Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Announces Entire Event Lineup & Dates for 2023

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have announced a jam packed line-up of events for 2023.

This year Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has a never-ending line up of fun and entertainment including the return of the parks every popular one-of-a-kind seasonal festivities, a world-class line-up of concerts, and the return of Summer Nights, featuring new shows, an updated ice-skating show and more.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 2023 Events & Dates

Mardi Gras

January 14 – March 5 (select dates)

Inspired by the vibrant colours and delectable flavours of New Orleans’ biggest celebration, Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will transport guests to a festive realm of bayou inspired fanfare featuring Cajun inspired culinary delights, a lively parade with new festive characters, multicoloured beads, an authentic brass band playing live and spirited entertainment offerings for the entire family.

Mardi Gras is included with daily park admission.

Real Music Series

January 17 – February 26 (weekly, Tuesdays-Sundays)

Busch Gardens’ longest running concert series returns with All-New acts! The Stanleyville Theater will host fantastic live performances including artistic renditions of some of the best-known classic rock, rhythm & blues, and pop bands.

Real Music Series is included with daily park admission.

Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends

January 27 – February 12; April 28 – May 21 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)

Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends at Busch Gardens is the place for kids and parents to join in on the fun in 2023.

Now including Fridays, families have an additional option to meet and greet their favourite furry friends at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area for story time, interactive dance parties, arts & crafts and much more. New limited-time festivities happen each weekend of the event, all included with park admission.

Food & Wine Festival

March 10 – May 21 (select dates)

Each weekend from March 10 through May 21, the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival offers delectable dishes to pair with wines, craft brews and cocktails. While indulging in the event’s vibrant culinary delights, guests will also enjoy some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

The event and all concerts are included with daily park admission.

Cinco de Mayo

May 5 – 7 (Friday – Sunday)

Guests can enjoy tasty Mexican cuisine, authentic music and festive entertainment while celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Busch Gardens. Included with daily park admission.

Viva la Música

May 5 – 21 (Friday, May 5; Saturdays and Sundays)

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay hosts a celebration of Hispanic music food and culture from May 5 – 21. Every Saturday and Sunday, plus Cinco de Mayo, guests can dance to live musical performances from award-winning Latin artists, authentic cuisine and more.

Viva la Música is included with daily park admission.

Summer Nights

May 26 – Aug. 6 (daily)

The thrills continue after dark at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay where summery fun mixes with Florida’s top thrilling attractions and a festive ambiance. The vibrancy of Summer Nights is powered by electrifying entertainment including new shows, an updated ice-skating show and more, available throughout the park from opening and extended way past sunset, with fireworks on select nights.

Summer Nights is included with daily park admission.

4th of July Celebration

June 30 – July 4 (Friday – Tuesday)

Celebrate the Independence of the United States at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The event features a synchronised fireworks spectacular set to an emotive soundtrack, entertainment and more.

Included with daily park admission.

Bier Fest

July 21 – Sept. 4 (Friday – Sunday plus Labor Day)

Bier Fest offers the ultimate jaw-dropping combo, a delectable blend of food and favourite craft beers from around the world as well as local favourites. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 28 through Sept. 4, and Labor Day.

Bier Fest is included with daily park admission.

Howl-O-Scream

Sept. 8 – Oct. 31 (select nights)

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is transformed into a nightmare of inescapable fear for Howl-O-Scream 2023. Spine-chilling scares and haunted houses, devious creatures lurking in every dark corner and pulse-pounding rides in the absence of daylight returns on select nights from Sept. 8 through Oct. 31.

Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event.

Busch Gardens Spooktacular

Sept. 8 – Oct. 31 (Fridays – Sundays plus October 30-31)

At Busch Gardens Spooktacular, guests will step into a whimsical world of enchantment full of not-so-spooky Halloween fun. This family-friendly event features a costume parade, story time and trick-or-treating.

Spooktacular is included with daily park admission.

Christmas Town

Nov. 13 – Jan. 7, 2024 (daily)

A celebration of Yuletide traditions, Christmas Town is the holiday winter wonderland for guests to enjoy millions of lights, heart-warming treats, festive entertainment and the perfect set for a family photo.

Christmas Town is included with daily park admission.