What's New at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for Summer 2026
- Shane Walton
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
Get ready for a fun-filled summer of fun at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with vibrant events, festivals, and more!
Tampa Bay's beautiful climate may have us feeling like it's summer 12 months a year, there’s something about the summer months that just hit different. From water park days and poolside bars to outdoor movie nights, alfresco dining and weekend getaways, there is so much fun to enjoy throughout the summer.
Plus, this summer, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is getting ready to welcome guests with a brand new experience and the return of its annual summer-time festiva where you enjoy extended hours, non-stop dazzling entertainment and special summer eats & treats!
Over at Adventure island, you can light up your summer nights at AquaGlow, a family friendly nighttime event that transforms Adventure Island into a dazzling neon paradise!
So, are you ready to find out everything that's new and coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in summer 2026? Read on for all the exciting details!
Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
As the sun goes down, the party heats up at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during Summer Nights! Enjoy world-class coasters, electrifying entertainment and so much more during extended summer hours from May 22, 2026 through August 9, 2026.
Cool off during the day with our dynamic ice show, Rhythm of Nature, as well as the iconic indoor performance, Icons.
Stick around for nightly excitement at the Boom Box Dance Party in Stanleyville, and rock out with Beach Bash in Gwazi Plaza. Capture the moment with fun summer photo ops and savor delicious seasonal bites all night long. Best of all, this entire event is included with park admission!
Lion & Hyena Ridge at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is roaring into summer with the ALL-NEW Lion & Hyena Ridge, an extraordinary new addition to the park’s award-winning animal care portfolio and the most ambitious new habitat in more than a decade.
This reimagined area of the park expected to open late summer, expands the existing space to more than double its previous size, creating nearly 35,000 square feet of dynamic savanna terrain where two of Africa’s most iconic species will thrive - a pride of five young male lions and a pair of playful hyenas.
Free Beer is Back
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is celebrating all things summer with the return of FREE BEER! Starting May 22, only for a limited time, Free Beer is back, guests ages 21+ can enjoy one complimentary 7 oz. ice-cold draft beer per day.
Busch Gardens Pass Members ages 21+ can enjoy two complimentary 7 oz. beers per day.
Free Beer is only available at Overlook Taproom on the 2nd floor of the Serengeti Overlook Restaurant, near Giraffe Bar.
Seasonal Events at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
The 2026 calendar at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is packed with a huge lineup of world-class festivities and entertainment, featuring heart-pounding attractions, up-close encounters with animals, live shows, and immersive experiences, and in addition to the fun of Summer Nights, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is celebrating summer with even more special events!
Giraffe Celebration Weekend at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Join Busch Gardens Tampa Bay i on the majestic Serengeti Plain on Saturday June 20, and Sunday 21, for a weekend bursting with giraffe-inspired delights that promise fun for all ages.
Bier Fest Brews & BBQ at at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
From July 24 - August 30, 2026, sip and savor seasonal brew offerings and new beer-inspired recipes at Bier Fest Brews & BBQ.
Kandy's Sweetacular Celebration at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Spooky season kicks off early for the kids at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! Kicking off September 5 through until November 1, 2026, families can celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating and more during Busch Gardens' Halloween Spooktacular event.
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, halloween kicks off in summer! From September 4 - November 1, 2026, Tampa’s premier Halloween event returns earlier than ever with new frights & scares.
This is a separately ticketed event.
May 22 - August 8, Select Dates
Get ready to light up your summer nights at AquaGlow, a family friendly nighttime event that transforms Adventure Island into a dazzling neon paradise! Experience an electric atmosphere filled with vibrant lights, pulsing music, and immersive surprises around every corner. From glowing entertainment to high-energy vibes, it's the ultimate way to celebrate summer after dark. With limited capacity, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed, exclusive experience with plenty of room to glow, dance, and make memories with friends and family. Mark your calendars you don’t want to miss out on the hottest event of the summer! This is a ticketed after-hours event.
June 20
Spend time with your favorite DJ’s from Rumba 95.7 & 102.9 and enjoy this traditional celebration with your whole family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate your heritage and lock in a year full of good luck.
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