Plan with Busch Gardens Tampa Special Events Calendar 2023

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced their lineup of events for 2023, and there is no shortage of fun to be had this year. From Mardi Gras celebrations to concerts with award-winning artists, food & wine festivals, summer celebrations, holiday cheer and much more. Plus, the award-winning Iron Gwazi and new Serengeti Flyer will be opening in Spring 2023. Let’s take a look at what’s happening at Busch Gardens this year:

Mardi Gras
January 14 – March 5 (select dates)

The fun kicks off with a vibrant Mardi Gras celebration January 14. Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will transport guests to Bourbon street and beyond with Cajun inspired culinary delights, a lively parade with new festive characters, colorful beads, an authentic brass band and much more.

Real Music Series
January 17 – February 26 (weekly; Tuesdays-Sundays)

In between the bayou bash, Busch Gardens will kick off its annual Real Music Series. The park’s longest running concert series returns with All-New acts taking over The Stanleyville Theater. Live performances include artistic renditions of some of the best-known classic rock, rhythm & blues, and pop bands. Here is the lineup for the Real Music Series:

Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends
Jan. 27 – Feb. 12; April 28 – May 21 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)

Kids can enjoy some excitement this January when Busch Gardens Tampa ushers in Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends this January. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday families can meet and greet their favorite Sesame Street friends at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area for storytime, interactive dance parties, arts & crafts and much more.

Food & Wine Festival
March 10 – May 21 (select dates)

As spring rolls in, Busch Gardens will welcome back its annual Food & Wine Festival. Each weekend from March 10 through May 21, guests can enjoy delectable dishes to pair with wines, craft brews and cocktails. Guests will be able to pair their culinary adventures with an incredible musical lineup of some of the biggest artists of yesterday and today including:                      

Musical performances on April 1, 16, 22-23 and 30 will be announced soon.

Cinco de Mayo
May 5 – 7 (Friday - Sunday)

Get festive this Cinco de Mayo with Mexican cuisine, authentic music and entertainment during Busch Gardens’ Cinco de Mayo celebration.

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

Tagging in to Cinco de Mayo and running through May is Viva la Musica, Busch Gardens Tampa’s celebration of Hispanic music, food and culture. Every Saturday and Sunday guests can enjoy live musical performances from award-winning Latin artists, authentic cuisine and more. The lineup for 2023 includes:

Musical performances on May 6, 13-14 and 20-21 will be announced soon.

Summer Nights
May 26 – Aug. 6 (daily)

If you thought Busch Gardens was thrilling during the day, wait until you experience it at night during the vibrant Summer Nights event. The fun of summer mixes with Florida’s thrilling attractions as well as new shows, entertainment, an updated ice-skating show and more. Not to mention fireworks will be available on select nights.

4th of July Celebration
June 30 – July 4 (Friday - Tuesday)

Celebrate the 4th of July with a synchronized fireworks spectacular set to an explosive soundtrack. Busch Gardens’s Independence Day celebration will also include plenty of other entertainment for a fun-filled family event you won’t want to miss.

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

Just as summer wraps up, Busch Gardens will offer guests one final bash with its annual Bier Fest. The perfect way to end the season, Bier Fest combines favorite craft beers from around the world as well as local favorites with some tasty eats. The event runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 28 through Sept. 4, and Labor Day.

Howl-O-Scream
Sept. 8 – Oct. 31 (select nights)

The terrifying Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream will return to Busch Gardens in 2023. The spine-chilling event includes haunted houses, creatures lurking in the dark and Busch Gardens’ usual thrill rides except this time in the dark. It’s sure to make you scream for mercy. Howl-O-Scream runs on select nights from Sept. 8 through Oct. 31.

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

If you’re looking for a Halloween event for the kiddos Busch Gardens Tampa will welcome Spooktacular September 8 - October 31. Guests will be able to enjoy not-so-spooky Halloween fun including a costume parade, story time and trick-or-treating.

Christmas Town
Nov. 13 – Jan. 7, 2024 (daily)

Experience Yuletide traditions during Christmas Town. Step into a winter wonderland beginning November 13 and enjoy millions of lights, tasty treats, festive entertainment and much more. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to Christmas Town.