Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announces 2026 Event Lineup and launches 2026 Fun Card Offer!
- Shane Walton
- Aug 15, 2025
- 6 min read
The 2026 Fun Card offers unlimited visits for all of 2026, plus the rest of 2025 FREE.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida’s thrill ride capital, has announced the launch of the 2026 Fun Card, offering unlimited visits throughout 2026 and the rest of 2025 for FREE!
This limited time offer allows guests to pay for a single day ticket now and enjoy more than 16 months of park admission for free. That’s over 500 days of fun with free admission!
By purchasing a 2026 Fun Card now, guests can experience the park’s remaining 2025 seasonal events, including Bier Fest, Sweetacular and Christmas Town, while enjoying thrilling attractions including the award-winning hybrid coaster, Iron Gwazi, and visiting with over 800 animals at the AZA-accredited zoo, and exploring the all-new Wild Oasis, North America’s most immersive, kid-friendly adventure realm.
Check out the latest theme park news and updates from Central Florida.
Looking ahead, the 2026 calendar is packed with the ultimate lineup of world-class events and entertainment, featuring heart-pounding attractions, up-close encounters with animals, live shows, and immersive experiences*. With returning fan-favorites and exciting new events included with park admission, there’s no better time to take advantage of this incredible offer. Pricing for the 2026 Fun Card starts at $143.99 – that’s just $9/month. Secure your 2026 Fun Card now and be part of the action all year long!
Real Music Series
Busch Gardens’ longest-running concert series returns with legendary artists performing across genres, from classic rock to soul, live at the Stanleyville Theater.
Mardi Gras
Captivated by the lively hues and delicious tastes of New Orleans' grandest celebration, Mardi Gras will whisk visitors away to a lively world of bayou-inspired revelry. This immersive experience includes delectable Cajun-inspired culinary treats, an energetic parade showcasing festive characters, a cascade 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
Experience the excitement of Kids’ Weekends, where families can come together and connect with beloved Sesame Street characters at the Safari of Fun, get up close to over 200 species of animals and experience “first thrills” on rides like Air Grover, Stanley Falls Flume and the Phoenix Rising coaster. Plus, enjoy story time, interactive dance parties, arts & crafts, and a variety of engaging activities. Limited-time festivities happen each weekend of the event, all included with park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Food & Wine Festival
In the spring, guests can enjoy Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s tastiest event, the Food & Wine Festival and concert series. All-New Culinary cabins offer a variety of mouth-watering delicacies, craft brews, 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, Christian and pop. Guests will enjoy the delicious food, festive wines and vibrant concert series surrounded by the beautiful gardens that give Busch Gardens its name. This event is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Summer Events
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. The night comes to an end with a spectacular drone and firework show that has to be seen to be believed. In 2026 there will be even more ALL-NEW exciting surprises coming to Summer Nights that will make you feel like King of the Forest….but more to come on that in later in 2025 so stay tuned. This event is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Looking for more fun events and things to do in Central Florida? Check out our Events Guide.
Bier Fest Brews & BBQ
Sip delicious brews and soar on epic coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Bier Fest Brews & BBQ. Guests at Bier Fest enjoy ALL-NEW bold BBQ flavors, refreshing craft brews and lively tunes in a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a classic German brewhouse. Bier Fest features a rotating selection of 30 to 40 craft beers, handpicked from over 30 breweries offering a variety of flavors and styles to explore throughout the festival. With live music, exciting rides and a festive atmosphere, Bier Fest Brews & BBQ is an unforgettable experience for food and thrill enthusiasts alike. Bier Fest is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Sweetacular
At Busch Gardens Sweetacular, guests 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. Busch Gardens Sweetacular is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Howl-O-Scream
Voted by USA Today readers as the #1 Best Theme Park Halloween Event, Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream transforms the park into an immersive experience featuring ALL-NEW spine-tingling scares, eerie haunted houses, a shocking live show and sinister surprises lurking in every dark corner. Guests will want to brace for adrenaline-pumping thrill rides under the cover of night on select evenings. Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event.
Christmas Town
Christmas Town, a festive winter wonderland, invites guests to celebrate holiday traditions amidst almost 70 miles of twinkling lights, ALL-NEW delightful treats, lively entertainment, and the ideal backdrop for capturing cherished family moments. Christmas Town is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
To learn more about all the events, special deals and future announcements, guests can visit BuschGardensTampa.com.
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Looking for things to do in Orlando? Check out our weekly and monthly event guides with the can’t-miss happenings throughout Central Florida. Plus, for Orlando on a budget, check out our the weekly, and monthly things to do in Orlando that are either free or cheap.
From major headlining tours, to local indie music nights, Orlando features an eclectic music scene! Catch the latest shows at Kia Center, House of Blues, The Plaza Live, Hard Rock Live, Addition Financial Arena, The Social, The Vanguard, Conduit, Will's Pub, and more.
Orlando features an endless choice of entertainment on the stage each day, with an impressive choice of venues, including Dr Phillips Center, The Ren, Orlando Family Stage, Winter Park Playhouse, Theater West End, Funny Bone Comedy Club, SAK Comedy Lab, and more.
The City Beautiful has a thriving arts scene, and is home to Orlando Ballet, Opera Orlando, Orlando Philharmonic, Breakthrough Theatre Company, Osceola Arts, Orlando Sings, and more.
Go Team Orlando! Orlando is home to an exciting selection of hometown teams to support including the Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, Orlando Solar Bears, UCF Knights, and more. Plus, regular big game action takes place at Camping World Stadium, including the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and the StaffDNA Cure Bowl.
Orlando is home to a year-round schedule of amazing festivals and events, including the Central Florida Fair, EDC Orlando, Silver Spurs Rodeo, Orlando Fringe, Orlando Pride, and many more.
Central Florida is home to a never-ending choice of amazing theme parks and attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Gatorland, Fun Spot America, Island H2O Water Park, and more.
If you're looking to explore Orlando's cultural scene, you have an an impressive choice of museums and galleries, including Orlando Museum Of Art, Orlando Science Center, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, The Mennello Museum of American Art, and more.
No matter your tastes or budget, Orlando’s incredible dining experiences are endless, including MICHELIN Guide restaurants, celebrity chefs, local James Beard honorees, and more.
There is always something new to experience in Orlando, and whether your looking for the latest restaurants or nightlife hotspots, what's new and coming soon to the theme parks and attractions, or the biggest festivals and the latest events, we've got you covered.
Now go and explore everything that our beautiful city has to offer, you Gotta Go Orlando!
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