The sixth annual Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is back and better than ever, running from February 29th through April 26th in 2020. Every weekend you can enjoy new food and drinks, specialty tastings, live entertainment and free concerts every Saturday and Sunday evening. In this run-down, we've got everything you need to prepare for this must-see event, including what's new to taste this year and the complete concert schedule.

New Dishes, Drinks and Cabins
It wouldn't be the Food & Wine Festival without the food! With over 25 new items and many returning favorites from over a dozen food cabins there's a lot to be excited for. Plus, there are more than 80 fine wines, craft brews and specialty cocktails to choose from throughout the festival, so the pairings are endless. New cocktails named after your favorite thrill rides are available this year like Falcon's Fury Lemon Drop, Tigris Tea and Iron Gwazi Gimlet.

For some new dishes to sink your teeth into The Butchery is serving up a Hand Carved Espresso-Rubbed Beef Tenderloin served over white truffle mash, and Achiote-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with a sweet plantain mash and chimichurri. Both dishes go perfect with the Artisan Fries cooked in Duck Fat with a drizzle of Parmesan white truffle aioli.

For a fresh choice there's a brand new Avocado Toast from Seasonally Inspired, topped with red radishes, green onions and marinated tomatoes. Speaking of Avocado, there's also the new Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocado available at West Coast Catch. It's an avocado filled with seasoned shrimp, red onions, celery, peppers and a cilantro-lime aioli. What'll they think of next?

The Hog Heaven cabin is new this year, serving up pork dishes like Kung Pao Ribs tossed in sticky Kung Pao sauce. Bacon lovers rejoice with the Charred Brussels Sprouts with a warm bacon vinaigrette and the "Boujee" Applewood Smoked Bacon brushed with a maple season blend. Even the dessert features bacon when you order the Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll with crispy and sweet crumbled bacon and topped with maple cream.

Head to the coast with foods at the new Wave Shack booth, serving up Shrimp Bacon Fritters, Fried Clams and a Key Lime Pie Waffle Cone. This year's all-new Chef's Corner offers a Pork Belly Taco, Arroz con Pollo and a can't-miss Pork Tenderloin with Champagne Watercress Sauce. The Cantina has Tostadas, Tamales and more, and the Garden Gate Café has freshly prepared flatbreads and a colorful Caprese Salad.

Save room for dessert because the Sweet Sips cabin has two all-new treats: The southern style Hummingbird Cupcake and Italian style Handmade Cannoli. Plus, don't miss returning classic desserts like the decadent Bananas Foster Cheesecake from Nola Eats and the fan-favorite Griddled Cheesecake Handheld at Heartland. With so many dishes to choose from, you may need to come back again tomorrow to try them all!

Live Entertainment and Free Concerts
Jam out to live performances by local bands while sampling your way around the event, marvel at the talented living topiaries and living fountain in the festival area and watch as larger-than-life murals are created every week. Then grab your seat for the headlining concerts happening every weekend. Starting at 7:00 PM on Saturday and 6:00 PM on Sunday, these free shows feature some of the biggest names in music! See the full concert schedule below.

Concert Schedule 2020
February 29: Collective Soul
March 1: The Commodores
March 7: Chase Bryant & Danielle Bradbery
March 8: Rachel Platten
March 14: Ezra Ray Hart
March 15: THREE DOG NIGHT
March 21: LOCASH
March 22: Fitz & The Tantrums
March 28: Home Free
March 29: Taking Back Sunday
April 4: Third Eye Blind
April 5: KC & The Sunshine Band
April 11: 38 Special
April 12: Micah Tyler & Austin French
April 18: Lee Brice
April 19: Clint Black
April 25: El Gran Combo
April 26: Toad the Wet Sprocket & The Verve Pipe

More Fun and Special Offers
If you're looking to take your Food & Wine adventure to the next level, there are Specialty Tastings where you can sample hand-picked bourbons, tequilas and gins at the “Pick a Barrel” events. Enjoy unique shopping opportunities during the event including artisan festival booths, oyster pearl hunting and select bottles of fine wine for sale. Plus, you can experience the event like a pro with a Food, Wine & Brew Sampler lanyard and VIP seating for the best views of your favorite artists.

Don't miss the event that keeps getting better year after year. The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival happens every weekend from February 29th to April 26th. Concerts and entertainment offerings are included in general theme park admission. Be sure to purchase your tickets to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay here for the best deals around.