a heat index of 110 degrees or above.
Stop by Guest Relations at the park to request your return visit! You’ll need your original admission ticket or order number.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay reserves the right to change this policy without prior notice, some restrictions apply.