Mardi Gras 2023 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Complete Guide

Mardi Gars returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on select dates from January 14 through until March 5 - Let the good time roll!

Get jazzed up with Mardi Gras-style live music and New Orleans-inspired entertainment. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from January 14 though March 5, 2023 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Mardi Gras.

Catch some festival beads from strolling performers throughout the day, and get caught up in the fun as you dance through the park as Busch Gardens brings the “Big Easy” to Tampa Bay.

Busch Gardens have revealed all the details for this years event, so read on for all the exciting happenings, and let the good times roll!

Mardi Gras Parade

The Bird Gardens come to life as entertainers, stilt walkers and musicians bring the Mardi Gras spirit to Tampa Bay during this lively parade.

Bead Balcony

What's Mardi Gras without beads? Stop by the "Bead Balcony" for an opportunity to catch beads and celebrate the event.

Select times during event hours. Limited quantity of beads available.

Brass Band

Enjoy Bourbon Street beats and jazz classics as the Brass Band gets the party started in the Bird Gardens.

Mouthwatering Cajun Food & Cocktails

Tempt your taste buds with New Mardi Gras-inspired offerings like Crawfish etouffee, andouille sausage po’ boy sandwiches and a must have sweet treat at any Mardi Gras celebration - beignets!

Plus, get a taste of Bourbon Street with handcrafted cocktails such as Hurricanes, a signature "Throw Me Some Beads" Punch, and more.

Indulge in all your favorite Mardi Gras treats and Cajun eats with a 5, 10 or Pass Member Exclusive 12-item Food & Beverage Sampler Lanyard.

Food & beverage event locations are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting at 12:00 p.m.

1. Xcursions

NEW!

Big Easy Rum Bundt Cake

Mardi Gras Signature Cupcakes Lemon & Lime Krewe Cupcake

Brace Yourself Hurricane Cupcake

Chocolate Flambeaux Cupcake

Let The Good Times Roll Cupcake

One jumbo signature cupcake or a bundt cake per Food & Beverage Sampler punch

2. French Quarter Pop Up

Jewelry, artisan crafts and souvenirs Make your trip to Mardi Gras memorable with a souvenir.

3. Whiskey Tastings

Bubba’s Secret Stills Marshmallow Chocolate Whiskey

Bubba’s Secret Stills Burnt Sugar Whiskey

Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Ammunition Straight Rye Whiskey

One single pour per Food & Beverage Sampler punch.

Try them all with our tasting flight. (not included with Food & Beverage Sampler)

4. Sweet Treats

NEW!

King Cake Donut

Beignets

5. Hurricanes

Hurricane Silver & Gold Rum, Passionfruit, Margarita Mix

NEW!

"Throw Me Some Beads" Punch Blanco Tequila, Pineapple Rum, Melon, Margarita Mix

Spiced Rum Sangria Red Wine and Spiced Rum

Mardi Gras Bock by Abita Brewing

King Cake Ale by Mudbug Brewing

6. Esplanade Street Bites

NEW!

Andouille Sausage Po' Boy French baguette, with andouille sausage, spicy remoulade and shredded lettuce.

NEW!

Crawfish Etouffee A thick stew served over rice with crawfish and Creole seasonings

NEW!

Dirty Rice & Beans Dirty rice is a traditional Louisiana Creole dish made from white rice which gets “dirty” color from being cooked with small pieces of beef, green bell pepper, celery and onion, then spiced with cayenne and black pepper.

7. Jackson Square

Gumbo Hearty stew of roux with andouille sausage and chicken.

NEW! Shrimp Creole Delicious shrimp, tomatoes and the holy trinity of onion , bell pepper, and celery---and there’s a peppery kick.

Jambalaya Cajun/Creole rice dish with onion, celery , and bell peppers sauteed with andouille sausage.

8. NOLA Creamery

Mardi Gras Parfait

Mini “Mardi” Bundt Cake with ice cream

9. Springs Taproom

Muffuletta With salami, capicola, mortadella, mozzarella cheese, provolone, Creole olive salad

House-made Voodoo Chips A blend of sweet & spicy, with Cajun flair and a hint of smoky BBQ sweetness

Sazerac

Pimm’s Cup

Mardi Gras Bock

by Abita Brewing

King Cake Ale by Mudbug Brewing

MARDI GRAS 5-ITEM FOOD & BEVERAGE SAMPLER

Enjoy 5 samples of culinary delights featuring savory treats, festive sweets and beverages.

Includes 5 samples of food or beverages throughout the Mardi Gras Festival area.

$40 Valid Select Dates January 14 - March 5, 2023.

MARDI GRAS 10-ITEM FOOD & BEVERAGE SAMPLER

Enjoy 10 samples of culinary delights featuring savory treats, festive sweets and beverages.

Includes 10 samples of food or beverages throughout the Mardi Gras Festival area.

$60 Valid Select Dates January 14 - March 5, 2023.