Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Events, Refurbishments & Closures July 2023

Check out all the latest news from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, including special events, ride closures and more.

Welcome to another month of special events, closures and refurbishments at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

We know it can be difficult to keep up to date with what's happening at the theme parks, and that's why we produce this monthly update, so you can enjoy all that's new and happening, together with helping you avoid any disappointment when you arrive at the parks and your favorite ride is closed for refurbishment!

In July, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is alive with the limited time Summer Nights, featuring shows, firework, free beer and more!

Read on for all the details.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Summer Nights

Now - August 6, 2023

Great News! Summer Nights is back at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for 2023.

As the sun goes down, the party heats up with extended park hours every night, themed party zones throughout the park, electrifying entertainment, and fireworks on select days during Summer Nights including special 4th of July Fireworks!

Summer Nights Highlights

Cirque Electric

Back by popular demand, this revamped acrobatic show brings all-new music to the Stanleyville Theater for the summer! Witness the extraordinary talent of cirque-style performers undertaking edge-of-your-seat feats alongside an electric ensemble of dancers.

Gwazi Beats

You won’t want to miss this atmospheric show returning for summer! With a combination of drums, dancers, and stilt walkers, this pulse-pounding display of music and dance will leave you wanting more.

Icons

New for 2023, step into the world of musical icons with a new review show at Dragon Fire Grill. Featuring live performances of fan-favorite hits inspired by musical legends, this show will have guests singing and dancing in their seat. Icons starts June 11th.

Turn It Up! Remix

This popular award-winning ice show returns to the Moroccan Palace Theater with beloved original and all-new routines. Talented skaters, stunning video and projection elements demonstrate the power and beauty of living life to the fullest.

Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular

As the sun goes down, the park lights up with a dazzling display of colors and sound.

From jaw-dropping colors to intricate patterns, the Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular, presented by Bad Boy Mowers, will leave guests in awe.

With the perfect music to accompany the show, it's an unforgettable experience that will make it a summer night to remember.

Don't miss this dazzling show every Friday and Saturday plus Memorial Day Weekend & July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th on the Festival Field.

Free Beer

Now - July 20, 2023

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is celebrating all things summer with the return of FREE BEER!

From now through July 20, all park guests over the age of 21 can enjoy one complimentary 7 oz beer.

Plus, Annual Pass Members over the age of 21 can enjoy TWO complimentary 7 oz beers.

The 7-ounce pours will be available at the park daily from 10:30 am until one hour before park close at Twisted Tails Pretzels in the Pantopia section of the park.

Proof of park admission is required to redeem.

The free sample pairs perfectly with Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Elmo Sandcastle Popcorn Bucket

The Elmo Sandcastle Popcorn Bucket is now available at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for a limited time with free popcorn refills on the date of purchase. So, let's get to snacking!

Available at Zagora Market, Serpent Snacks, Snack n’ Geti, and more!

New Eats & Treats

NEW delicious food offerings just in time for summer!

Beat the heat with a refreshing Pineapple Whip, now available at SheiKra Eats!

Kick things up a notch with Hot Honey Chicken and Funnel Cake, also now available at SheiKra Eats!

Treat your taste buds to 4 NEW FLAVORS of cheesecake like Chocolate Chip located at Oasis Pizza, Caramel located at Zagora Café, Smores located at Smokehouse, and Pineapple Coconut located at Dragon Fire Grill!

Passport To Summer

Now - August 6, 2023

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is rewarding Pass Members simply for visiting the park this summer, and the more you visit the park the more free perks you will receive, it's a win-win for sure!!

Pass Members who visit the theme park between 2 and 20 times between now and August 6, qualify for various parks including free drinks and popcorn, free animal encounters, and a free all-day dining pass, all for visiting the theme park multiple times over the summer, and as soon as you collect enough vouchers, you can redeem then for a free perk!

At the park use the self-service kiosks where pass members can log in and receive a Passport visitation voucher. Once enough vouchers are collected, they can be redeemed for a reward.

The top reward for 20 visits is an invitation to the parks exclusive Passport to Summer Party on August 18 from 8 - 10 pm, which will feature exclusive ride time on Serengeti Flyer, Iron Gwazi, Gwazi Flyers, Cheetah Hunt, Cobra’s Curse, and Montu—plus free popcorn, soda, and more!

Passport to Summer Rewards

2 Visits - FREE Fountain Soda & Bag of Popcorn

5 Visits - One-time RESERVED SEATING at Cirque Electric or Turn it up! Remix

8 Visits - One FREE Animal Encounter / Animal Tour

(select from Lory Landing Feeding, Aldabra Tortoise Insider Tour, Animal Ambassador Insider Tour, Animal Care Center Behind the Scenes Tour)

15 Visits - One FREE All-Day Dining

20 Visits - Invitation to Passport to Summer Party

Adventure Island Water Park

With temperatures sizzling in July its the perfect time to cool off in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's awesome water park Adventure Island!

Adventure Island Nights

Now - July 7, 2023

This summer, Guests can dive into an all-new wave of summertime family fun at Adventure Island Nights Refreshed by Coca-Cola!

As the sun sets on a thrilling day of fun at Adventure Island, its only the beginning, as the fun heats up as Tampa’s island paradise transforms into an enchanting experience that combines the thrill of water park attractions with the vibrant spirit of an island getaway.

Friday nights, now through July 7, guests can enjoy extended park hours, exciting entertainment offerings and a family-friendly dance party. Plus, families can enjoy the all-new Shaka-Laka Shores, an interactive splash and play zone which debuted earlier this year.

This event includes extended park hours, exciting entertainment, and a family-friendly dance party.

Experience Island Nights on June 9, 16, 23, 30 & July 7 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Sand Serpent Permanently Closing

wBusch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced that after 19 years, Sand Serpent will be permanently closing at the park on July 9 to make way for a new attractions.

July 9 is the last day ever that you will be able to enjoy the curves, drops, and corkscrews of the wild-mouse style family roller coaster SandSerpent at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

SandSerpent is a fun-filled family coaster that zips, zooms and climbs five stories into the air, and Buch Gardens are inviting everyone to ride one last time before the ride is closed forever.

Plus, Pass Members will also receive exclusive early morning access to ride SandSerpent from June 30 through July 4.

Ride & Attraction Schedule Updates

The following areas and attractions are temporarily closed:

Skyride

Tigris

Falcon's Fury

Upcoming closures for scheduled maintenance No scheduled maintenance for July

Serengeti Flyer

Don't miss Serengeti Flyer this July! Earlier this year Busch Gardens Tampa introduced a swinging new attraction for 2023, Serengeti Flyer which is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, a screamin’ swing.

With each swing, riders soar higher and higher above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain while experiencing multiple negative-G moments before plunging back toward the Earth.

Serengeti Flyer features twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher reaching speeds of 68 mph and a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak.

Plus, now you can choose your Serengeti Flyer adventure? That's right, customize your ride-time to be milder or wilder! From park-open until 1 pm, go "mild" and see the breathtaking views of the Serengeti Plain WITHOUT the full height or speed of the ride, OR, go "wild" from 1.15 pm - Park Close while experiencing the max height and speed that Serengeti Flyer has to offer!

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