Busch Gardens Tampa Bay just announced their exciting lineup of events for 2023, offering guests never-ending fun and entertainment options including one-of-a-kind seasonal festivities, a world-class lineup of concerts and events included with park admission, and thrilling attractions such as the award-winning Iron Gwazi and the new Serengeti Flyer opening in Spring 2023.
Joining the event lineup announcement is the launch of the buy-one-get-one offer on the 2023 Fun Card. For a limited time, guests who take advantage of this offer pay for a Busch Gardens Fun Card and get an Adventure Island Fun Card for free. With guaranteed admission and an entire year of attractions and exciting events, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the absolute best place to visit time and time again throughout 2023.
Mardi Gras
Jan. 14 – March 5 (select dates)
Inspired by the vibrant colors and delectable flavors of New Orleans’ biggest celebration, Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will transport guests to a festive realm of bayou-inspired fanfare featuring Cajun inspired culinary delights, a lively parade with new festive characters, multicolored beads, an authentic brass band playing live and spirited entertainment offerings for the entire family. Mardi Gras is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Real Music Series
January 17 – February 26 (weekly; Tuesdays-Sundays)
Busch Gardens’ longest running concert series returns with All-New acts! The Stanleyville Theater will host fantastic live performances including artistic renditions of some of the best-known classic rock, rhythm & blues, and pop bands. Real Music Series is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
| Jan. 17 – 22 | New! – The Kings of Queen |
| Jan. 24 – 29 | New! – Face 2 Face, Elton & Billy |
| Jan. 31 – Feb. 5 | New! – Foreigners Journey |
| Feb. 7 – 12 | New! – Steve Michaels as Elvis |
| Feb. 14 – 19 | New! – Direct from Sweden the Music of ABBA |
| Feb. 21 – 26 | New! – The Purple Xperience |
Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends
Jan. 27 – Feb. 12; April 28 – May 21 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends at Busch Gardens is the place for kids and parents to join in on the fun. Now including Fridays, families have an additional option to meet and greet their favorite furry friends at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area for storytime, interactive dance parties, arts & crafts and much more. New limited-time festivities happen each weekend of the event, all included with park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Food & Wine Festival
March 10 – May 21 (select dates)
Each weekend from March 10 through May 21, the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival offers delectable dishes to pair with wines, craft brews and cocktails. While indulging in the event’s vibrant culinary delights, guests will also enjoy some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The event and all concerts are included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards. The lineup for 2023 includes:
| Mar. 11 | Kansas |
| Mar. 12 | Maddie & Tae |
| Mar. 18 | SWV |
| Mar. 19 | Dustin Lynch |
| Mar. 25 | Rodney Atkins |
| Mar. 26 | Flo Rida |
| Apr. 2 | MacKenzie Porter |
| Apr. 8 | +Live+ |
| Apr. 9 | The Fab Four (Beatles Tribute Band) |
| Apr. 15 | 38 Special |
| Apr. 29 | Hoobastank |
Musical performances on April 1, 16, 22-23 and 30 will be announced soon.
Cinco de Mayo
May 5 – 7 (Friday – Sunday)
Guests can enjoy tasty Mexican cuisine, authentic music and festive entertainment while celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Busch Gardens. Included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Viva la Música
May 5 – 21 (Friday, May 5; Saturdays and Sundays)
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay hosts a celebration of Hispanic music food and culture from May 5 – 21. Every Saturday and Sunday, plus Cinco de Mayo, guests can dance to live musical performances from award-winning Latin artists, authentic cuisine and more. Viva la Música is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards. The lineup for 2023 includes:
| May 5 | Ultimate Selena Experience – The Como La Flor Band |
| May 7 | El Gran Combo |
Musical performances on May 6, 13-14 and 20-21 will be announced soon.
Summer Nights
May 26 – Aug. 6 (daily)
The thrills continue after dark at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay where summery fun mixes with Florida’s top thrilling attractions and a festive ambiance. The vibrancy of Summer Nights is powered by electrifying entertainment including new shows, an updated ice-skating show and more, available throughout the park from opening and extended way past sunset. Fireworks will be available on select nights. Summer Nights is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
4th of July Celebration
June 30 – July 4 (Friday – Tuesday)
Celebrate the Independence of the United States at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The event features a synchronized fireworks spectacular set to an emotive soundtrack, entertainment and more. Included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Bier Fest
July 21 – Sept. 4 (Friday – Sunday plus Labor Day)
Bier Fest offers the ultimate jaw-dropping combo, a delectable blend of food and favorite craft beers from around the world as well as local favorites. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 28 through Sept. 4, and Labor Day. Bier Fest is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Howl-O-Scream
Sept. 8 – Oct. 31 (select nights)
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is transformed into a nightmare of inescapable fear for Howl-O-Scream 2023. Spine-chilling scares and haunted houses, devious creatures lurking in every dark corner and pulse-pounding rides in the absence of daylight returns on select nights from Sept. 8 through Oct. 31. Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event.
Spooktacular
Sept. 8 – Oct. 31 (Fridays – Sundays plus October 30-31)
At Busch Gardens Spooktacular, guests will step into a whimsical world of enchantment full of not-so-spooky Halloween fun. This family-friendly event features a costume parade, story time and trick-or-treating. Spooktacular is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Christmas Town
Nov. 13 – Jan. 7, 2024 (daily)
A celebration of Yuletide traditions, Christmas Town is the holiday winter wonderland for guests to enjoy millions of lights, heart-warming treats, festive entertainment and the perfect set for a family photo. Christmas Town is included with daily park admission, Annual Pass or Fun Cards.
Pay for a Day, Play and Splash All Year
For a limited time, for the price of a single day admission ticket to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, guests can secure their 2023 Fun Card guaranteeing year-round access to a stellar event lineup, award-winning rollercoasters like Iron Gwazi, thrilling attractions such as Serengeti Flyer, and endless waterpark fun under the sun at Adventure Island. Right now, guests can purchase a Busch Gardens Fun Card at BuschGardensTampa.com and receive an Adventure Island Water Park Fun Card for FREE.
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Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter @iamcg83